Preferred builders announced for two major METRONET projects in WA

Two major METRONET projects in Western Australia have reached new milestones in December 2021 with the announcement of the preferred proponents to deliver works on the Byford Rail Extension and Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal projects. 

The MetCONNX Alliance – comprised of Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Ltd, Pritchard Francis Consulting Pty Ltd and Kellog Brown & Root Pty Ltd – has been named as the preferred contractor to design and build the Byford Rail Extension. 

“We are thrilled to once again partner with the Western Australian Government to deliver another piece of state significant infrastructure. We have a long and proud history of delivery for the people of WA stretching back over 50 years and we are committed to creating great social and community outcomes with this important project,” Laing O’Rourke Australia Director – Clients & Markets Mark Dimmock said. 

The Byford Rail Extension project will extend the Armdale Line approximately eight kilometres south and build a new Byford Station about 400 metres north of Abernethy Road. 

Once completed, this METRONET development will provide commuters with a 42-minute train ride to the Perth CBD and will support the booming town centre. 

Additional funding for the Byford Rail Extension was allocated in May 2021 by the Australian Government and this will enable the expansion of the scope of the project to include removing the level crossing at Armadale Road, Forrest Road and Church Avenue by elevating the rail line as well as the Armadale Station in the area. 

Early works are already underway on the Thomas Road Over Rail Project, which is part of the Byford Rail Extension. 

“The suburb of Byford is growing rapidly and it’s important we deliver the infrastructure for the future now. 

“When the Byford Rail Extension is complete, Byford residents will be able to travel to the Perth CBD for the cost of a two-zone fare, with our capped public transport fare structure coming into effect from January 2022,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

On the other hand, the Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance – comprised of Acciona Construction Australia Pty Ltd, BMD Constructions Pty Ltd, WSP Australia Pty Ltd and AECOM Australia Pty Ltd – was named as the preferred contractor for the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project. 

This project will include removing the level crossings along the Armadale Line at Mint Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, Hamilton Street and Wharf Street by replacing them with elevated rail. 

The Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project will also deliver new elevated stations at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park and Cannington to allow safer and better rail connections to businesses and schools in these areas. 

“This project will completely revitalise Victoria Park and Cannington, with new elevated stations to be constructed, freeing up land under the train line for community use. 

“I will also be working with local members and key stakeholders about an action strategy for the land that will be freed up under the elevated rail,” Minister Saffioti said. 

The final contracts for both projects are due to be signed and officially awarded in the coming months following negotiations with the preferred proponents as well as the finalisation of detailed scope and cost of the project. 

The Australian and Western Australian Governments have jointly allocated an additional $600 million to the two major METRONET projects as well as for the New METRONET Midland Station project. 

The Australian Government has also committed an additional $25 million to deliver the Canning Bridge Interchange project. 

“The Morrison Government id continuing to fund the delivery of important infrastructure projects like METRONET, which help people get home to their families sooner and safer, move freight more quickly between our cities, and generate jobs across the country. 

“The projects are being funded as part of the Morrison Government’s record $110 billion, 10 year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia’s economic recovery,” Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said. 

Source: Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts; Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; METRONET (1, 2, 3); Laing O’Rourke