Industry Infrastructure, Major Infrastucture, Major Projects & Infrastructure, Rail industry news (Australia, New Zealand)

Major milestone reached in METRONET

The Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project has reached a major milestone with the completion of the entire concrete structure for Perth’s first elevated rail. This achievement puts the project on track for completion by mid-2025, set to transform the city’s skyline.

The impressive, elevated rail spans over four kilometres and is constructed from more than 1,000 concrete elements, including L-beams, piers, and headstocks, all meticulously assembled to form this architectural feat. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that every structural component was manufactured in Western Australia.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook spoke about the major milestone.

“Everywhere you look across Perth, METRONET is transforming our suburbs,” he said.

“Our elevated rail along the Armadale Line is changing the face of the south-eastern suburbs, delivering new public open space and the quality modern facilities local communities deserve.

“This is what METRONET is all about – better public transport, affordable travel, and creating local jobs across the city.”

Over the course of eight months, hundreds of pre-cast concrete structures were lifted into place by both mobile cranes and custom-made gantry cranes—Victor, Becky, Kediny, and Yira—each named by the local community. These cranes played a crucial role in bringing this ambitious vision to life.

The project has already replaced boom gates at six major intersections – Mint/Archer Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, Hamilton Street, Wharf Street and William Street – significantly reducing traffic congestion and improving safety for local communities.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted the importance of this work to the Federal Government.

“We value Western Australia and want this beautiful city to have the world leading infrastructure it deserves.

“As a heavy lifter of the nation’s economy it is critical that we see benefits flowing back into Perth and Western Australia.

“It’s great to be back in Perth to mark this important infrastructure milestone with the Premier that’s creating more than 4,300 jobs for West Australians.”

When complete, the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project will feature five new, modern elevated stations, further enhancing connectivity and reducing travel disruptions across Perth. This milestone marks a significant step toward a more efficient and accessible public transport network for the city.

Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti noted how impressed she has been by the sped in which this structure has been delivered.

“It is testament to the enormous amount of planning and preparation that has gone into delivering this project,” she said.

“The community can see this elevated train line emerging before them, while the massive benefits are already being felt with a number of level crossings already removed along the Armadale Line.

“People who live along the Armadale Line corridor will very soon have access to modern train stations, and new public open spaces and community facilities.

“We know there is significant benefit on the horizon, and we thank the community for their continued patience as we complete the next critical steps for this game-changing project.”

The elevated rail consists of four separate viaduct structures, which required thousands of work hours to reach completion, measuring a total four kilometres in length. This is in addition to hundreds of tonnes of concrete structures which were locally sourced to complete the works.

Construction is also rapidly progressing on the five new elevated train stations in Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park, Cannington and Beckenham, while seven kilometres of track has now been laid.

The project is creating an economic boon for the local community, with an estimated 4,300 jobs being created during the construction phase.

Alongside the METRONET Byford Rail Extension, these projects will see the removal of multiple level crossings, seven new train stations and around six-hectares of new public open space for the community to enjoy.

The METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link is also being delivered in conjunction with the Armadale Line upgrades, which will see two new stations delivered at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road and the first east-west rail line connection between the Mandurah and Armadale train lines.