Monday, February 23, 2026
Fremantle Traffic Bridgee Closure Freight Industry Group – Two Week Operational Review
The Fremantle Bridge Closure Freight Industry Group met on Tuesday 16 February to review the first two weeks of operations following the closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge.
The meeting was attended by 32 representatives from across the landside container logistics sector, including transport operators, stevedores, rail operators and empty container parks.
The Industry Group continues to be chaired by John Park, FTA.
General feedback from industry participants was that lower and steady freight volumes have enabled, in most cases, a "business as usual" transition to single bridge access to and from North Quay.
Advice from Main Roads WA indicated that aggregated traffic volumes across the Stirling Bridge, when compared to the combined previous volumes of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge and Stirling Bridge, were approximately 13% below expected levels.
However, some congestion has been observed in afternoon peak period.
Steady vessel volumes
No noticeable change in VBS bookings from January into February
Continued "business as usual" operations
Some shift by transport operators toward off-peak bookings
Anticipated lower volumes into late February (Lunar New Year impact), with volumes expected to lift again in March
A modest increase in import bookings, including some new customers
Three additional services to Forrestfield and one to Kenwick following larger vessel exchanges
Continued commitment to remove all rail-tagged import containers from the wharf within the free period
Rail continues to achieve 25–27% mode share, with grain export volumes remaining solid.
Notably, freight rail services cannot operate between 4:00pm and 6:00pm due to passenger rail priority.
ECP operators reported no noticeable change in booking patterns. Operational timing adjustments have been made with some customers. Overall activity remains business as usual.
Transport operators reported:
Steady freight volumes
Improved traffic flow through Tydeman Road onto Stirling Highway
No significant increase in transit times from Port Beach Road to the High Road roundabout
Minor weekend delays (5–15 minutes)
Noticeable slowing between 4:00pm and 6:00pm
Proactive collaboration with customers to shift deliveries to off-peak periods
The consensus of the group is that the first two weeks have progressed better than expected. Current conditions are likely to continue through February and possibly into early March.
However, John Park, Chair, emphasised the importance of ongoing industry vigilance.
"Transport operators, Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders must maintain close liaison with importers and exporters to ensure contingency plans are in place should delays increase. Industry participants are encouraged to refer to the operational guide issued to support the transition."
While the Department of Transport has not introduced restrictions on laden container vehicles during peak periods, it has previously advised that such measures remain an option should congestion escalate.
A proposal for HPFV approval, being finalised by Neil Chambers (CTAA), will be discussed with transport operators on Wednesday 25 February.
The Industry Group continues to maintain liaison with Ministerial advisers.
Key messages:
3rd February 2026 - Fremantle Traffic Bridge Update - No. 23rd February 2026 - Fremantle Traffic Bridge Update - No. 12nd February 2026 - Freight Industry Collaboration Helps Mitigate Fremantle Traffic Bridge Disruptions15th January 2026 - ABC Country Hour - Industry calling for use of HPFVs during Fremantle Bridge closure15th January 2026 - Industry Guide Fremantle Traffic Bridge Closure8th January 2026 - Fremantle Traffic Bridge Update - Government Position and Forum Recap8th January 2026 - Freight Industry Unites Ahead of Fremantle Traffic Bridge Closure