The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension is complete, connecting communities in Perth’s northern suburbs to the rail network.
The Yanchep Rail Extension extends the Joondalup Line 14.5 kilometres north from Butler, and includes three new stations in Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep.
Each station has modern facilities and ample parking, with more than 900 parking bays at Yanchep Station, 700 bays at Alkimos Station and 400 at Eglinton.
The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension was jointly funded by the Federal and Western Australian governments.
The state-of-the-art stations will unlock residential and commercial land in surrounding areas, opening up new housing opportunities linked to major infrastructure and services.
The extension includes three green fauna bridges – the first of their kind over rail in Western Australia – providing native wildlife a safe crossing over the rail corridor and maintaining habitat connectivity in the Ningana Bushland.
Nine public art pieces feature across these stations, celebrating the unique cultural, historical and environmental aspects of each station and the surrounding areas.
Construction works on the project began in late 2019, supporting around 1,370 local jobs.
Perth’s northern coastal corridor is among Australia’s fastest growing areas, and the new train line will connect rapidly developing suburbs to the Perth CBD and airport.
Travel to the city from Yanchep will only be a 49-minute journey, and through the State Government’s two-zone fare cap, commuters will pay $4.68 for the ride – with free travel every Sunday and school students travelling free during the week.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said the new train service means fast, affordable and reliable travel to the city and beyond for tens of thousands of people in the northern suburbs.
“This is what METRONET is all about – transforming suburbs, slashing travel time, reducing travel costs and creating jobs,” Mr Cook said.
“On behalf of the WA Government, I want to thank everyone who has been part of the project – particularly the workers, who have done a brilliant job.
“METRONET is powering ahead across our suburbs, with the Yanchep extension now open and the finish line in sight for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, said, “Projects like the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension highlight the importance of Australian and state governments working together to provide safer, faster and more efficient transport links.
“The Australian Government is investing almost $5 billion in METRONET to provide the infrastructure Perth and the surrounding areas need.
“The extension will create social and economic benefits for locals commuting south and visitors who want to explore Perth’s beautiful northern suburbs.”
Western Australia Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said, “Right across Perth, we are seeing communities being transformed and better connected thanks to our METRONET program and I am thrilled to see the Yanchep Rail Extension project reach completion.
“This extension will give over 169,000 future Yanchep-Two Rocks residents another transport option to travel around Perth for work, study, and recreation.”
State Member for Butler, John Quigley, said the project marked one the biggest the community has ever seen.
“The opening follows an extensive testing and commissioning program, which has ensured that all infrastructure and systems are operating effectively.
“This project has seen approximately 41,085 sleepers and 90,000 tonnes of ballast used, while three new fauna bridges are the first to be built over rail in Western Australia.”
Image: Perthsnap/shutterstock.com
