Work on the $1.86 billion Forrestfield Airport Link is steaming ahead with almost four kilometres of track now laid within the two tunnels of the METRONET line.
Premier Mark McGowan and WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti today visited the Airport Central Station, where the soaring eaves of the main atrium are now in place, to inspect progress works and talk to local workers.
The striking station roof takes inspiration from the contours of aircraft and will include a suspended art installation, which will be created by local artist and designer Anne Neil, in collaboration with Noongar artist John Walley.
Within this atrium is the longest uninterrupted escalator in the southern hemisphere at 35 metres long and 15 metres high.
Since tunnelling was completed in April, the focus has turned to fitting out stations and laying the railway track, ahead of trains commencing operation in late 2021.
So far, 5.7 kilometres of skeleton track has been laid with 3.9 kilometres of track, across both tunnels, have been completed for the 8.5 kilometre line. More than 2,400 tonnes of Australian-made steel are being used to build the track.
Almost 100 local workers are laying the track, which is being undertaken by Martinus Rail.
Works are continuing on the other stations with the concrete pours for the first level of the multi-storey carpark at High Wycombe Station now underway.
The roof steel structure at Redcliffe Station is 70 per cent complete and final touches are being made to the new roundabout at Second Street and Boulder Avenue.
Premier Mark McGowan said the METRONET project was one of the major infrastructure projects where work has been able to continue to help guide Western Australia out of the pandemic and build the economy back up.
“The Forrestfield Airport Link construction employs hundreds of local workers and provides opportunities for local businesses and subcontractors,” he said.
“This is just one of eight METRONET projects we have underway this year, building the infrastructure for tomorrow, creating jobs and supporting the State economy now.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said METRONET was paving the way for thousands of jobs for hard-working Western Australians and providing an economic boost for the WA economy.
“All along the Morrison Government has said that METRONET will re-shape Perth and we’re seeing this transformation take shape,” Mr Tudge said.
“It also means jobs right now and critical, targeted infrastructure for generations to come.”
Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said it was exciting to see the project taking shape.
“We’ve reached several milestones this year with the completion of tunnelling and the start of track laying,” she said.
“Track laying is progressing well almost 4 kilometres of track laid and completed and 5.7 kilometres of skeleton track laid.
“The stations are almost completed and it is exciting to think trains will be running on this line in late 2021.”
Federal Member for Hasluck, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP said the Forrestfield Airport Link would make a significant difference for local residents and the project was further demonstration of the Morrison Government delivering for residents of Hasluck and the surrounding areas.
“This is about making our area more liveable and ensuring that residents of Hasluck have access to key transport links,” Mr Wyatt said.
“It is also a vital investment to help boost local jobs and swell the local economy.”
Federal Member for Swan, Steve Irons MP welcomed the news on the progress of the project.
“It will play a significant role in the Federal Government’s strategy of congestion-busting infrastructure and getting people home sooner and safer,” Mr Irons said.
“The residents of High Wycombe and all travellers who use the airport will benefit from this project once it is completed, along with all the workers who were employed in its construction.”
The project is jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth governments.
