Geotechnical work is underway at the Denny Avenue level crossing in Perth’s southeast ahead of the crossing’s removal under the WA Government’s Metronet program.
Contractor Golder Associates has mobilised on the site to begin testing ground conditions so construction can begin next year.
The Denny Avenue crossing, in Kelmscott, will be the first to go under the Metronet program. It involves creating an underpass and elevated rail line at Davis Road, which runs parallel to Denny Avenue.
The Metronet team said the new east-west road connection at Davis Road will require the rail line to be elevated slightly in this area to accommodate the underpass. A parallel principal shared path will be built alongside the railway to provide safe pedestrian and cycling connections in the community.
Early work being undertaken at the site involves a range of techniques including core sampling, groundwater testing and cone penetrometer testing (which measures the strength of the soil) at the new grade separation site.
Transport minster Rita Saffioti said: “The start of the geotechnical assessments is an exciting new stage for the first of several level crossing removal projects which will underpin the Government’s plans to change Perth’s public transport system and improve urban outcomes.
“A key aim of this project is fixing one of Perth’s most dangerous sections of road – but it also presents opportunities for town centre improvements and more connectivity.”
The first four level crossings to be removed as part of the WA Government’s Metronet program are Denny Avenue, Caledonian Avenue in Maylands, Oats Street in Carlisle, and Wharf Street in Cannington.