It’s the end of an era for Bayswater as the world-famous Bayswater Bridge is set to be demolished in April.
The historic bridge, which is known for its 3.8m low clearance and frequently claiming vehicles that didn’t quite fit, is being removed. The demolition is part of a 26-day shutdown of the Midland and Airport lines, beginning on March 31 and running until April 26.
The shutdown is necessary to carry out round-the-clock works to build the new Bayswater Station, realign the Midland Line, facilitate the connection of the new Morley-Ellenbrook Line and complete construction of the Leake Street underpass.
The demolition of the bridge will also allow for the installation of approximately 1.8km of new track and other rail systems, allowing the Midland and Airport Lines to begin running on the new and higher Bayswater rail bridge from April 26.
Transperth will be providing detailed information in the coming weeks to ensure customers are aware of the alternative options available during the 26-day shutdown.
The new station is expected to be completed in September and while it is closed, a shuttle service will operate between Bayswater and the nearby Meltham Station, so Bayswater passengers can continue to access the Midland and Airport lines.
To show its appreciation for the inconvenience caused, the Public Transport Authority will be providing three months of free travel for existing, regular passengers who use a SmartRider to travel on train services to/from Bayswater Station.
As a testament to the bridge’s infamy, the demolition will be marked with a free celebratory community event on Sunday 30 April, which will feature entertainment, food stalls and bridge memorabilia.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “This 26-day closure of the Midland and Airport lines marks the end of the old Bayswater Bridge and creates space for work to start on the second half of the new Bayswater Station.
“Replacement services will lessen impacts to commuters while these essential works take place, and we’ve targeted the school holiday period to try and minimise disruption.
“We recognise the inconvenience this will cause and will be putting in place a shuttle service to get Bayswater passengers to the nearby Meltham Station, as well as offering regular Bayswater Station passengers free travel.”
The upcoming demolition of the Bayswater Bridge and the construction of the new Bayswater Station is the culmination of years of planning and hard work by the Transport Authority in order to provide a better service for commuters.
The new station and bridge will be a great asset to the Bayswater community, and the free community event on April 30 will be a fitting farewell to the old bridge and a chance for the community to celebrate the beginning of this new era.
