After spending time underground between 2017 and 2020, one of our TBM cutterheads is now back to where it all began. Standing tall and proud at the entry to the High Wycombe Station precinct, the 70-tonne industrial sculpture recognises the monumental feat of building Western Australia’s longest tunnels.
Tunnel fit-out activities are also progressing. Did you know that the flexible arm on top of electric trains is called pantograph? It’s there to connect the train to traction power through contact with the overhead line equipment. Just recently the team conducted a trial run with a pantograph mounted on top of a hi-rail vehicle. Check out the highlights in our ‘tunnel vision’ video.
New developments are also happening within the road-based transport space. The Airport Line will be supported by an enhanced bus network, connecting surrounding suburbs to the new stations at Redcliffe and High Wycombe. To make sure the communities around these stations are serviced in the best possible way, Transperth is conducting consultation on proposed routes. More information and an opportunity to provide feedback can be found here. Consultation closes on 19 November 2021.
Bayswater cycle path lined with trees
Works on and along the principal shared path (PSP) adjacent to the Bayswater site are well advanced, with 800m of asphalting completed and line marking to follow. The remaining length (about 130m) has been prepared for subgrade installation, now that all pits and conduits are in place. The first part of native trees and tube stock planting has also been completed – in time for the plants to benefit from the recent rains.
Forming part of the firefighting equipment, two 144,000-litre water tanks are scheduled to be installed at Bayswater Junction this month. With every litre of water weighing one kilogram, it is crucial that the tanks sit on a sturdy base. Ours are 250mm thick and surrounded by bollards for protection.
Redcliffe Station flaunting a more mature look
Paving and tiling works are still very much at the forefront at Redcliffe Station. With 90 per cent of the south-western and 75 per cent of the south-eastern forecourt complete, crews will be tackling soft landscaping before too long.
Tiling of the concourse area is halfway finished, and the first rows of terrazzo tiles have also appeared one level down at the eastern end of the platform.
To round off Redcliffe Station's 'new look', signage has been installed both inside the station building and within the wider precinct.
Indigenous artwork adorns Airport Central Station
Quite the wow factor was introduced at Airport Central Station in late October. Complementing the architecture and internal colour palette of the three-level station, artwork in form of a glass wall comprising more than 50 unique panels has been installed. The design describes the Noongar connection to the river and estuary water, and the journeys traditionally taken in accordance with the six seasons.
Fit-out of the seven escalators is ongoing, with the first test run of the eastern escalators connecting the concourse level to the platform level complete.
Underground, at the entry of TBM Grace's tunnel, the first saccardo nozzle (the pointy end of the ductwork connecting the above-ground tunnel ventilation fans to the tunnels) has been installed.
Name-dropping at High Wycombe Station
High Wycombe Station is the first of the three new stations to wear its official name tag, with the entry sign installed recently as part of the overall signage package. To complete the picture, trees have been planted in the garden beds just outside of the station entry.
Up next on the schedule is the arrival of the two bike shelters, expected later this month. Passengers will have access to 180 secure bicycle bays which will be spread evenly across the two shelters. Transperth bike parking is free and the shelters can be accessed using your SmartRider.
Emergency egress shafts nearing completion
Commissioning works at Abernethy Emergency Egress Shaft (EES) have commenced following the conclusion of construction works. Wright Crescent EES is not far behind, with the lift installation 95 per cent complete and works on the footpath within the compound and outside at the final stage.
Within all 12 tunnel-to-tunnel cross passages final touches are being applied to the floor using anti-slip paint.