The boom gates at Perth's dreaded Denny Avenue level crossing will go down for the last time this evening in a key milestone for the METRONET Level Crossing Removal program.
The Kelmscott level crossing will permanently close to traffic, cyclists and pedestrians tonight, allowing workers to finish the new rail-over-road underpass 170 metres south at Davis Road, which is expected to open later this month.
With the boom gates down an average of one minute and 44 seconds at a time - a total average closure of three hours and seven minutes a day - removing this crossing will improve safety, reduce road congestion and help revitalise the local area.
If the level crossing were to remain open, by 2031 the total down-time would increase to three hours and 34 minutes per day.
Today's closure will facilitate essential works in coming weeks, including removal and decommissioning of the level crossing infrastructure, laying nearly 850 metres of rail track and building the new Principal Shared Path over the underpass.
Other work also underway in the Kelmscott area includes:
- Removing and replacing a 100-year-old water main on Albany Highway that supplies the Perth Central Business District, and replacing and increasing the capacity of a stormwater drain (in collaboration with the Water Corporation);
- Replacing Albany Highway's surface and updating drainage; and
- Revitalising Kelmscott Town Centre with landscaping and public art in collaboration with the City of Armadale and DevelopmentWA.
Work is continuing to remove other level crossings along the Armadale Line including at Mint Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, Hamilton Street, Wharf Street, and William Street, with procurement now underway.
The removal of the level crossings at Denny Avenue, Oats Street, Welshpool Road and Mint Street are jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State governments, with the Commonwealth committing $262.4 million.
Nine METRONET projects are underway across the metropolitan area, supporting thousands of local jobs and creating opportunities for local businesses.
As stated by WA Premier Mark McGowan:
"The closure of Denny Avenue level crossing is a big deal for commuters with big benefits as it removes a significant bottle neck in the area.
"It's the first level crossing along the rail network to be closed under the METRONET Level Crossing Removal Program.
"METRONET is the biggest rail infrastructure program to be delivered in Western Australia and we now have 9 projects underway.
"These works are creating opportunities for local businesses and supporting thousands of local jobs as our economy continues to recover from COVID-19."
As stated by Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher:
"The METRONET Level Crossing Removal program will make driving, walking and cycling around our train lines safer.
"By permanently closing the Denny Avenue level crossing today, we have removed one dangerous location where trains and road users interface.
"The imminent opening of the Davis Road underpass, which will eliminate the need to wait behind boom gates, will greatly improve road safety and bust congestion in Kelmscott."
As stated by WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"As a former Kelmscott Senior High School student, I know firsthand how frustrating it is to be stuck at the dreaded Denny Avenue level crossing.
"Today we say goodbye to the boom gates, with the level crossing bells to ring for the last time ever later tonight.
"If we didn't work to remove this level crossing, by 2031 the total down time of the boom gates would be more than three and a half hours each day.
"Our Government is getting on with the job of delivering METRONET, with up to another six level crossings to be removed along the Armadale Line, creating jobs, improving safety, and reducing congestion."
As stated by Senator for WA Matt O'Sullivan:
"Removing this level crossing will make a big difference to so many locals going about their day - it will make the intersection safer and the commute quicker.
"I'm proud to see the Commonwealth deliver significant funding towards this long-overdue project and, like so many locals, can't wait to see it finished."
