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New details of the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line have been unveiled with today’s release of the Project Definition Plan.

More than 3,000 local jobs are expected to be created and supported across the life of the project while more than 11,700 passenger boarding’s are expected on the line from the very first day of operations and up to 18,070 daily boarding’s by 2031.

The 21 kilometre rail line is the State’s biggest public transport project since construction of the Mandurah Line, includes new stations at Ellenbrook, Whiteman Park, Malaga, Noranda and Morley and will connect the fast growing north-eastern corridor to a redeveloped Bayswater Station and then onto the city.

Premier Mark McGowan said the Morley-Ellenbrook Line will create more than 3,000 jobs and provide opportunities for local businesses.

“This year alone we have seven METRONET projects under construction, which is a significant transformation to our State’s infrastructure and public transport build,” he said.

“Our METRONET projects and the associated pipeline of work will help support local jobs and our COVID economic recovery.”

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said METRONET would change the way people moved around Perth for generations to come.

“Thousands of people will use this line from day one of operation, stripping cars off Perth roads and busting congestion,” Mr Tudge said.

“In the short term we are also making sure we are injecting much needed infrastructure funds into the WA economy and creating jobs for hard working West Australians is a top priority as we make our way out of the COVID pandemic.”

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the PDP outlines how important the Morley-Ellenbrook rail line will be for residents in the north-eastern suburbs.

“Perth’s north-eastern suburbs are some of the fastest-growing population areas in Australia but they are still without a train link. The Morley-Ellenbrook Line will change all of that.

“However, this project is more than just a train line – it is about giving locals more options when choosing how they travel, where they work and where they want to live.

“The estimated boarding’s of more than 11,000 for the first day of service shows how needed this train line is.”

Federal Member for Pearce Christian Porter said the Morley-Ellenbrook Line will add further amenity to the local community.

“Like many in my electorate, I am delighted that this project is finally moving ahead and I know it will make a significant difference to the everyday lives of those who’ve been waiting so patiently for it,” he said.

“Once completed the Ellenbrook Rail Line will connect communities to jobs and services and unlock opportunities for business growth in our region.”

“This project will become a reality with a $500 million contribution from the Federal Liberal Government – money that was allocated in the Government’s 2018 budget.”

The new stations will include parking for a total of about 3,300 cars, four bus interchanges, universal access, cycle facilities, toilets and shared paths connecting them to the surrounding networks.

The Perth CBD will be as close as 15 minutes when boarding at Morley and just 30 minutes from Ellenbrook – making it the quickest transport option available for nearby residents.

Integration with the Midland Line will also give passengers improved access to other destinations on the rail network, including Perth Airport.

Works will be delivered through four key packages, early works kicked off at Bayswater Station late in 2019.

The contract for the Tonkin Gap project and associated enabling works for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line was today awarded to the Tonkin Gap Alliance, comprising of BMD, Georgiou, WA Limestone, BG&E and GHD.

This project will support around 3,000 local jobs while fixing a major bottleneck on Tonkin Highway between Morley and Redcliffe, which more than 120,000 cars and trucks use on an average weekday.

Two proponents have been shortlisted for the main construction contract Ellenbrook Alliance (CPB Contractors and Downer EDI) and MELconnx Consortium (Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction), with the main contract expected to be awarded later this year.