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Notorious Bayswater Bridge to be replaced as part of Metronet project

The new bridge is taking shape with two large beams installed last week. (ABC News: David Weber)

A Perth bridge that has developed a "cult following" after causing multiple truck crashes is set to be replaced by the end of the year.

The WA government is now asking for suggestions on how to farewell the 3.8-metre-high Bayswater bridge, which has caught many unsuspecting truck drivers off guard over the years. 

The 100-year-old bridge, in Perth's eastern suburbs, has its own social media accounts and is the focus of a blog keeping track of every crash.

"It's got its own website [and] as I understand there's a band that's been named after the bridge," Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.

"We're asking the community for feedback on how they want it remembered."

Bayswater Bridge has become notorious for truck crashes over the years.

Ms Saffioti said that could be a street festival, keeping pieces of the bridge or "a slide show of the worst crashes of the bridge".

"If people wanted to have an auction, or a sell-off, we could donate that money to charity," she said.

The community is encouraged to come up with ways to farewell the infamous Bayswater Bridge. (ABC News: Marcus Alborn)

The minister hoped the new 4.8-metre clearance bridge would be "uncrashable".

"Hopefully, as I said, this will give all motorists, truck drivers and commuters alike, a safer journey and more pleasant journey," she said.

"This is one of those old bridges, the clearance wasn't really developed for our bigger trucks."

Skyrocketing fuel prices impacting contracts

The bridge work is part of the broader Bayswater train station upgrade, which is set to link the Midland, Morley-Ellenbrook and Airport lines.

Ms Saffioti said the economic environment was "very different" to two years ago in terms of delivering various Metronet rail projects.

A design render of the WA Government's proposed upgrades to Bayswater train station. (Supplied: Public Transport Authority)

This includes the jump in fuel prices, largely driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"In most contracts, particularly civil construction contracts, fuel prices are a factor," Ms Saffioti said.

"All of these things have an impact."

Rita Saffioti says major works are progressing on Metronet's new Bayswater Station upgrade.

But the minister said it was not yet clear whether the rise in fuel prices would increase the estimated cost of Metronet in the next budget.

"This is one factor, but it depends on all other factors," Ms Saffioti said.

"In relation to supply chain, there's been so many disruptions, whether it's been the east-west rail link out, steel prices, what's happening with Russia and Ukraine, there's so many different factors at play.

"Everyone's working very hard to try and manage all those factors."

WA 'at the table' with federal government to secure funds

As the Prime Minister prepares to make his way to WA, Ms Saffioti said there were "always live discussions" when it came to federal funding.

The 2022-23 Federal Budget is due to be handed down on March 29.

Ms Saffioti would not disclose what was on WA's wishlist.

"We're at the table right at the moment trying to secure more funds for more projects in the state," she said.

"We need a bigger share and more funding for WA, we're continually at the table."

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