Perth City Link rail project on track
Transport Minister Troy Buswell today joined Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese for an inspection of the works under way to deliver the $360million rail component of the Perth City Link.
Mr Buswell said the project to sink the Fremantle Line from William Street to Lake/King Street was progressing to plan.
“The Perth City Link is a historic project that will change the face of Perth by reconnecting the CBD and Northbridge for the first time in 100 years,” he said.
“The first steps in realising this vision are to sink the rail line to remove the physical and psychological barrier dividing the CBD and Northbridge.”
Project works to date have included the partial removal of the Western Concourse, partial relocation of the Roe Street Principal Shared Path (PSP) and the start of earthworks for the temporary relocation of the Fremantle Line.
“Work has been under way on site since 2010, however, the recent completion of the removal of a section of the William Street footbridge marked a key, visible milestone,” the Minister said.
“The section of the footbridge, also known as the Western Concourse, was removed and lifted over live operating rail and the Joondalup Line tunnels, and was the result of months of planning and consultation.
“The partial removal of the footbridge will allow the temporary relocation of the Fremantle Line, which ensures train services can continue while the new tunnel is built.”
The Fremantle Line tunnel construction is expected to begin in early 2012, with work scheduled for completion in 2014.
Fact File
- The rail project involves funding support from all three tiers of government, and is being undertaken by the Perth City Link Rail Alliance
- he State Government has allocated a total of $336million to the sinking of the railway and the Wellington Street Bus Station. The City of Perth has allocated $38million. The Federal Government has allocated $236million to the rail component of the project.
- http://www.perthcitylink.wa.gov.au/