The METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project has reached its peak construction phase, with 100 per cent of the rail tracks now laid along the fifteen-kilometre section of the line.
With the new tracks in place and ballast installed, tamping is now underway, ensuring the rail is aligned correctly, and the foundations are built to final design specifications.
As the tamping machine moves along the track, it lifts the rail, compacts the ballast, and adjusts the sleepers before securing the rail in place.
As part of the massive infrastructure project, 332 concrete supports and 155 crosspieces have been installed, along with elevated rail over six intersections, six concrete bridge beams for shared paths, and 532 concrete beams lifted to create four viaducts.
Work is still in progress on the station concourse fit-outs, as well as road and intersection upgrades.
With the track now laid and tamping underway, work will soon begin on overhead line equipment, station platforms, public art installation, and the construction of bus interchanges and car park upgrades.
According to a spokesperson for METRONET, the track laying was completed on schedule, but the exact reopening date for the Armadale and Thornlie line has yet to be finalised.
“Testing and commissioning will commence in early-2025, followed by driver training and entry into revenue services following this. Announcements regarding reopening dates will made next year,” a spokesperson said.
“Peak construction was reached in August 2024 and will continue through to the end of the year.”
As the reconstruction of the Wharf Street intersection near the rail line enters its final stage, from Friday, December 13, several streets around the intersection, including Wharf Street, Sevenoaks Street, Railway Parade, Prince Street, and Renou Street, will experience partial closures lasting until late January 2025.
To minimise disruptions and maintain access for both vehicles and pedestrians, traffic management in the area will be implemented in stages.
A temporary roundabout will be established on Sevenoaks Street, south of Wharf Street, to ensure that Transperth bus services and local access via Prince Street are maintained.
For more information on the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal and Thornlie-Cockburn Link projects, including relevant road closures and detours, visit metronet.wa.gov.au/projects.
The Armadale/Thornlie Line remains on track to reopen to reopen in mid-2025.
