Public consultation has begun on the extension of the Perth rail network to the growing northern suburb of Ellenbrook.
The State Government announced this week the public would be consulted on a proposed 21-kilometre spur line from the existing Midland line, just east of Bayswater station, to Ellenbrook.
The alignment currently being considered for the extension runs via Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Bennett Springs, and Whiteman to Ellenbrook.
The project, known as the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, is part of the McGowan Government’s Metronet program.
Projects under the Metronet umbrella include the under-construction Forrestfield-Airport Link, and the 14.5-kilometre extension to link the Mandurah and Armadale lines, which the Government says is nearing an investment decision.
WA transport minister Rita Saffioti said communities along the future Morley-Ellenbrook Line would assist in the planning process via an online survey.
“I have worked closely with the Metronet team, local governments and stakeholders – it’s now time to hear from the local residents,” the minister said. “To ensure the rail line represents the best outcome for the local community, we want to understand and hear from residents on what your community means to you, and what you’d like to see it look like in the future.”
Work is already underway to assess the technical feasibility of the preferred alignment, Saffioti said.
“Building a rail line to Ellenbrook is a major priority for the McGowan Government, and since starting the project from scratch last year, we have made significant progress.”
A major consultancy tender will be awarded in coming weeks, the Government said on January 16.
This will surely have to include track amplification from Claisebrook to Bayswater, otherwise there’s likely to be capacity problems on that double track section with two lines branching off at Bayswater.
It will cause a peak hour bottle neck.