Perth City Link tunnelling under way

Premier Colin Barnett said the $360million rail component, on track for completion in 2014, literally underpinned the delivery of the entire Perth City Link vision.

“The Perth City Link will fundamentally change the face of Perth and benefit both local people and visitors to our city through reconnecting the CBD and Northbridge for the first time in 100 years,” Mr Barnett said.

“This project is expected to attract more than $3billion of private investment into our State and play a vital role in establishing Perth’s reputation as a world-class city.

“With the Perth Waterfront, Riverside Development, the Perth Cultural Centre and new Perth Stadium, the Perth City Link is part of an era of transformation and I hope all West Australians embrace and enjoy these exciting changes.

“In addition to new entertainment, cultural and lifestyle choices for the WA community, Perth City Link will also help meet a shortage of inner-city residential, commercial and visitor accommodation necessary to support the State’s long-term economic growth.

“This project is set to make Perth a more vibrant place to live and easier to live in by removing the railway line that has acted as a barrier cutting the CBD off from Northbridge.”         

Accompanied by Transport Minister Troy Buswell, Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and Senator Louise Pratt (representing Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese), the Premier sealed artist’s impressions of the completed station with other documents in a time capsule to be buried at the station and opened in 2031.

Mr Buswell said there would be a number of upgrades to Perth Station, including a new pedestrian underpass, linking all platforms to Perth Underground Station, and a new platform on the Roe Street side.

“This project will significantly improve passenger amenity and cater to Perth’s growing public transport needs - it will give our 44,000 city station patrons improved connections, better access and faster transfers between services,” Mr Buswell said.

“The new platform on the Roe Street side of Perth Station will ensure the Public Transport Authority has greater flexibility to service special events, meet future demand and accommodate new projects like the stadium in Burswood.”

 
Fact File

• The rail work is supported by all three tiers of government and is being delivered by the Perth City Link Rail Alliance
• The State Government has provided $336million to sink the Fremantle Line and build the new bus station, and the City of Perth has allocated $38m. The Federal Government has allocated $236million to the rail project
• Additional information is available at http://www.perthcitylink.wa.gov.au