Rail on-track in new Fremantle Line tunnel

Inspecting the site today, Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the 600m-long tunnel was now complete and workers were now laying tracks to take the Fremantle line below ground.

“The tracks that are being laid brings the 100-year dream of reconnecting the CBD and Northbridge closer to reality,” Mr Buswell said.

“Perth City Link will fundamentally change the face of Perth and the way we use our city by sinking the rail, creating new connections between the CBD and Northbridge and bringing a vibrant new heart to the city centre.

“Together with Elizabeth Quay, the Riverside project, and the Perth Stadium, the Perth City Link is part of an era of transformation which will deliver benefits for generations of West Australians.”

The $609million tunnel and sinking of Wellington Street Bus Station is part of the more than $2.75billion State Government investment in the transformation of the heart of Perth. 

The track laying is expected to be completed in the coming months and is expected to carry the first passenger train through the tunnel by late July.

The Perth City Link project is a 5.2ha precinct between the Horseshoe Bridge and Perth Arena. It will be home to a mix of commercial and residential buildings as well as open public spaces.

The sinking of the Fremantle rail line is the first step in the redevelopment.

Work on the Perth City Link rail project began in August 2011 and is on target to be completed in 2014.

The $360million project to sink the rail line was funded jointly by the State and Federal governments and the City of Perth.

“The tunnel roof quite literally will be the foundation for the new city squares and buildings, where people will shop, eat and celebrate.  Ultimately, we’ll see vibrant squares, that will become focal points, just like Federation Square in Melbourne, and transform the way we use the city centre,” the Minister said.

The State Government has started procurement for the Perth City Link bus project to demolish the existing facility and build the new underground Wellington Street Bus Station.

Fact File

• Estimated total cost to complete rail works and sink bus station is $609million
• Part of that funding - $236million - was allocated by the Federal Government in the 2009-2010 Budget for Major Infrastructure projects under the Nation Building Program
• City of Perth contributing about $38million towards overall project