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Boorloo Bridge represents a major investment in Perth’s transport infrastructure and urban landscape. The striking pair of cable stay bridges span one kilometre across the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) and connect the Victoria Park foreshore with Heirisson Island and Perth’s CBD at Point Fraser. Beyond improving connectivity, the bridge is envisioned as a landmark that enhances active travel, community life, local business activity and tourism appeal.
To understand the full impact of this new infrastructure, a research team from the University of Western Australia (UWA) Business School, in partnership with the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI), is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation project.
The study brings together three major surveys:
These primary data collection exercises will be combined with video analytics, loop counts and behavioural mapping to build a well-rounded picture, both quantitative and qualitative, of how movement patterns, behaviours and activities have evolved since the bridge opened in December 2024.
Understanding these impacts is essential for benchmarking the value of infrastructure investments and ensuring that future projects continue to deliver meaningful social, economic and environmental benefits to Perth and its communities.
The research team includes academics from the UWA Business School (Doina Olaru, Brett Smith, Tristan Reed, Ronnie Das, Miguel Loyola and Sharon Biermann), as well as over 20 specially trained research assistants, led by Abirami Byju.
This project has received approval from the UWA Human Research Ethics Committee (2025/ET000436).
Three surveys are being undertaken by the research team: the intercept survey, the household survey and the business survey.
We’re inviting everyone who uses the Boorloo Bridge, whether you’re walking, bike riding, running, using a scooter or other personal mobility device, either commuting or just exploring – to share your experience and help shape the future of this iconic part of Perth.
From 22 September to 26 October 2025, trained researchers from the UWA Business School were on site, stopping and speaking with residents, visitors and tourists to gather feedback on how the new bridge is being used and what it means for the community.
Insights will help us understand how the bridge influences travel behaviour, local activity, social connections and the visitor experience, essential knowledge for measuring the value of major infrastructure investments.
Look out for our survey team on your next trip across the bridge – your views will make a real difference!
For more information, please feel free to contact the research team by email: boorloobridge-business@uwa.edu.au.
We want to hear from you!
Our UWA Business School research team, in partnership with the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, is conducting an important study on how people use and experience the Boorloo Bridge – the two striking cable bridges connecting the East Perth and Victoria Park foreshores across Heirisson Island.
This is your opportunity to share your thoughts about walking, wheeling and riding across the bridge and exploring the surrounding area. We’re also interested in your views on how the bridge influences the social, economic and environmental life of our community.
🗓️ Survey open until 7 November 2025.
📬 Keep an eye on your mailbox – you’ll receive a postcard with a unique link and QR code to access the online survey quickly and easily.
Your feedback will help shape future planning and ensure the Boorloo Bridge continues to serve the community in the best possible way. Whether or not you’ve had the chance to visit the bridge, your perspective is valuable to us.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the research team by email: boorloobridge-business@uwa.edu.au.
Businesses: Have your say on the impact of Boorloo Bridge!
We’re inviting local businesses – including those in hospitality, retail, services and community sectors – to share their insights as part of a major research project led by UWA Business School researchers.
The project, delivered in partnership with the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI), investigates how the new Boorloo Bridge, two cable bridges linking East Perth and Victoria Park across Heirisson Island, is influencing active travel, local activity and the economic, social and environmental fabric of the surrounding area.
Your perspective matters. By taking part, you’ll help us understand how changes in movements and behaviour associated with the bridge have impacted your operations, customers and the broader community.
A trained field researcher will visit your business to conduct a short 10-minute survey – quick, easy and valuable for shaping future planning and decision-making.
Together, we can ensure Boorloo Bridge continues to benefit both the community and local businesses.
For more information, please feel free to contact the research team by email: boorloobridge-business@uwa.edu.au.
Tel: +61 8 6488 3385 The University of Western Australia (UWA), 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
© Planning and Transport Research Centre (PATREC)
