Bye, bye boom gates - transformational plan released for Armadale Line

• Up to seven level crossings could be removed along the Armadale Line
• Currently Oats Street boom gates are closed 233 times a day for up to 93 seconds per closure, meaning it is down for up to six hours daily 
• Elevated rail the preferred solution to remove up to five crossings on Armadale Line 
• Solution enables public space and development opportunities at METRONET precincts
• New train stations to be built at Oats Street and Carlisle as part of project
• Business cases to be submitted to Infrastructure Australia by the end of the year
• Seven METRONET projects under construction this year, creating WA jobs

Western Australia's next METRONET project is steaming ahead with a package of works, including elevated rail and new station builds, proposals to remove dangerous level crossings and create new community and commercial spaces.

Premier Mark McGowan and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti today announced the preferred METRONET solution to remove six level crossings on the Armadale Line between Victoria Park and Beckenham, which will deliver on a major election commitment.

The plan follows work commencing last year on the Denny Avenue level crossing removal project in Kelmscott, with a rail over road underpass at Davis Road being constructed.

The new project will enable for the removal of parts of the rail barrier that have separated communities like Carlisle, East Victoria Park and Cannington for more than a century.

Up to 2.8 kilometres of elevated rail could be laid along the inner Armadale Line, providing more opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to safely cross the rail corridor while also creating safer roads, quieter neighbourhoods and new connections between communities.

It will also remove the dreaded boom gates, reducing the amount of minutes spent by commuters sitting at level crossings. Currently Oats Street boom gates are closed 233 times a day for up to 1 minute 33 seconds per closure meaning it is down for up to six hours daily.

Crossings identified for removal through the elevated rail approach include Mint Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, William Street and Wharf Street.

Meanwhile, a road over rail option is the preferred approach for Hamilton Street.

Part of the METRONET level crossing removal program will also involve the construction of new stations at Carlisle, Oats Street and Beckenham as well as potentially Queens Park.

Welshpool Station will close as part of the project, with a newly-built Oats Street Station to have more passenger facilities, to make it an attractive alternative option to service the wider area.

Work will now begin on developing concept designs, including confirming the precise station locations and designs.

This year alone the McGowan Government will have seven METRONET projects under construction, supporting local jobs and creating opportunities for local businesses.

The McGowan Government is requesting community input on key elements of this METRONET project such as final station locations, designs and potential uses for the new public spaces.

The 2019-20 State Budget committed a total of $415 million specifically towards the removal of three level crossings (Mint, Oats, Welshpool). Funding for the remaining three (Wharf, Hamilton, Williams) is subject to an agreement with the Federal Government.

Visit https://www.mysaytransport.wa.gov.au/ to provide feedback.