The Western Australian Government’s METRONET program is continuing to transform Perth, as a number of job-creating projects reach peak construction, with $6 billion allocated over the next four years in the 2022-23 State Budget.
New METRONET projects funded in this Budget include the Morrison Road Level Crossing Removal in Midland and the Canning Bridge Bus Interchange.
Following the opening of the Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing and Assembly Facility in June 2021, another two METRONET projects have recently been completed – with the Mandurah Station Multi-Storey Car Park now open and all road and civic upgrade works completed as part of the Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal project.
The boom gates have also gone down for the final time at the Caledonian Avenue level crossing on the Midland Line, ahead of passenger services starting on the Forrestfield-Airport Link later this year, with the associated pedestrian, cycling and road improvements in the area now underway.
The contracts for the Byford Rail Extension and Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal projects are soon to be awarded, with many of the remaining projects nearing peak construction.
Key milestones for METRONET in 2022-23 include:
- about 20,000 passenger trips per day when the Forrestfield-Airport Link is completed, providing quick and easy access to Perth Airport and the eastern suburbs
- the first C-series train rolling out of the Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing and Assembly Facility for testing on the network
- Lakelands Station is on track for entry into passenger service in mid-2023
- peak construction activities across a number of METRONET projects (Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Thornlie-Cockburn Link, Yanchep Rail Extension and Bayswater Station)
- beginning major construction on the Midland Station, Byford Rail Extension, Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal, Greenwood Station Multi-Storey Car Park and the Public Transport Operations Control Centre
- awarding the contract for the Train Control and Signalling project
- commencement of detailed planning for the Morrison Road Level Crossing Removal.
The 2022-23 Budget includes $1 billion in additional State and Commonwealth funding for METRONET projects, including:
- further investment in the Train Control and Signalling project, which forms part of the High Capacity Signalling program works and is currently out to tender. This work will increase the rail network’s capacity, improve safety and allow trains to operate more efficiently
- relocating the Canning Bridge Bus Interchange from Canning Highway to an elevated platform above the freeway and train station to improve safety for commuters and reduce traffic congestion and travel times
- planning for the Morrison Road Level Crossing Removal on the Midland Line, to improve safety and traffic congestion in the area
- further investment in the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Yanchep Rail Extension projects to address the impacts of cost escalation and supply chain constraints impacting the construction market.
Premier Mark McGowan said the METRONET program was transforming Perth’s public transport network, creating thousands of local jobs and supporting many WA businesses.
“With the Airport Line to open this year and a further 13 METRONET projects planned or underway, we are setting up WA’s public transport network for the future and providing opportunities right now for local workers, apprentices and trainees,” he said.
“This Budget, we are funding two important new METRONET projects – the Morrison Road Level Crossing Removal and the Canning Bridge Bus Interchange, delivering enhanced public transport options for even more parts of Perth.”
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said since METRONET began five years ago, two level crossings in Kelmscott and Maylands have been closed, three projects were completed, rail manufacturing was brought back to Midland and the first new rail line will open this year with the Forrestfield-Airport Link.
“Our pipeline of infrastructure investment will continue, with contract award expected to be achieved for the Train Control and Signalling project next financial year and planning to progress on removing another level crossing on the Midland Line,” she said.