Industry Infrastructure, Level Crossing Removal, Rail industry news (Australia, New Zealand)

Works on METRONET Byford Rail extension continue

The congestion-busting Byford Rail Extension continues to make huge progress as part of the transformational METRONET program, with all rail infrastructure between Armadale and Byford and the rail bridges over Neerigen Brook and Wungong Brook now removed.

The congestion-busting Byford Rail Extension continues to make huge progress as part of the transformational METRONET program, with all rail infrastructure between Armadale and Byford and the rail bridges over Neerigen Brook and Wungong Brook now removed.

Major earthworks have started along the rail corridor in preparation for laying ballast, sleepers, and rail.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the federal government is proud to be supporting this crucial transport link for Perth.

“This investment will greatly enhance and streamline access commuting to and from Perth and provide better integrated links into the city’s public transport network,” she said.

More than 25 per cent of the piers have been installed to support the elevated rail over Armadale Road, Forrest Road, and Church Avenue.

WA Premier Roger Cook said that METRONET is coming to life across the city.

“The Byford Rail Extension will be transformative for Perth’s south-east, connecting these rapidly-growing communities to the city while creating hundreds of local jobs in construction,” he said.

“Our Government knows how important affordable and accessible public transport is, which is why we’re laser-focused on delivering METRONET for WA.”

Other major works include:

  • Over 50 per cent of earthworks for the Byford Station site completed, including the bus interchange and parking areas;
  • More than half of the walls forming the Byford Station metropolitan platform installed;
  • Piling completed for the eastern side of the Eleventh Road bridge, and;
  • Foundations commenced for Larsen Road pedestrian bridge.

Sustainability is a key focus for the project with a new renewable diesel (HVO100) trial about to commence, a first in the Western Australian construction industry.

The project continues to create hundreds of direct employment opportunities project-wide, as it makes huge strides towards connecting residents in Byford and the wider Serpentine-Jarrahdale area to the Perth CBD on a seamless 42-minute train journey.

The Byford Rail Extension will deliver a brand-new Byford Station in the existing rail corridor 400 metres north of Abernethy Road, linking the old and new town centre with pedestrian-friendly east-west connections.

It will also rebuild Armadale Station as a new elevated station passing through the town centre, remove level crossings at Armadale Road, Forrest Road, and Church Avenue, and provide around eight kilometres of continuous shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.

The project has been jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments.