Passenger Rail

WA submits Byford extension business case

The McGowan Government has submitted its business case for the Byford rail extension to Infrastructure Australia, and aims to start work on the project in 2021.

The project would upgrade the existing regional rail corridor south of Armadale to facilitate passenger services to Byford, where population is set to double to more than 35,000 by 2036.

WA transport minister Rita Saffioti noted the Serpentine-Jarrahdale area south of Byford had almost tripled in population since 2011, to 27,000, and growth rates in this area are expected to continue.

“Extending the Armadale line will give those living in Byford and beyond a real alternative to travelling around Perth by car, with travel times that can vary due to road congestion,” Saffioti said.

“This is an important step forward on the project, with construction on track with our commitment at the election.”

The business case for the extension also includes futureproofing for a staged extension further south, to Mundijong.

The project is another under the WA government’s Metronet program.

“Our Metronet projects are pressing ahead at full steam with the Forrestfield-Airport Link on track to open in late 2021, upgrades to Bayswater station to start at the end of this year and the recent route alignment for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line announced,” Saffioti said.