Updated Claremont Station scope reflects stakeholder feedback
Construction of a new pedestrian overpass at Claremont Station has been postponed, while other planned works at Claremont continue to move ahead.
For some time planning has been taking place to upgrade the existing Claremont Station and, at the same time, build rail infrastructure to support Forrestfield-Airport Link trains.
When FAL trains start operations, they will enter the Midland Line at Bayswater Station and turn back on the Fremantle Line at Claremont Station. This new service pattern means the inner half of the Fremantle and Midland train lines will have a higher train frequency, similar to the Whitfords-to-Cockburn operation on the Joondalup-Mandurah lines. Providing this higher level of service is consistent with METRONET’s planning aspirations to intensify urban density in Perth’s inner suburbs.
Critical infrastructure required at Claremont will still be delivered by 2021 in time to support FAL operations. This includes two turnbacks to enable Forrestfield trains to turn west of Claremont Station, an upgrade to the station’s island platform and improvements to bus connections. The western pedestrian crossing must be removed as part of the initial upgrade, though the eastern pedestrian crossing will remain until a new overpass is constructed in the future.
To preserve the 134-year-old station’s heritage, original designs included an overpass 70m east of the existing footbridge. However, months of consultation with key stakeholders, including the Town of Claremont, highlighted the importance of investigating options to build a north-south pedestrian connection that encourages pedestrian access to the town’s main street, Bay View Terrace.
Improved bus facilities will allow for better support of the increased train services – every five minutes during peak – and provide the capacity to better manage rail replacement bus services in the event of planned or unplanned rail closures.
Discussions with key stakeholders are taking place regarding the possible inclusion of a pedestrian underpass – currently unfunded – west of the station to improve north-south connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.
The PTA and METRONET teams will work with key stakeholders, including the council, regarding the location and design of the future pedestrian overpass, ensuring it respects the surrounding heritage.
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