Works continue to ramp up to transform the Armadale Line in WA

The transformation of the Armadale Train Line in Western Australia is forging ahead with demolition works almost complete and major construction activities set to begin. 

As construction nears, the first of four specialised gantry cranes arrived on site in East Victoria Park. The gantry cranes are imported from Italy and were specially built for the Armadale Train Line transformation project. 

The four 20-metre-tall gantry cranes are set to become key features of the project over the next 18 months as they play a critical role in building the more than five-kilometre elevated rail along the Armadale Line. 

Each crane has the capability to lift 120 tonnes, which will be put to the test as the cranes will be used to lift more than 532 L-beams, 332 piers and 155 headstocks as part of the Armadale Train Line transformation. 

The gantry cranes will be working in pairs to build the elevated rail structure. Two have been dedicated to the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project and the other two will be dedicated to the Byford Rail Extension project. 

Each gantry crane has been given names, which resulted from a community competition held earlier this year. The two cranes for the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project have been named Victor and Becky after the Victoria Park and Beckenham stations. On the other hand, the cranes for the Byford Rail Extension project will be named Yira and Kediny which are Noongar words that mean ‘carry’ and ‘high’. 

Works to transform the Armadale Line commenced on 20 November 2023. Since then, major demolition works have been carried out, including the removal of: 

• Seven train stations 
• Boom gates at 12 level crossings 
• 38,000 rail sleepers 
• 30 kilometres of track and overhead lines 

Several assets from existing stations and platforms will be saved for reuse including artwork, seating and bins as well as ticket vending machines, bus and bike shelters, and CCTV equipment. 

In addition to the arrival of the gantry crane, piling works have also commenced in Victoria Park in preparation for the construction of the viaduct structure – expected to begin within the next few weeks. 

“We made clear from the outset we would waste no time in getting on with this project – and that’s exactly what we are doing with most of the demolition works now complete with preparation for construction now underway. 

“The delivery of the first gantry crane to site is a major milestone in this project and signals that construction of the overhead rail structure is about to get underway. 

“Standing around 20 metres tall, these gantry cranes will be a major feature of the Armadale Line transformation – and with each being given a name – they’ll be recognised far and wide. 

“Piling works for the foundation of the overhead rail structure have now commenced in Victoria Park, and we should see construction getting underway in the next few weeks,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Earlier this year, the Western Australian Government announced the shutdown of the Armadale Line along with measures to ensure commuters are supported during the shutdown period. 

The replacement buses – which continue to perform well – are regularly seeing patronage of about 70 to 80 per cent. Meanwhile, local roads are coping with increasing traffic volumes, with only minor increases in travel times on key arterial routes. 

The Armadale Line transformation is comprised of three major projects – Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal, Byford Rail Extension and Thornlie-Cockburn Link – and it will deliver seven new stations including in the suburb of Byford for the first time; remove a total of 13 level crossings; build 5.5 kilometres of elevated rail; and create about six hectares of new public open space. 

Together, the three METRONET projects are expected to create thousands of local jobs.

The Byford Rail Extension is being undertaken by the MetCONNX Alliance, which is comprised of Laing O'Rourke, Pritchard Francis Consulting and Kellogg Brown & Root. The Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal, on the other hand, is being undertaken by the Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance, comprised of ACCIONA Construction, BDM Constructions, WSP and AECOM. The contracts were awarded in August 2022.

The NEWest Alliance - consisting of CPB Contractors and Downer Group - was awarded the contract to deliver the Thornlie-Cockburn Link project in November 2019.

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; METRONET (1, 2, 3); WA Building for Tomorrow