Plans to remove level crossings across the Armadale Line in Western Australia is moving forward with the release of tenders for work on the METRONET project that will bust congestion along the rail line.
“People living along the Armadale Line are all too familiar with the presence of outdated and dangerous level crossings on their daily commutes.
“This project will overhaul and improve traffic flow in the areas where the level crossings are located - improving safety and cutting travel times,” Victoria Park MLA Ben Wyatt said.
Three level crossings are set to be removed along the Armadale Line, and works are set to begin to remove the first level crossing at Denny Avenue later this year.
More level crossings have been identified for potential removal along the Armadale Line between Beckenham and Victoria Park as a result of preliminary planning for the removal of the Oats Street and Wharf Street level crossings.
The planning study resulted to an expanded scope that will now include removing level crossings on Mint Street, Welshpool Road and Oats Street as one package; and on Hamilton Street, Wharf Street and William Street as another package.
“This call for tenders represents a major milestone for improving safety and traffic flow along the Armadale Line.
“We are now investigating the removal of even more crossings as part of this project - with motorists, pedestrians and public transport users all set to benefit from this major overhaul,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
The winning tenderer will undertake investigation works to remove the level crossings and will focus on reducing congestion as well as maximise safety for pedestrians and drivers, improving connectivity and support future developments on the precinct.
Expressions of interest will begin later this year for a team of engineering and land use planning consultants that can undertake vital works needed to inform the business case.
Approximately $415 million has been allocated from the 2019-20 State Budget for the removal of three level crossings.
“The State Government has carried our significant preliminary work into level crossing removal along the Armadale Line and this latest phase brings us a step closer to delivering major benefits for communities along the Armadale Line.
“Removing level crossings not only improves safety and traffic flow - these projects will require significant capital works, creating jobs and supporting businesses in a range of industries,” Cannington MLA Bill Johnston said.
In addition, the Denny Avenue level crossing removal is currently in the procurement stage, with a contractor set to be appointed in late-2019. Early works on the project commenced in May of this year, including the demolition of a number of properties along the project area.
The Denny Avenue level crossing removal project will include:
- Construction of a rail over road underpass by gradually raising the rail and sinking Davis Road
- Extending Davis Road to Third Avenue to maintain vital east/west connection
- Widening Davis Road to two lanes in each direction
- Installation of traffic lights at Davis Road intersections at Albany Highway, Streich and Railway avenues, and at the Gilwell Avenue/Albany Highway intersection
- Removal of existing traffic lights along Denny Avenue at Albany Highway, Streich and Railway avenues
- Upgrades to Albany Highway to include two new signalised intersections and new turning lanes for Davis Road and Streich Avenue
- Creating a walk/cycle path over the new Davis Road underpass on the Railway Avenue side of the rail line
- Turning sections of Third and Slee avenues into cul-de-sacs
- Civic improvements and road landscaping to revitalise the Kelmscott town centre including refurbishing Station Masters House and land development opportunities
“With works set to start on the Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal this year, it is an exciting time for improving safety and connectivity along the Armadale Line,” Minister Saffioti said.
Get the latest industry news and project updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to Felix Project News today.
Source: Government of Western Australia; METRONET (1, 2, 3)
