The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension has hit a major milestone with the first test train running on the new tracks today.
The project will see the Joondalup Line extended 14.5 kilometres north from Butler, and three new stations built in Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep.
The extended line will connect tens of thousands of people in the city's growing northern corridor to Perth's metropolitan rail network for the first time and help develop activity centres by stimulating new employment opportunities and residential and commercial land use.
The first test train marks the start of an extensive testing and commissioning program, which will ensure all infrastructure and systems are operating effectively and trains are running safely, efficiently and smoothly.
The 14.5 km extension has seen approximately 41,085 sleepers and 90,000 tonnes of ballast installed, while three new fauna bridges are the first to be built over rail in Western Australia.
When passenger services start in 2024, it will be a 49-minute journey from Yanchep to Perth, a 46-minute journey from Eglinton to Perth and a 41-minute journey from Alkimos to Perth.
In preparation of the opening in 2024, community consultation will be undertaken in the New Year to plan for the new and amended bus routes that will support the new stations.
The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments.
Quotes As put by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Projects like the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension highlight the importance of Australian and State governments working together to provide safer, faster and more efficient transport links.
"The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension will create social and economic benefits for locals commuting south and visitors who want to explore Perth's beautiful northern suburbs.
"This project is part of the Australian Government's $4.19 billion investment into METRONET, which includes an additional $1 billion commitment announced recently."
As stated by Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"In 2024, tens of thousands of people living in communities like Yanchep, Alkimos and Eglinton will be connected to our world class metropolitan rail network for the first time, creating social and economic benefits for locals commuting south and visitors who want to explore our beautiful northern suburbs.
"The first test train on the tracks represents a major milestone for the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension Project and means new train services through Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep are just around the corner.
"The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension and recently opened Mitchell Freeway extension represent more than $1.2 billion of investment in better connecting to Perth's growing northern suburbs and highlights the importance our Government places on providing safer, faster and more efficient transport links.
"New and amended bus routes will support the new stations and service planning alongside community consultation will ensure the needs of the community are met."
As stated by Federal Member for Pearce Tracey Roberts:
"Fantastic to see that very soon, our communities in Alkimos, Eglington and Yanchep will be connected to the metropolitan rail network, designed to significantly improve how people can travel around, in and from the outer metropolitan suburbs.
"Community consultation will start in the New Year to plan for new and amended bus routes, to ensure the needs of the community are met."
As stated by State Member for Butler John Quigley:
"The first test train marks the start of an extensive testing and commissioning program, which will ensure all infrastructure and systems are operating effectively and trains are running safely, efficiently and smoothly.
"Approximately 41,085 sleepers and 90,000 tonnes of ballast have been used on the project, while three new fauna bridges are the first to be built over rail in Western Australia."
