Contractors are invited to submit proposals for the completion of the Byford Rail Extension, part of the Metronet program in Perth.
The project involves constructing 8km of new track, a new station at Byford, a bus interchange and up to 600 parking bays.
Armadale Station will also be expanded for longer trains, and the project will include a new Australind platform and an extended pedestrian overpass. Armadale’s bus station will also undergo an upgrade.
The project, estimated to cost $481 million, will connect the high-growth suburb of Byford on Perth’s south eastern fringe to the rail network. A contract is expected to be awarded in mid-2021 with the concept design phase underway.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said works on the Thomas Road level crossing, ocnudcted by Main Roads Western Australia would begin the project.
“Works will commence later this year with the removal of the Thomas Road level crossing which will create more than 300 local jobs,” she said.
Local federal member Andrew Hastie said the community had been looking forward to the project.
“The Byford Rail extension will change the way people in Byford live and work,” he said.
“It will create more opportunities for local workers, students and businesses.”
State member for Armadale Tony Buti said his community was similarly enthused about the project.
“Our local community has been waiting for this project for many years and I’m pleased to see it is full steam ahead for these works.”
The Byford Rail Extension was submitted to Infrastructure Australia in July 2020, however the independent advisory body has yet to finalise its evaluation.
Options for the reconfiguration of other level crossings between Byford and Armadale are still being considered.