Works are now underway to prepare for an 18-month shutdown of the Armadale Line, to deliver a suit of upgrades as part of one of the largest public transport infrastructure projects in Perth’s history.

The upgrades being made to the Armadale Line include the removal of 13 level crossings, construction of seven new stations and the addition of 5.5 kilometre of Perth’s first elevated rail.

Works during the shutdown will also include three new bus interchanges in Armadale, Victoria Park and Cannington; additional bus storage at the Causeway Bus Station to improve service performance; construction of 1.2 km of priority bus lanes along Albany Hwy, Welshpool and Shepperton Roads; road modifications along Albany Hwy to improve safety and traffic flow; and installation of intelligent transport system technology including Bluetooth receivers, CCTV cameras and variable message signs.

Works as early as next month will begin on the construction of 1.2 kilometres of priority bus lanes and road modifications along Albany Highway, Welshpool and Shepperton Roads.

Significant work is also underway to prepare the new elevated rail ahead of the closure later this year.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the Western Australian Government was considering multiple options to deliver these works.

“An 18-month closure was the best way to get the job done in the shortest, safest, and most efficient way,” Saffioti said.

“This will be one of the biggest public transport infrastructure projects we have ever undertaken in our metro area and will deliver significant benefits to the community.”

Cannington MLA Bill Johnston said the Western Australian Government was delivering three level crossings in Cannington alone.

“This project is going to transform the rail corridor, but we know getting to that destination will create disruptions, which is why we will be working hard in the lead up to the shutdown, to make sure disruptions are minimised during the 18 months,” Johnston said.

During the shutdown, the intention is that the Armadale Line will continue to operate between Victoria Park and Perth, with train services cancelled between Victoria Park and Armadale.

Source: Link