WA METRONET secures $6bn funding to continue progressing works

Western Australia’s METRONET program of works will continue delivering projects that will transform Perth as well as support and create jobs as the State Government allocates $6 billion through the 2022-23 State Budget. 

This significant funding injection will progress different METRONET projects over the next four years, including new projects such as the Morrison Road Level Crossing Removal in Midland and the Canning Bridge Bus Interchange. 

“Our massive METRONET program is powering ahead – transforming Perth’s public transport network, creating thousands of local jobs and supporting many WA businesses. 

“With the Airport Line to open this year and a further 13 METRONET projects planned or underway, we are setting up WA’s public transport network for the future and providing opportunities right now for local workers, apprentices and trainees. 

“This Budget, we are funding two important new METRONET projects – the Morrison Road Level Crossing Removal and the Canning Bridge Bus Interchange, delivering enhanced public transport options for even more parts of Perth,” Premier Mark McGowan said. 

Two METRONET projects – the multi-storey Mandurah Station car park and all road civic upgrades as part of the Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal Project – were completed recently, following the opening of the Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing and Assembly Facility last year. 

Meanwhile, the boom gates at the Caledonian Avenue level crossing on the Midland Line has gone down a final time ahead of passenger services on the Forrestfield-Airport Link beginning later this year along with the delivery of associated pedestrian, cycling and road improvements in the area that is now underway. 

Later this year, the contracts for the Byford Rail Extension and Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal projects are anticipated to be awarded while several other projects ramp up to peak construction. 

“Since we started METRONET five years ago, we have closed two level crossings in Kelmscott and Maylands, completed three projects, brought rail manufacturing back to Midland and are about to see our first new rail line open this year with the Forrestfield-Airport Link. 

“But that’s not all. We have created thousands of jobs in Western Australia, which we expect to continue as four of our projects ramp up to peak construction and another five get set to start major construction in the next financial year. 

“Our pipeline of infrastructure investment will continue, with contract award expected to be achieved for the Train Control and Signalling project next financial year and planning to progress on removing another level crossing on the Midland Line,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

METRONET projects map (source: METRONET)

Key milestones for METRONET in 2022-23 include: 

• About 20,000 passenger trips per day when the Forrestfield-Airport Link is completed, providing quick and easy access to Perth Airport and the eastern suburbs 
• The first C-series train rolling out of the Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing and Assembly Facility for testing on the network 
• Lakelands Station is on track for entry into passenger service mid-2023 
• Peak construction activities across a number of METRONET projects (Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Thornlie-Cockburn Link, Yanchep Rail Extension and Bayswater Station) 
• Beginning major construction on the Midland Station, Byford Rail Extension, Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal, Greenwood Station Multi-Storey Car Park and the Public Transport Operations Control Centre 
• Awarding the contract for the Train Control and Signalling project 
• Commencement of detailed planning for the Morrison Road Level Crossing Removal 

In addition, the 2022-23 Budget includes $1 billion in further funding from the State and Australian Governments for METRONET projects, including: 

• Further investment in the Train Control and Signalling project, which forms part of the High Capacity Signalling program of works and is currently out to tender. This work will increase the rail network’s capacity, improve safety and allow trains to operate more efficiently 
• Relocating the Canning Bridge Bus Interchange from Canning Highway to an elevated platform above the freeway and train station to improve safety for commuters and reduce traffic congestion and travel times 
• Planning for the Morrison Road Level Crossing Removal on the Midland Line, to improve safety and traffic congestion in the area 
• Further investment in the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Yanchep Rail Extension projects to address the impacts of cost escalation and supply chain constraints impacting the construction market 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Western Australia State Budget 2022-23; METRONET