The Western Australia Government has welcomed Federal Labor’s election commitment of $87.5 million towards projects that would provide a major boost for METRONET.
The Western Australian Government would match the funding commitment which will see the William Street level crossing removed and Beckenham Station rebuilt and elevated as part of a $175 million project.
The State Government has already committed to removing five level crossings along the inner Armadale Line at Mint Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, Hamilton Street and Wharf Street.
William Street is the last level crossing before the Armadale Line joins the Thornlie-Cockburn Link.
The William Street level crossing is currently closed 266 times per day, resulting in the boom gates being down for a total of three hours and 43 minutes each day.
The project aims to improve safety and connectivity across the rail corridor, provide greater local amenity and the potential for nearby underutilised land to transition to residential and mixed-use development in the future.
The METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project is also seeing four stations rebuilt and elevated: Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park and Cannington.
These projects aim to improve safety, slash congestion and stop traffic build up by removing level crossings, while creating more public spaces and better walking and cycling options.
The Western Australian Government has 15 METRONET projects completed, under construction, in planning or in procurement.
Western Australia Premier, Mark McGowan, said, “My Government welcomes today’s commitment that an elected Federal Labor Government will commit $87.5 million to remove the William Street crossing, and rebuild and elevate Beckenham Station.
“We are already removing five level crossings throughout the Victoria Park and Cannington areas, and the removal of the William Street crossing would be the final piece of the puzzle.
“A brand new, elevated Beckenham Station would also provide a much improved public transport service for people in surrounding suburbs.
“I welcome Federal Labor’s commitment to METRONET. This major infrastructure program is massively expanding our public transport network, while creating thousands of local jobs and supporting local businesses.”
Western Australia Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said, “We know how frustrating it is to sit at the boom gates while multiple trains go past.
“The William Street boom gates go down up to 266 times a day – that means the crossing is closed for more than three hours and 40 minutes daily.
“The removal of the William Street crossing will make a huge difference for local traffic, while improving safety and creating new public space.
“We welcome this commitment and look forward to delivering on this project.”
