The Forrestfield-Airport Link is underway with an established construction site and work underway at the Airport Central Station.
The Forrestfield-Airport Link project is closely aligned with Perth Airport’s redevelopment plans to consolidate the domestic and international airport terminals. Works have begun at the airport to construct the underground station box structure adjacent to the existing airport control tower.
The construction site at the Perth Airport, located near the control tower, will be ready for the tunnel boring machine to start travelling through in early 2018.
The tunnel boring machine will first break ground in Forrestfield in late July 2017, starting its two-year journey to Bayswater.
West Australian premier Mark McGowan said, “This important rail link was the number one priority of the METRONET vision.
“With work now underway, this project will deliver a significant jobs boost for Western Australians and help improve connectivity across our suburbs.”
The Forrestfield-Airport Link project is jointly funded by the State, with $1.37 billion, and Federal, with $490 million, governments and will create approximately 2000 jobs.
Three new stations will be built as part of the new rail link – Belmont Station, Airport Central Station and Forrestfield Station.
Perth Airport users will have access to a direct 18-minute train journey to the central business district.
WA Senator Mathias Cormann said, “The work on this important project will support the WA economy by creating jobs and ensuring that our communities are well serviced by high-quality transport services.”
West Australian transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “As well as creating 2,000 jobs throughout the life of the project, the Forrestfield-Airport Link will revolutionise public transport in the eastern foothills, and provide choice for how many of us travel to and from Perth Airport.
“The Forrestfield-Airport Link will provide affordable, efficient and quick access to the airport and eastern foothills – it will be a two-zone fare from the CBD.”
The works at Perth Airport coincide with the release of artist impressions of Airport Central Station. The underground station has been designed to create a seamless journey to the airport terminals via an elevated walkway.
The station has a striking roof shape inspired by the aerodynamic features of aircraft with ample natural light to the concourse and platform levels.
Like most stations on the Transperth network, the station will have lifts, stairs, escalators, toilets, ticketing and information services, a kiosk and customer service staff.
The Forrestfield-Airport Link is expected to be completed in late 2020.
