The Western Australian Government’s Railway (METRONET) Amendment Bill 2022 has passed the Legislative Assembly and will authorise various railway works along the length of the Armadale line.
The passing of the bill will also authorise the construction of the Byford Rail Extension and the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal.
Inclusion of these projects within the scope of the Railway METRONET Act 2018 is expected to create consistent and uniform railway enabling legislation for construction of the two projects, in line with the Thornlie-Cockburn Link, Yanchep Rail Extension and Morley-Ellenbrook Line railways.
A raft of works will be completed along the length of the 129-year-old Armadale Line including an 8 kilometre extension to Byford, removing up to 12 vehicle level crossings, elevating the rail through Victoria Park and Cannington, and tying in the Thornlie-Cockburn Link between Beckenham and Thornlie Stations.
New stations will be built at Byford, Armadale, Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park and Cannington.
Thousands of local jobs are expected to be created over the life of the project, with early works to remove the Thomas Road level crossing already underway as part of the Byford Rail Extension.
The Armadale Line will be shut down for up to 18 months from early 2023 to enable the works to be carried out as quickly and safely as possible.
Western Australia Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said, “Today, the Railway (METRONET) Amendment Bill 2022 has been passed by the Legislative Assembly.
“This is another step closer to authorising the construction of two major job-creating METRONET projects – the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal and Byford Rail Extension.
“These projects will create thousands of local jobs, while improving public transport opportunities from our south-eastern suburbs.
“The Armadale Line will need to close in early 2023 to enable these works. We have recently launched a passenger survey to help us determine alternative services and I encourage everyone to have their say.”
