The Western Australian Government is now seeking Request for Proposals to start work on the METRONET Byford Rail Extension, with the main contract to be awarded in mid-2021.
The Byford extension involves the construction of approximately 8km of new track and a new station at Byford, about 400m north of Abernethy Road and south of Evans Way. It will include a bus interchange and up to 600 parking bays.
Armadale Station will also be expanded with longer platforms for six-car trains, a new Australind platform and an extended pedestrian overpass. The bus interchange will be redeveloped into a modern facility with better access to the station.
WA Premier, Mark McGowan, said the METRONET Byford Rail Extension was one of the State Government’s key election commitments to create closer transport links for the growing Byford area.
“We’re getting on with the job of delivering METRONET across local communities with seven projects under construction and several more now moving into the procurement phase to create thousands of local jobs and opportunities for local businesses,” Mr McGowan said.
“METRONET is supporting the Western Australian economy through COVID-19, and big builds like these, as part of the Building for Tomorrow program, create lasting infrastructure and spur on further developments in our growing communities and town centres.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge, said the METRONET developments means jobs for hard-working West Australians and financial stimulus for the state’s economy.
“All along the Morrison Government have said that METRONET will re-shape Perth and that transformation is underway,” Mr Tudge said.
“It means jobs right now and critical, targeted infrastructure for generations to come.”
Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said works would commence on the extension in November.
“Works will commence later this year with the removal of the Thomas Road level crossing which will create more than 300 local jobs,” Ms Saffioti said.
“The extension of the Armadale Line to Byford, along with the planned Tonkin Highway extension to Mundijong, will provide more transport options for residents in Perth’s south-eastern corridor.”
State Member for Armadale, Tony Buti, said the new extension also meant upgrades to the Armadale Train Station.
“These upgrades will improve safety and access while also helping to facilitate the extension of the line to Byford,” Mr Buti said.
“Our local community has been waiting for this project for many years and I’m pleased to see it is full steam ahead for these works.”
To help facilitate the rail line, the Thomas Road level crossing will be replaced with a road-over-rail bridge with works to commence in late 2020, supporting more than 330 jobs.
The concept design phase for the Byford Rail Extension Project is now underway and once complete the main construction contract is expected to be awarded in mid-2021.
