Fremantle Line to reopen after Easter
Normal through-trains are on track to resume on the Fremantle Line on Tuesday April 6, straight after the Easter holiday break.
Fremantle Line services have been disrupted since February 5, because of significant work taking place at Claremont Station. It meant trains stopped at Showgrounds rather than Claremont, only every second train continued south, and all passengers had to change trains at Cottesloe.
Though normal services resume on April 6, Claremont Station will remain out of action until April 23. Showgrounds will continue to serve as a replacement until then.
During the work, it was found that a number of elements of the heritage-listed, 135-year-old station need replacing. Investigations found that bridge footings were not effectively connected when they were built, leading to a loss of fill under the platform surface.
The remaining fill material under the station platform is in poor condition and must be replaced before essential services like CCTV, lighting, passenger information and train driver video networks can be installed.
The condition of the timber posts which hold up the platform is also worse than expected and, in accordance with State heritage requirements, must be replaced with specially-fabricated posts which will take several weeks to make.
Specialist contractors have been engaged to replace the severely-degraded substructure of the platform office, which is an important part of the station’s heritage.
Public Transport Authority spokesman David Hynes said the extra station work was necessary.
“Claremont Station was built in 1886 and is the oldest remaining station on the Transperth network,” he said.
“As anyone who has renovated an old building will know, while things might seem fine at surface level, once you start to peel back the layers there’s no knowing what you might find.
“We conducted an extensive audit of the station before this work, but these issues could not be seen until we began to excavate.
“Building methods have come a long way since 1886, and our project team is working hard to restore and retain this iconic building for future generations using the best of modern construction methodology and traditional techniques.”
While Claremont remains closed, school students will have access to a coaster shuttle (Route 700S) which will operate between Showgrounds and Swanbourne, stopping at Claremont Station. The service will run from 7.30am to 8.30am and 3.15pm to 4.15pm on school days.
The METRONET Claremont Station Project is installing turnback infrastructure and new overhead lines, which will allow for an increase in the frequency of Fremantle Line services between Claremont and the CBD during peak times, boost network resilience during unplanned service disruptions, and facilitate direct access to the new Airport Line from Claremont Station.
“Fremantle Line passengers have been incredibly patient during these disruptions, and we appreciate their understanding,” Mr Hynes said.
“To users of Claremont Station and the surrounding residents impacted by the station works I also say thank you, and ask you to bear with us as we restore this grand old dame, all the while bringing the Transperth network into the future.”
Passengers who may be impacted by the extended closure are urged to visit the Transperth website, sign up for My Alerts, download the Transperth app or call the Transperth InfoLine on 13 62 13 for more information.
Media contact: 9326 2526