The 18-month shutdown of Armadale rail line in early 2023 will see three key projects, worth a combined $2 billion dollars, delivered by the State Government.
The line will be extended by eight kilometres to Byford, with a new Byford station, a rebuild of the Armadale station at elevation and the removal of seven level crossings.
Work on removing the level crossing at Thomas Road has already begun.
The rail line will be elevated in Victoria Park, just south of the Miller Street Bridge, with new stations to be built at Carlisle and Oats Street, along with the removal of level crossings at Mint Street, Oats Street and Welshpool Road.
The rail line will also be elevated just south of Leach Highway, with new stations at Queens Park and Cannington, and the removal of the Hamilton and Wharf Street level crossings.
A joint press release from Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher, Federal Member for Canning Andrew Hastie, Premier Mark McGowan and Transport Minister Rita Saffiioti said a number of options were considered before landing on the shutdown.
“While a number of shutdown options were examined, the extended shutdown was the preferred option, as it was seen as the least disruptive over the longer term and allows the project to be undertaken faster with a safer workplace environment.” It reads.
“An extended shutdown means both METRONET projects can be constructed safely and efficiently over a shorter timeframe and provide certainty for replacement bus services.”
The solution to displacing 20,000 commuters per day is replacement bus services, with options to be considered including a a limited stops express bus service from Armadale to Cannington to the CBD, a similar service from Cannington to the CBD and bus services possibly linking Armadale and other key stations to the Mandurah Line via Cockburn Station and the Airport line.
The exact timing of the shutdown will be confirmed later this year along with further information on train replacement services for passengers, with a comprehensive advertising campaign rolled out to highlight the closure.
Commuters are encouraged to visit buildingfortomorrow.wa.gov.au to provide feedback on how they use the Armadale Line to help shape replacement options.
