New legislation introduced to enable major projects
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has today introduced the Railway (METRONET) Amendment Bill 2022 to Parliament.
The legislation will authorise construction of various Armadale Line railway projects including extending the rail line eight kilometres to Byford, removing 12 level crossings, constructing six new stations and elevating the rail throughout Victoria Park and Cannington.
The new bill will incorporate the length of the Armadale Line from Claisebrook Station to just north of Mundijong.
This will create consistent and uniform railway enabling legislation for construction of the projects, in line with the Thornlie-Cockburn Link, Yanchep Rail Extension and Morley-Ellenbrook Lines.
The 129-year-old Armadale Line will be transformed through projects including:
- extending the rail line eight kilometres to Byford;
- removing up to 12 level crossings;
- construction of six new stations;
- elevating the rail through Victoria Park and Cannington; and
- tying in the Thornlie-Cockburn Link at Thornlie Station.
To enable work on these projects to occur as quickly and safely as possible, the Armadale Line will be shut down for up to 18 months starting in the first quarter of 2023.
While a number of options were examined, the extended shutdown was preferred as it was seen as the least disruptive over the longer term, allows the project to be undertaken faster with a safer workplace environment and provides certainty for replacement bus services.
Over the next few weeks, Transperth will start surveying Armadale Line passengers, including Australind passengers, to help determine the best suite of replacement services to offer.
Minister's office - 6552 5500