Up to six level crossings will be removed on the Armadale Line under a business case submitted to Infrastructure Australia.
Under the jointly funded $415 million Federal-State plan, the Inner Armadale Line Level Crossing Removal project will remove three level crossings at Oats Street, Mint Street and Welshpool Road.
The project business case also examines and assesses the removal of a further three level crossings, at William Street, Wharf Street and Hamilton Street.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said it was another targeted infrastructure project designed to deliver tangible benefits for the people of Perth.
“We are prioritising projects in Perth that will bust congestion but that are also going to drive the WA economy and deliver local jobs,” Mr Tudge said.
“We’re pumping billions of dollars into WA as we come out of COVID and you can see the construction activity right across the metropolitan area.”
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the McGowan Government is cutting waiting time for drivers and removing six level crossings along the Armadale line.
“Commuters can finally say bye, bye boom gates – we’ve all felt the pain sitting at a level crossing waiting for one, two, sometimes three trains to pass by,” she said.
“Submitting the business case to Infrastructure Australia is the next step forward to removing these boom gates – we plan to start procurement on this METRONET project later this year.”
Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons said the project would improve safety, promote better connections and movements along the Armadale Line for commuters and community members.
“I’ve advocated for the removal of level crossings along the Armadale Line for years – I’m pleased to see this project finally getting off the ground.”
State Member for Victoria Park Ben Wyatt said removing the Oats Street and Mint Street level crossings was one of his key election commitments.
“I’m pleased to see we are one step closer to removing these boom gates,” he said.
“METRONET is all about connecting the community and for the first time in a century this will remove parts of the rail barrier that have separated the communities of Carlisle and East Victoria Park.”
Removing these at-grade level crossings and replacing them with elevated rail provides a cost-effective solution to safety issues along the Armadale Line, while maintaining thoroughfares for motorists and serving as a catalyst for better design, placemaking and development opportunities around the train line.
Up to 2.8 kilometres of elevated rail could be laid along the inner Armadale Line, providing more opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to safely cross the rail corridor while also creating safer roads, quieter neighbourhoods and new connections between communities.
It will also remove the dreaded boom gates, reducing the amount of minutes spent by commuters sitting at level crossings. Currently Oats Street boom gates are closed 233 times a day for up to 1 minute 33 seconds per closure meaning it is down for up to six hours daily.
The business case for this METRONET project will now be reviewed by Infrastructure Australia with procurement for the project expected to begin later this year.
