The first of 530 precast concrete L-beams for Western Australia’s METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal (VPCLXR) Project has been poured, marking a major milestone in its preparations.
The L-beams are one of a number of precast concrete components that will form part of the nearly four kilometres of overhead rail being delivered through the VPCLXR project.
Located at the repurposed Midland brick site, Australian manufacturer Humes will undertake production of the beams, which will be cast, cleaned and stored on site.
The project is not only fuelling local employment, but also engaging local businesses that will contribute to the fabrication and production of these structures.
Each beam is made up of about eight truckloads of concrete and 13 tonnes of steel. The beams are 2.2 metres high, 30m long and weigh 130t.
The facility includes multiple workstations to allow for the various stages of beam construction to be carried out simultaneously, ensuring a fast production rate of around two beams per day.
All of the water used for cleaning the beams is recycled, and no concrete waste is left onsite.
Humes bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the project, having played a critical role in Victoria’s Level Crossing Removal Project.
The milestone comes as the WA Government confirmed its allocation of $87.5 million for the William Street level crossing removal and the Beckenham Station elevation, through the Mid-year Review.
Federal Labor and the State Government both committed $87.5m to the project in the lead-up to the Federal Election, and both Governments have now confirmed the funding.
The additional funding will now see the removal of six level crossings and the construction of five new elevated stations as part of the VPCLXR project.
The Government has also announced an additional $39.1m to support the temporary 18-month shutdown of the Armadale Line from the end of 2023.
Included in the funding will be a temporary bus interchange and carpark at Victoria Park Station, construction of a dedicated city-bound bus lane on Shepperton Road and delivery of intelligent transport system infrastructure, such as additional CCTV and variable message signs that give real-time travel information to drivers and help manage travel demand.
The level crossing removal project will significantly ease congestion along the Armadale Line, where some boom gates are down for several hours every day.
The new elevated rail line will also generate new opportunities for development and public open space as land previously occupied by the rail line becomes available.
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