A pair of cable-stayed pedestrian and cycle bridges either side of Heirisson Island in the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia, were officially opened on 22 December.
Three of Boorloo Bridge’s pylons are inspired by wannas, or digging sticks. They commemorate a woman named Balbuk who maintained her rights to Country by using her digging stick to protest development.
The fourth pylon represents a boomerang, to recall Yagan, a warrior who resisted colonisation.
The contract for the bridge was awarded to a consortium made up of Civmec Construction & Engineering, Seymour Whyte Constructions and WSP Australia (link opens in new tab). The design was by ipv Delft, and Dissing + Weitling.
The two bridges were intended to completely separate path users from traffic and lie 90m downsteam from a major road bridge known as the Causeway. The area around the bridges has seen major landscaping to incorporate artworks and new seating and rest areas.
Main Roads Western Australia marked the opening with a free family-friendly event, including a light show, food trucks and a free sausage sizzle, as well as a visit from Santa.
