New milestone marked on METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension Project

The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension Project in Western Australia is a step closer to providing a new transport option in and around Perth to more than 15,000 residents as it progresses towards completion. 

The project has marked a new milestone with the first 2.7 kilometres of track already laid out within the Ningana Bushland area. This includes the installation of about 14,000 tonnes of ballast and around 8,000 sleepers, forming the first section of the 14.5-kilometre extension. 

“Today marks another significant milestone in METRONET’s expansion of Perth’s public transport network. 

“The laying of the new track on the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension Project is a game-changer for people in Perth’s northern outer suburbs, contributing to the vision of better connecting major nearby population centres to the WA capital. 

“METRONET is providing the infrastructure Perth and the surrounding areas need, reducing congestion and delivering thousands of jobs,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Other works carried out over a seven-week period to reach this milestone include rail distribution, fastening, installation of 124 masts with cantilevers and two signal bases. 

New technologies are going to be utilised to assist in the laying of the bottom ballast, increasing the task’s efficiency while minimising waste. 

“Right across Perth, our transformational METRONET program is surging ahead, and the first tracks being laid on the Yanchep Rail Extension Project is another major milestone. 

“All up 14.5 kilometres of new track will be laid as part of this project, which will provide thousands of people living in our north access to a train line for the very first time. 

“The transformational METRONET program is delivering a major economic boost to our State and local economies and creating jobs for thousands of Western Australians,” Premier Mark McGowan said. 

First tracks being laid (source: METRONET)

The Yanchep Rail Extension Project will include: 

• 14.5 kilometres of new dual-track to extend the Joondalup Line 
• Three new stations: 
• Alkimos Station – including parking, bus interchanges, passenger amenities and cycling facilities to cater for approximately 3,616 daily boardings and offering an approximately 41-minute journey to Perth 
• Eglinton Station – including parking, bus interchanges, passenger amenities and cycling facilities to cater for an estimated 4,792 daily boardings and offering an approximately 46-minute journey to Perth 
• Yanchep Station – including parking, bus interchanges, passenger amenities and cycling facilities to cater for an estimated 11,032 daily boardings and offering an approximately 49-minute journey to Perth 
• Modification of Butler Station to turn it into a ‘through’ station 
• Shared path connections to each station for cyclists and pedestrians 
• Two stow roads north of Yanchep Station for four six-car trains 
• Nine road-over-rail bridges 
• A fauna underpass and three fauna bridges 
• New bus stowage depot at Alkimos 
• Noise and vibration mitigation measures including noise walls and ballast matting under the rail 

“The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension Project is transformational for Perth’s north, and this milestone means we are one step closer to delivering this key project. 

“We are building three new stations where passengers will be able to enjoy modern facilities and a seamless journey from Yanchep, Eglinton or Alkimos to the Perth CBD. 

“This is just another example of how our government is stimulating the economy, creating a pipeline of employment opportunities for our metropolitan areas and delivering transformational transport projects for the community,” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Project map (source: METRONET)

In early April, the deck pour for Yanchep Station was completed and it is the largest in volume project wide. 

Finishing works are already underway on the three fauna bridges, which is a major sustainability initiative on the project. The fauna bridges are the first of their kind in Western Australia, and they will provide native wildlife a safe crossing over the rail corridor as well as help maintain habitat connectivity within the Ningana Bushland. 

Vegetation to be planted in the cooler months on these bridges will match the surrounding bushland. 

In addition to providing an accessible and affordable transport option, the Yanchep Rail Extension Project will also support developing communities through employment opportunities – anticipated to support up to 1,370 jobs. 

“The new track laid for the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension Project will add both an essential travel option and convenience for many commuters who live in Perth’s outer northern metropolitan suburbs and who need to travel to the CBD or nearby,” Federal Member for Pearce Tracey Roberts said. 

“Very soon, communities in Yanchep, Alkimos and Eglinton will be connected to our metropolitan rail network which will significantly improve the way people are able to get around,” State Member for Butler John Quigley said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; METRONET (1, 2)