Two METRONET projects on track to begin construction next year
18 July 2018
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Project Definition Plans for Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Yanchep Rail Extension endorsed by Cabinet
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Industry briefing for construction companies to be held on July 18
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.Construction of both projects on track to start next year
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Both projects are estimated to create more than 3,000 WA jobs
WA Government:
Construction on the
Thornlie-Cockburn Link and
Yanchep
Rail Extension is on track to begin next year, with the project
definition plans for the
METRONET projects approved by Cabinet. They
will be submitted to
Infrastructure Australia in coming weeks.
More than 3,000
jobs are expected to be created over both projects,
which will be delivered together by one contractor.
The Yanchep Rail Extension will deliver the last 14.5km section of the
Joondalup Line from Butler to Yanchep, supporting ongoing growth in the
area and reducing
road congestion.
The 17.5km Thornlie-Cockburn Link will connect the Mandurah and Armadale
Lines, creating development opportunities around the proposed Nicholson
Road and Ranford Road stations and improving access from the southern
suburbs to Optus Stadium.
Thornlie Station will become a through station and a new platform will
be built at the northern end of Cockburn Central Station. An additional
three kilometres of rail line will be constructed to duplicate the
section between Beckenham and Thornlie Stations.
The projects, with a current combined budget of $1.056 billion, are
being delivered by the State and Commonwealth governments through a
joint funding arrangement, with the Commonwealth funding $700 million
and the WA Government $356 million.
The completion of the project definition plans confirms positive benefit
cost ratios for each project, which will meet the precondition for the
Commonwealth Government's funding, which was subject to positive
business cases.
A tender seeking consultants to carry out
geotechnical and
groundwater
investigations for both METRONET projects has already been released and
will inform further detailed design for the railways.
A briefing to the construction industry will be held on Wednesday, July
18.
There will be a series of drop-in sessions where community members can
speak to planning and delivery teams to learn more about the projects.
More information about the briefings can be found on the METRONET
website.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"I've seen firsthand the incredible transformative effects rail projects
can bring to a community after the Mandurah Line was built.
"Development around train stations can take many years, however METRONET
puts these areas in a good position to maximise our investment and
create connected, liveable communities.
"Collectively, these two projects will generate more than 3,000 jobs for
WA. Combining the two projects into one main contract should
generate significant savings for WA taxpayers."
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The rail connections for the both the northern suburbs and through
Canning Vale have long been talked about. These plans recognised rail as
essential infrastructure and an important travel option to help connect
and move people living and working in the area.
"We have developed plans to ensure this investment creates places where
people can live the lifestyle they choose and still have the option to
access jobs, schools, the CBD and other facilities like the airport and
Stadium.
"The station designs will be the first examples of the new METRONET
approach to integrated transport and land use planning as they
accommodate day one of operations, but are flexible enough to change as
development around the station occurs in the future.
"I am also pleased that our consultation with existing residents has
already led to changes so that there will be more ballast matting under
both new passenger lines and under the existing freight line between
Thornlie and Cockburn to reduce noise and vibration. As a result, noise
and vibration between Thornlie and Cockburn will be kept to the same or
lesser levels to that currently generated by the existing freight line."
--ENDS--
Source: Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au
Contact: Premier's office: 6552 5000 Transport Minister's office: 6552 5500
External Links: N/A
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