Welcome to the April project update
Did you know that more than 70,000 noise panels are needed to cover the length of our two tunnels? Made of wood to absorb noise, the panels are set in a concrete matrix for fire protection. Installation is progressing well, with 35 per cent of the noise panels already in place. These panels will reduce the noise inside the trains to improve passenger comfort.
In a major milestone for the project, the first train travelled through Tunnel One late last month. Entering the tunnel in the early hours of the morning, the train was parked for the day and used as a blocker to assist with a series of tests conducted on the tunnel ventilation system, measuring the resistance the train's body provides to airflow. See the train travel through Airport Central Station here.
There will be more train movements once trial running begins, so watch this space.
The project was also recently featured on Channel 7's Flashpoint program, providing a sneak peek of the new stations. Take a look here.
Ground preparation at Bayswater Junction
Trimmed, sealed and asphalted – the status that applies to a section of the PSP at the eastern end of site. General compaction and grading works of the remaining unsealed surfaces are also ongoing within the site boundaries.
Meanwhile, establishment of the eastern basin – located near the boundary to the Tonkin Gap Project site – is ongoing, with rock pitching underway to stabilise the ground.
Redcliffe's Tinseltown touch
Redcliffe may not quite be Hollywood, but it does have some rock stars. Rock mulching is now in place at the station's car park, chosen for its low maintenance and ability to act as a fire barrier.
And whilst you can hike uphill and see the view behind the famous Hollywood sign, we've got the exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Redcliffe's newest sign. However, this one isn't open to public tours!
Escalate your attention at Airport Central
It's all about safety for Airport Central Station's 35m-long escalators, with a number of features focused on making the journey up or down as safe as possible. The three escalators have extra-long run-ons to make it easier to get on and off, and by being in an open space they reduce the risk of tunnel vision and aid spatial orientation. They also have yellow edge markings for depth perception, and white dots on the handrails to act as focal points and help with encouraging three points of contact.
On the roof, a weather station has been installed. A critical part of the tunnel ventilation system, the weather station generates data that informs which way to direct smoke in an emergency.
Outside the station, demobilisation of the yard laydown area is ongoing.
High Wycombe's not scared of the dark
High Wycombe Station is lit – and not just in the gen z-way of describing something exciting. Lux (the unit for illuminance) testing has recently taken place after dark at High Wycombe Station to measure the intensity of light, allowing the station to show off how enlightening it can be.
While lux measuring can only take place in the dark, fare gates can be used day and night and are a recent addition to the station's entry. Catching the train to the city, or anywhere else on the Transperth network, will be a maximum two-zone fare.