Five dangerous and congested level crossings along Western Australia’s Armadale Line between Victoria Park and Canning will soon be gone as a single-structure elevated rail solution has been announced along with the locations of new elevated stations.
“These projects are some of the many critical infrastructure projects to receive funding from the Morrison Government as part of its $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia’s world-leading economic recovery.
“By alleviating congestion across this transport corridor, we’re helping the people of Perth get home to their families sooner and safer, we’re driving the economy and we’re supporting local jobs,” Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher MP said.
The level crossing at Mint Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, Hamilton Street and Wharf Street are going to be removed and replaced by an elevated rail to allow motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to travel through the area without interacting with the rail line.
On the other hand, the locations of the new elevated stations will be at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park and Cannington. Due to its low patronage, the Welshpool Station is going to be closed.
“Anyone who has been stuck at a level crossing knows the dread when the lights start flashing and the boom gates start coming down.
“These boom gates are down for a total of three hours each per day, which is frustrating for commuters, pedestrians and cyclists,” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
The new station locations have already been confirmed and the Carlisle Station is going to be moved closer to Mint / Archer streets to provide easier access to local businesses and schools.
Oats Street Station will have entrances on either side of the road, providing safer access. The entrance to Queens Park Station is going to be relocated to better connect to local schools; and the Cannington Station entrance is planned to face Cecil Avenue.
As a result of community feedback, the single-structure elevated rail solution was chosen as it maximises the freed up land as well as minimise visual impact and create welcoming public spaces. This design option will also help moderate train noise and the platform shelters will serve as privacy screening.
In addition, the elevated rail line option will create approximately six hectares of public open space in areas of the rail reserve that is not occupied by railway infrastructure. The public open space will feature extensive landscaping, public art and facilities like bike racks as well as gym and playground equipment installed to create vibrant public spaces.
“The adoption of elevated rail through this project will transform the way people interface with the railway, unlock public open space for the local community, reduce noise, enable the removal of significant power lines and towers, and bust congestion.
“I’ve advocated for the removal of level crossings along the Armadale Line for years – I'm pleased to see this project finally getting off the ground,” Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons MP said.
As part of the next stages of design, further consultation is going to be undertaken in 2022 and the local community will play a key role in shaping the design for these spaces.
Applications to be a part of the new Community Reference Group that will help shape the next stage of the project has also been opened and the members of the community are encouraged to apply. Applications can be submitted here.
“I’ve been stuck at the Mint Street and Oats Steet level crossings more times than I can count.
“This project is exciting and will create vibrant new spaces for our community to enjoy – I would encourage all community members to get involved and register their interest for the Community Reference Group.
“METRONET is all about connecting the community and for the first time in a century this will remove parts of the rail barrier that have separated the communities of Carlisle and East Victoria Park,” State Member for Victoria Park Hannah Beazley said.
The procurement phase of this project is currently underway and the contract is due to be awarded later this year.
Prior to construction, Western Power is going to be relocating – and in some cases undergrounding – several high voltage transmission lines around the station and rail corridor. These pre-construction works will eliminate interface risks during and after construction of the rail and it will also improve overall amenity.
The contract for the key Western Power works is anticipated to be awarded later this year and main construction activities are expected to be completed in late-2022.
Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts; METRONET (1, 2)