Early completion for Perth City Link rail

Perth City Link project’s rail component will be completed before the end of the year, six months ahead of schedule.

Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Warren Truss said the $360million rail component of Perth City Link was being delivered early and on budget.
 
“Perth City Link lays the foundation for changing the city of Perth by creating a direct link from the central business district to Northbridge,” Mr Truss said.
 
“The Australian Government has contributed $236million to the rail component of the project.
 
“The next component - moving the bus station below ground, can now start in the new year, six months ahead of schedule.”
 
WA Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the rail component of the project, including sinking the Fremantle Line, was initially due for completion in the middle of next year.
 
“Good planning and work by the Public Transport Authority and its alliance partners means the project, which was started two-and-a-half years ago, will be delivered sooner than expected and on budget,” Mr Buswell said.
 
“Work is still taking place on the pedestrian underpass that will link Perth Underground and Perth Station, which will open before Christmas.”
 
“The early completion of the rail component of this world-class project has allowed work to begin on the construction of a temporary bus station on the Roe Street side of the Perth City Link site. This will be in use while the $249million underground bus station is being constructed.”
 
Mr Buswell said that while there had been some disruption for rail passengers during the project, it had been kept to a minimum.
 
“The work that has gone into keeping rail services operating through this project has been extraordinary and highly successful.  There’s no denying there has been some disruption for passengers but it has been well managed and the end result will make it all worthwhile,” he said.
 
“I am confident that when people get the chance to walk through the new underpass or eventually take a stroll from Wellington Street directly across to Northbridge, they will understand why this project is so important.”
 
The City of Perth contributed about $38million to the project.