Major Projects & Infrastructure, Track & Civil Construction

Midland line shutdown postponed

 

The planned temporary shutdown of Perth’s Midland Line, to facilitate critical works on the upgraded Bayswater Station, has been postponed.

Not only will the postponement reduce the impact on commuters travelling to and from this year’s Royal Show, but was also necessary to provide more time to prepare for the works due to the ongoing impact of significant supply chain disruptions.

The shutdown was originally scheduled to begin on September 23, but will now start in the January school holiday period. Pending the impact of ongoing supply chain disruptions, the works may be undertaken in two shorter shutdowns during the January and April school holiday periods respectively.

The shutdown is required to remove and replace about 1.8 kilometres of track and other rail systems, as well as expanding the existing Leake Street pedestrian underpass and continuing work on the new Bayswater Bridge.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said like most infrastructure projects across the country, WA was continuing to experience challenges sourcing critical components.

“The works are critical to delivering the upgraded Bayswater Station, which will be the only train station outside of the CBD that services three separate train lines,” she said.

“Unfortunately it means we’ll be stuck with the old Bayswater Bridge for a little bit longer, much to the dismay of truck drivers across Perth.

“While the shutdown is necessary, I understand the challenge it will create for commuters, and we will do everything we can to minimise the disruptions.”