Fremantle line sleeper upgrade
26 June 2003
More than 7000 jarrah, karri and wandoo sleepers on the Fremantle rail line will be replaced by concrete units as part of a $4.2 million upgrade program.
The sleepers, currently supporting one of the lines between the City West and Showgrounds stations, will be recycled for use on those parts of the urban system that still have timber sleepers. Some will also be used to upgrade historic country platforms and at Whiteman Park.
This program follows the completion of similar work, involving 20,000 sleepers, from the Fremantle to Showgrounds stations.
The upgrade starts on Tuesday, July 1 and is scheduled for completion by Sunday, July 20. During that time, the Fremantle line will be closed each night from about 7pm, except Fridays, when normal services will be retained.
The only other exception will be on Saturday, July 12, when the last trains depart Perth for Fremantle at 9.30pm, and Fremantle for Perth at 10.01pm, to cater for patrons of the West Coast Eagles game (against Carlton) at Subiaco Oval.
A rail replacement bus service (#606) will operate during this period, departing the Perth and Fremantle stations as per the train timetables. The buses will pick up and discharge passengers at the red rail replacement stops near stations along the route, and all buses will stop at the Grant Street and Loch Street stations.
According to Ross Hamilton, the Public Transport Authority’s Track and Civil Manager, the decision to switch to concrete sleepers was made on the basis of their cost efficiency, reduced maintenance needs and better safety.
“Concrete sleepers – such as those used on the Joondalup line – are more stable, have a longer life, and provide a smoother ride,” Mr Hamilton said.
“Also, they need less maintenance than timber, which means less disruption for travellers and fewer disturbances for residents near rail lines.”
He said timber sleepers at the Swanbourne, Claremont and Mosman Park stations had recently been replaced as part of station upgrades, while concrete sleepers were already in place at a number of stations on the Armadale and Midland as well as Fremantle lines.
Residents in areas affected by the latest upgrade will be advised of works in their area by letterbox drops, station signs and advertisements in local papers.
Media contact: David Hynes 9326 2051 or 0438 919 548