All planned works to support the upcoming transformation of Perth’s Armadale train line have been completed, as smart system technology plays a key role in managing traffic movement.
The line will shut on Monday, November 20, ahead of the one the biggest public transport infrastructure projects the state has ever seen.
For the past 18 months, Government transport agencies have been diligently planning for the shut – including replacement bus services and upgrades to the road network.
Measures being put in place by the State Government include:
· Installation of intelligent transport systems to improve traffic flow and bus movements
· More than 100 additional buses being brought onto the network
· Twelve additional and enhanced bus routes
· Three new temporary bus interchanges in Armadale, Cannington, and Victoria Park
· 1.2 kilometres of new priority bus lanes along Albany Highway and Shepparton Road
· Additional right turning restrictions on key arterial routes to improve safety and traffic flow
· Establishment of a dedicated Main Roads Incident Response Service for Shepperton Road/Albany Highway
As part of the intelligent transport systems, virtual receivers that can track the movement of buses on the network have been activated at around 40 traffic signals.
These receivers will monitor bus movements in real time, and will be able to automatically keep traffic lights green for up to 30 additional seconds to ensure approaching buses can move efficiently through signalised intersections.
Digital variable message signs will also be installed at six key locations on the road network, to provide drivers with up-to-the-minute travel times for different routes.
Main Roads have also announced the release of a new app know as Traffic ALT, that will support drivers during the Armadale Line shut.
The app is designed to run through a driver’s hands-free phone or car stereo Bluetooth, and will provide audio updates on key information such as current traffic congestion, and travel times for different routes.
Regular Armadale line passengers are also being provided six months of free travel on the public transport network in recognition of the disruption they will face during the shut.
Several METRONET projects will be delivered during the shut including the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal, the Byford Rail Extension, and the new Thornlie-Cockburn Link.
The upgrades will see the train line elevated for 5.5km, seven new stations constructed, 13 level crossings removed, and the line extended to Byford. The elevation of the line will also see around six hectares of new public open space created.
The new Thornlie-Cockburn Link will see Perth’s first east-west rail connecting between the Mandurah and Armadale Lines, and the delivery of two new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road.
The community can access information regarding the Armadale Line shut on the Public Transport Authority website: www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Track-Closures/Armadale-and-Thornlie-Line-Shutdown
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said while the project will deliver significant benefits, it’s critical to support communities that will be impacted during the shut.
“Smart technology is going to be front and centre in our response, and will play a critical role in ensuring we keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible during the train line shut,” she said.
“This train line and corridor has been plagued by a lack of investment in the past, but our State Government is getting on with the job of delivering the infrastructure that will support these communities for decades to come.”
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