Canning Bridge

A fire damaged the structure, and since the road served as a critical traffic link, funding was provided for a new bridge in 1907 and 1908.

The 1939 bridge remains standing today, however it has been extensively modified since it was first opened and only carries eastbound traffic on Canning Highway.

[4] 1958 saw the shortening of the 1939 (downstream) bridge on its eastern end by three spans to accommodate an on-ramp to the then-new Kwinana Freeway.

The original karri timber halfcaps in the 1939 bridge's structure were replaced by steel in 1994–1995 due to termite damage.

Other substructure repairs were also carried out at this time, and the eastern abutment of the 1958 bridge was reinforced with concrete.

[4] In 1997, the reinforced concrete overlay on the bridge decks was replaced, and was expected to help lengthen the lifespan of the structure by 40 years.

[6] This building was extensively upgraded in 1939 with a distinctive art-deco facade designed by architect William G. Bennett to coincide with the construction of the current bridge.

[6] Apart from its status as "the epitome" of Perth's social scene in the 1940s and 1950s,[6] the Raffles later became noted for its animated neon billboards advertising beer.

[6] In March 2012 the bridge attained status on the Western Australian State Heritage list.

Canning Bridge from the eastern side of the Canning River
The Silver Star river steamer ferry at Coffee Point, Applecross with the second (1867) Canning Bridge in the background, c. 1906
The current bridge and Raffles Hotel, shortly after their construction in 1939
Canning Highway, looking towards Canning Bridge and the apartment block built on the site of the Raffles Hotel