Closure of Caledonian Avenue Level Crossing

• Caledonian Level Crossing in Maylands to close permanently in first half of 2022
• Closure necessary in preparation for Forrestfield-Airport Link to begin operating next year
• $15 million allocated as part of 2021-22 State Budget to upgrade key roads, improve safety and facilitate traffic flow
• McGowan Labor Government progressing program of level crossing removals on rail network

The Caledonian Avenue Level Crossing in Maylands will sound its last bells and officially close in the first half of 2022, with funding committed in the 2021-22 State Budget.

After lengthy investigations, the State Government has determined the best option is to close the level crossing and upgrade key roads in the area.

Raising or lowering the rail was investigated, however, the impact on nearby infrastructure including Meltham and Maylands train stations and existing nearby road bridges would have been too disruptive.

A road bridge over the rail at Ferguson Street near Caledonian Avenue was considered but would have required more than 14 local homes to be demolished, reduced property access for nearby local homes and directed more through traffic onto local streets.

On a typical weekday, the level crossing boom gates go down more than 150 times, for an average of one minute and 30 seconds each time.

This means the boom gates are lowered for almost four hours each day, causing traffic to bank along Whatley Crescent and Railway Parade.

With the Forrestfield-Airport Link to begin operating soon, followed later by the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, the number of services will increase dramatically, which would result in the boom gates being down even longer.

The McGowan Government has allocated $15 million to upgrade key local roads in the immediate area to provide better access to existing crossings, and improve safety and traffic flow.

This work will include:

• the removal of the level crossing and traffic lights at Caledonian Avenue;
• the upgrade of the intersection and installation of traffic signals at Guildford Road and Seventh Avenue;
• the upgrade of the intersection and pedestrian access at Guildford Road and Eighth Avenue;
• the upgrade and signalisation of the intersection at Whatley Crescent and Railway Parade; and
• the formalisation of two lanes of traffic in each direction on Whatley Crescent between Railway Parade and Garratt Road.

The McGowan Government is continuing its program of removing level crossings along the rail network, including throughout Victoria Park, Canning and Armadale - with up to 14 level crossings to be removed across the network.

Minister's office - 6552 5500