Perth’s Beckenham Station will now become an elevated station thanks to funding in the October Federal Budget.
The Federal Government delivered on its commitment of $87.5m towards the project that it made in the lead-up to the election, with the State Government also allocating the same amount.
The funding to elevate the station will mean the removal of the William Street level crossing.
The works will form part of a broader program, which will now see the removal of six level crossings and the construction of five new elevated stations.
The project will significantly ease congestion along the Armadale Line, where some boom gates are down for several hours every day.
On average, the William Street level crossing closes 266 times every single day, resulting in the boom gates delaying traffic for a total of three hours and 43 minutes.
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.
The Federal Budget also included investment in a number of other additional projects for Western Australia, including:
- $125m for electric bus charging infrastructure and depots
- $400m to seal the Tanami Road
- $35m for an interchange at Nicholson Road and Garden Street
- $15m for the Flynn Drive upgrade
- $7.25m for the Gnangara Road upgrade.
Planning for the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal and Byford Rail Extension projects is continuing, with the 18-month Armadale Line shut scheduled to begin in late 2023.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said having motorists forced to wait hours for passing trains in a growing city like Perth was unsustainable, and these projects would slash congestion and provide a boost to local industry, and people living in the area.
“The removal of level crossings will also create significant new opportunities for activation, more public open space including walking and cycling infrastructure and more residential development through this corridor,” she said.
