Animal Welfare a Priority with Our First Fauna Bridge

Along with 37 new road bridges, nine new interchanges and more than 150 kilometres of road safety barriers, NorthLink WA features the state’s first dedicated fauna bridge. Whilst we have many animal underpasses throughout the State this is a first for us.

Contractor Great Northern Connect, a joint venture between BGC Contracting and Laing O’Rourke, has built the bridge as part of the NorthLink WA central section.

There are 12 fauna underpasses along Western Australia’s newest stretch of freeway, but the jewel in the crown is our first ever fully vegetated fauna bridge.

Located north of Ellenbrook, the bridge will connect bushland known to house abundant wildlife. At 12 metres wide, it will provide a natural route that encourages and allows animals of all kinds to cross the freeway safely.

During the design phase, the contractor indicated a preference to keep the profile of Tonkin Highway as low as possible to reduce noise and visual intrusion for residents of Ellenbrook.

Because of this low profile, a fauna overpass was a more viable option at this location, with better environmental outcomes than fauna underpasses used elsewhere on the project.

With construction now complete, the fauna bridge will be densely landscaped to mimic the natural environment by using trees, bushes, shrubs and ground covers native to the area.

Natural barriers such as heavy logs will be placed at each entrance to discourage unauthorised human access. Mounding and rockeries are built into the design providing habitat and cover for crossing animals.

The bridge will be closely monitored and maintained, ensuring continued habitat connectivity for the long-term sustainability of our treasured wildlife.