- 11.5km of skeleton track (rail strings clipped onto sleepers) in place,
- 7km of the skeleton track embedded in concrete (completed slab track),
- 100 per cent of the invert slab (to level the floor of the tunnel) complete,
- 85 per cent of hydraulic fire pipes installed within the tunnels.
The first hi-rail vehicles – dual-mode vehicles that can operate on both roads and rail tracks – are also now operating on the new tracks, assisting crew with the installation of overhead conductor rail, which will supply power to the trains once operational.
While underground works are pushing ahead, above-ground activity has also ramped up, especially at Bayswater Junction where crews are working to get everything in place for the upcoming tie-in of the city-bound Midland Line tracks.
In line with Government advice, we will continue construction in a COVID-safe way. The health and safety of our people and the community remains our number one priority and we will follow restrictions and safety precautions. This is to ensure everyone is safe, while continuing these important works for Western Australia.
High Wycombe Station platform tiling underway
What do St Peter’s Basilica, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and High Wycombe Station have in common? Terrazzo flooring! More than 60 per cent of the tiles have already been installed on the station platform, with works expected to be completed later this month.
At the northern end of the site, the multi-deck car park has reached a new level – level two that is – with only two quadrants of the topping slab left to be poured. Installation of the façade cladding is also underway at the western end of the structure.
Construction of the permanent road network has commenced in and around High Wycombe Station. These works include upgrades to existing roads, as well as construction of new access roads to the station. Detailed information on the roadworks and associated traffic management is available on the High Wycombe community zone page.
Finishing works at Airport Central Station
From top to bottom Airport Central Station is getting prettier by the minute. Roof sheeting and glazing has been completed, and internal cladding around the skylights is well advanced.
Within the atrium, and on the inside and outside of the link to the Skybridge, aluminium cladding in bronze, champagne and off-white colours is now outshining the 50 shades of concrete-grey that were dominating the site for so long.
Less glamorous, but just as important to the daily operations of a train station, behind the scenes fit-out works are ongoing, ensuring that CCTV, air-conditioning and other electrical equipment is fully functional in time for the first train to run on the Airport Line.
Roofs and roads in Redcliffe
Roadworks have commenced around Redcliffe Station, with a new access road to connect the areas north and south of the precinct. Once complete, paving of the station forecourt will commence, as well as landscaping and tree planting.
Sheeting of the main station roof is complete with exception of the western end, which has been left open intentionally to enable equipment to be craned in and out of the tunnels.
Within the station box, installation of the two lift cars has commenced and is expected to take three months. The station will then transition into the commissioning phase.
Bayswater Junction centre of activity
The time has come for the Midland Line tracks to be shifted to their permanent location. Due to the proximity of operating rail and the need to isolate power for safety reasons, a series of nightworks is required to tie in old and new. Two 56-hour weekend shutdowns of the Midland Line are also required in February and March to enable these works. More information on timing and activities is available on the Bayswater Junction community zone page.
At the eastern end of site, adjacent to Guildford Road, tunnel ventilation fans have been installed on the upper level of the portal building, where fit-out works are ongoing.
Within the dive structure, the first sections of track slab have been poured and cured, and all masts for the overhead line equipment have been installed.
Emergency egress structures in place
Abernethy Emergency Egress Shaft is essentially complete, with focus now on kerbing and asphalting works for the car park at ground level. Fit-out of the other tunnel-to-surface connections continues.
Below ground the project has reached the 12/12 mark. All tunnel-to-tunnel cross passage structures have been completed and are now transitioning from constructional to MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) works.