The Byford Rail Extension, part of the METRONET program, is well underway with all rail infrastructure between Armadale and Byford, and the rail bridges over Neerigan Brook and Wungong Brook removed to make way for new construction.
Major earthworks have started along the rail corridor in preparation for laying ballast, sleepers, and rail.
More than 25 per cent of the piers have been installed to support the elevated rail over Armadale Road, Forrest Road, and Church Avenue.
Other major works include:
- Over 50 per cent of earthworks for the Byford Station site are completed, including the bus interchange and parking areas
- More than half of the walls forming the Byford Station metropolitan platform are installed
- Piling is completed for the eastern side of the Eleventh Road bridge
- Foundations have commenced for Larsen Road pedestrian bridge
Sustainability is a key focus for the project with a new renewable diesel (HVO100) trial about to commence, a first in the Western Australian construction industry.
The project continues to create hundreds of direct employment opportunities project-wide, as it makes strides towards connecting residents in Byford and the wider Serpentine-Jarrahdale area to the Perth CBD on a seamless 42-minute train journey.
The Byford Rail Extension will deliver a brand-new Byford Station in the existing rail corridor 400m north of Abernethy Road, linking the old and new town centre with pedestrian-friendly east-west connections.
It will also rebuild Armadale Station as a new elevated station passing through the town centre, remove level crossings at Armadale Road, Forrest Road, and Church Avenue, and provide around 8km of continuous shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.
The project has been jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the Federal Government is proud to be supporting this crucial transport link for Perth that will provide a long-lasting transport legacy for commuters.
“This investment will greatly enhance and streamline access commuting to and from Perth and provide better integrated links into the city’s public transport network,” Ms King said.
Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook, said that the Byford Rail Extension will be transformative for Perth’s south-east, connecting these rapidly-growing communities to the city while creating hundreds of local jobs in construction.
“Our government knows how important affordable and accessible public transport is, which is why we’re laser-focused on delivering METRONET for Western Australia,” Mr Cook said.
Western Australian Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, said that the government has wasted no time getting on with this project, and that it continues to see huge progress being made on the Byford Rail Extension which will provide much-needed improvements in connectivity while also kick-starting development opportunities.
“It’s truly going to transform the way people commute, with a seamless 42-minute train journey to the CBD for residents in Byford and the wider Serpentine-Jarrahdale area once the Byford Rail Extension is completed.”