Since the PTA handed the Forrestfield site over to Salini Impregilo-NRW Joint Venture (SI-NRW) in September, a number of activities have been completed to prepare the site for the construction of key infrastructure, including demolition of buildings, installation of fencing and clearing.
This week the project reached a major milestone when the WA Planning Commission approved the Development Application (DA) for Early Works at the Forrestfield site. The Early Works include set up of the main construction facilities and storage for the tunnel lining segments, slurry treatment plant and other plant required to operate the tunnel boring machines, spoil handling facilities, site offices, warehouse and storage areas.
As a result, the number of workers at Forrestfield will increase over coming weeks to complete earthworks and prepare for construction of the dive structure (where the Tunnel Boring Machines will begin tunnelling) to start in mid-November.
Jet grouting trials in Forrestfield and Bayswater
The Forrestfield-Airport Link will connect the existing Midland Line, near Bayswater Station, to Forrestfield through two underground tunnels. To improve ground conditions and stabilise soils in preparation for tunnelling works, a construction technique called jet grouting will be used.
Using drilling equipment, a grout and water mixture (slurry) is injected into the soil at high pressure while the drill stem rotates and moves towards the surface. The process creates a homogenous mass of high strength material.
Jet grouting will be used to create over-lapping columns at eight locations along the new rail route to allow the excavation of cross passages between the two tunnels and prevent water from entering the area. The method will also be used to stabilise soils and support tunnelling for two emergency egress shafts.
Jet grouting trials were completed in Forrestfield this month, and have now also begun in Bayswater
Aboriginal businesses awarded tender packages
In recognition of the Forrestfield-Airport Link’s location on Whadjuk Noongar country, an engagement strategy has been developed to support Aboriginal participation in the project.
We are looking to enhance economic participation for Aboriginal people through the supply of goods and services for the construction and commissioning phases of the project, as well as employment opportunities.
A number of Aboriginal businesses have submitted EOIs and sucessfully prequalified to tender on relevant packages. To date, contracts have been awarded for medical services/pre-employment medicals, cleaning and provision of workwear/PPE.
We encourage Aboriginal businesses to visit the SI-NRW website for more information on procurement and employment opportunities.
Western Power works to connect new substation
A new 22KV substation will be built at Ibis Place in Forrestfield to support project infrastructure and power the Tunnel Boring Machines. The substation will be used during construction and remain onsite to support the future Forrestfield train station.
The PTA has applied to Western Power to provide a supply connection to the new substation. Western Power will run two cables from its Forrestfield and Kewdale substations to the site. The cables will be installed within the road verge. Works began late October and are due for completion March 2017.
Refer to the attached notification from Western Power for more information.
Construction overview
The Forrestfield-Airport Link is an exciting project which will provide new transport options for communities east of Perth. It will also see the construction of three new train stations and a new link to the Perth Airport.
Over the next four years there will be multiple construction sites established across the project footprint. These sites will be a hive of activity as the tunnels and new stations are built. To find out more about what is happening and when, view the construction overview fact sheet.