On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was joined by Premier Roger Cook and State Transport Minister Rita Saffioti at the construction site of the new Cannington Station to mark the entire completion of the elevated rail structure along the Victoria Park to Canning Level-Crossing Removal METRONET project.
With the elevated structures now completed, spanning four kilometres and utilising hundreds of tonnes of locally sourced concrete, six hectares of new public open space will soon be available for recreational use.
Since the construction began, six level crossings at the intersections of Mint/Archer Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, Hamilton Street, Wharf Street, and William Street have been permanently removed.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was pleased to celebrate the completion of the elevated rail structure, highlighting its positive impact on both the community and the economy.
“It’s great to be back in Perth to mark this important infrastructure milestone with the Premier that’s creating more than 4,300 jobs for West Australians,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
“As a heavy lifter of the nation’s economy, it is critical that we see benefits flowing back into Perth and Western Australia.”
The Armadale and Thornlie train line has been closed since November 20 last year to allow for the elevation of the tracks, removal of road level-crossings and the construction of new elevated stations.
This project also involves the Cockburn-Thornlie Link, the extension to Byford, and various rail revitalisation projects.
With the train line still expected to be closed for at least another eight months, WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti expressed gratitude to the community for their patience.
“People who live along the Armadale Line corridor will very soon have access to modern train stations and new public open spaces and community facilities,” Ms Saffioti said.
“We know there is significant benefit on the horizon, and we thank the community for their continued patience as we complete the next critical steps for this game-changing project.”
Seven kilometres of track have now been laid, and the construction of new elevated stations at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park, Cannington, and Beckenham is “progressing rapidly.”
With the project’s progress now clearly visible, retiring State Member for Cannington Bill Johnston believes it will create lasting benefits for the community.”
“With the elevated rail structure now in place, people can see how this project is going to deliver great outcomes in the years ahead with modern stations and new public open space,” Mr Johnston said.
“This is a really exciting project for our community, and it’s incredible to see the progress that has been made.”
The Armadale and Thornlie train line is still expected to reopen mid-next year.
