Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King and Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti have today visited Beckenham Station, which will now become an elevated station thanks to funding in the October Federal Budget.
The Albanese Government has delivered on its commitment of $87.5 million towards the project that it made in the lead up to the election, and has confirmed the funding in last week's Budget.
The McGowan Government has also committed $87.5 million towards the project.
The funding to elevate the station will also see the removal of the William Street level crossing.
The works will form part of a broader program, which will now see the removal of six level crossings and the construction of five new elevated stations.
The project will significantly ease congestion along the Armadale Line, where some boom gates are down for several hours every day.
On average, the William Street level crossing closes 266 times every single day, resulting in the boom gates delaying traffic for a total of three hours and 43 minutes.
The new elevated rail line will also generate new opportunities for development and public open space as land previously occupied by the rail line becomes available.
The Federal Budget also included investment in a number of other additional projects for Western Australia, including:
- $125 million for electric bus charging infrastructure and depots;
- $400 million to seal the Tanami Road;
- $35 million for an interchange at Nicholson Road and Garden Street;
- $15 million for the Flynn Drive upgrade; and
- $7.25 million for the Gnangara Road upgrade.
Planning for the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal and Byford Rail Extension projects is continuing, with the 18-month Armadale Line shut scheduled to begin in late 2023.
As stated by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"We made a commitment to fund this project in the lead up to the election, and we've wasted no time in delivering on that commitment by allocating funding in last week's Federal Budget.
"Our Government is committed to investing in projects that deliver positive outcomes for the community and this project ticks all the boxes.
"The extent to which the level crossings along the Armadale Rail line disrupt the flow of traffic is remarkable - it's a significant drain on local industry, and for people going about their day-to-day business, this project will remove those delays."
As stated by WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This investment by the Federal Labor Government is going to further enhance the Vic Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project, which will significantly reduce traffic congestion for thousands of commuters who live near the Armadale Line.
"On average, the William Street level crossing is closed 266 times every single day, with motorists forced to wait nearly four hours for passing trains.
"Having motorists forced to wait hours for passing trains in a growing city like ours is unsustainable, and these projects will slash congestion and provide a boost to local industry, and people living in the area.
"The removal of level crossings will also create significant new opportunities for activation, more public open space including walking and cycling infrastructure and more residential development through this corridor."
As stated by Federal Member for Burt, Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel Minister, Matt Keogh:
"This level crossing is a huge bottleneck for local residents, businesses and the school right next door. This will go a long way to alleviating that congestion.
"I'm so proud to have secured the commitment for my community. Making sure it gets under way quickly and lining it up with the other work on the Armadale line will ensure there's no added disruption for locals.
"This investment demonstrates the Albanese Government's deliver of commitments to Burt and Western Australia - making people's journeys faster and safer."
As stated by Federal Member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas:
"The Australian Government is working in partnership with the WA Government on the investments that delivers the best value for taxpayers' dollars and the best outcomes for the people of Western Australia.
"These vital works are part of a major, $670 million Australian Government investment in election commitments for vital infrastructure projects in the State, which were confirmed in the recent Federal Budget."
As stated by Cannington MLA Bill Johnston:
"It's fantastic that we've been able to secure this investment from the Federal Government towards the removal of the William Street Level Crossing and elevation of Beckenham Station.
"The William Street level crossing is one of a number in our community that cause significant disruption, and its removal will no doubt be welcomed by many."
