Two METRONET projects get ready for construction this year

Western Australia’s Bayswater Station upgrade and Denny Avenue level crossing removal projects have marked new milestones, with both projects expected to begin construction this year. 

The contract to build the new Bayswater Station has been formally awarded to the Evolve Bayswater Alliance – comprised of Coleman Rail – with Decmil to contribute to the works. New artist impressions and an animation for this project have been released as well.

In addition, the construction contract for the Denny Avenue level crossing removal has also been formally awarded to Downer EDI.

“In times like these it’s important we continue to progress the projects that will provide work for local businesses and keep workers in their jobs. This will ultimately support the State’s wider economy. 

“The METRONET Bayswater Station upgrade and Denny Avenue level crossing removal projects, combined with construction of other nearby major projects like the Tonkin Gap and Morley-Ellenbrook Line, will help support the WA economy through some tough times ahead,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

The Bayswater Station project will include: 

• Construction of a new four-platform station – with passenger amenities – that can accommodate a six-car train on a higher rail bridge over King William-Coode streets 
• Additional rail infrastructure between Bayswater and Meltham stations 
• Whatley Crescent-Beechboro Road South connection under the railway and surrounding road works, including reconfiguring the King William Street-Whatley Crescent intersection and reducing Whatley Crescent to two lanes through the town centre 
• Hamilton Street public space that follows the area’s natural geography for pedestrian connections from a lowered Whatley Crescent to Hamilton Street 
• Removing Coode Street-Railway Parade signalised intersection and reconfiguring the King William Street-Whatley Crescent intersection to introduce pedestrian priorities 
• Two station entrances to reduce passengers crossing roads and to provide alternative emergency exits 
• Integrating bus services with the local road network without requiring buses to turn in residential streets of operate from a large bus interchange within the town centre 
• Upgrading the pedestrian underpass at Leake Street 
• Building an elevated Principal Shared Path along the Whatley Crescent side of the rail bridge 
• Additional parking at Meltham and Ashfield stations 

The new station at Bayswater is set to become a new METRONET precinct providing connections to the Midland Line, Forrestfield-Airport Link and Morley-Ellenbrook Line. 

This $253 million project is expected to support up to 350 jobs as well as help the State move towards economic recovery post-COVID-19. 

“The heritage precinct of Bayswater is ready to support the jobs and innovation the station redevelopment brings. 

“This amazing project will see Bayswater become an integral transport hub for our State,” Marylands MLA Lisa Baker said. 

Source: METRONET

The Denny Avenue level crossing project in Kelmscott will include: 

• Permanently closing the level crossing at Denny Avenue 
• Construction of a rail-over-road underpass by gradually raising the rail and sinking Davis Road under the elevated rail line 
• Extending Davis Road to Third Avenue to maintain the important east/west connection for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians 
• Reducing Denny Avenue from four lanes to two lanes 
• Widening Davis Road to accommodate up to four lanes of traffic (two in each direction) 
• Installation of traffic lights at the Davis Road intersections at Albany Highway, Streich and Railway avenues 
• Upgrading Albany Highway, including installing a new signalised intersection at Davis Road, and installing two new turning lanes into Davis Road 
• 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 to revitalise the Kelmscott town centre including refurbishing the Station Masters house, creating a public plaza near Kelmscott Station and land development opportunities 
• Public art and landscaping throughout the project area 
• A new signalised pedestrian crossing near Gilwell Avenue to provide safe pedestrian access across Albany Highway 

The Denny Avenue level crossing is the first of about eight level crossing to be removed as part of the wider METRONET development and it is expected to support up to 150 jobs. 

Early works – including geotechnical testing, demolition of buildings and removal of several Railway Avenue trees – commenced last year and major construction works are anticipated to begin in mid-2020. 

“This final step in the removal of the Denny Avenue level crossing is welcome news for motorists in the region. 

“The revitalisation of the town centre is perfectly timed to bring a much needed boost to business confidence and employment opportunities,” Armadale MLA Tony Buti said. 

The projects under the METRONET development play a vital role in the State’s recovery plan for its post-pandemic response. 

About six METRONET projects are going to get underway this year alone and local businesses are encouraged to register their interest to get involved in the delivery of METRONET works here. 

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Source: Government of Western Australia; METRONET (1, 2, 3, 4)