Labor will today try to win over WA voters by promising $23 million for a new cycle bridge at the Swan River crossing at the Causeway to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

Shadow minister for infrastructure Anthony Albanese will today announce if elected Labor will spend $23 million on the new bridge, which the party says will boost access and safety for cyclists and pedestrians in and out of the CBD.

“The new Causeway cycle bridge would create a free-flowing bicycle expressway to fix what has become a major bottleneck at the third busiest cycling route in Perth,” Mr Albanese says in a statement to be released today.

“While the existing Causeway has a shared cycling and pedestrian path, it is narrow and too many cyclists are tempted to use the road to avoid pedestrians, creating safety risks. “

Mr Albanese said a Shorten government would work with Premier Mark McGowan to build the bridge which would have an overall cost of up to $30 million.

“More than 1300 cyclists and 1000 pedestrians use the same narrow Causeway path each day,” Mr Albanese said.

“The new bridge will make crossing the Causeway safer for cyclists and pedestrians, and in the process, make cycling and walking a more attractive option for commuters. These commitments are part of Labor’s comprehensive WA Infrastructure Plan, which would see a Shorten government invest $460 million more in the West than a re-elected Coalition government over the next four years.”

The project would benefit the electorate of Swan, which Labor candidate Hannah Beazley is hoping to nab from Liberal MP Steve Irons, who holds the seat on a margin of 3.6 per cent.

The latest promise comes as both major parties anticipate WA will play a major role in deciding the election outcome.