The McGowan Government is progressing work on the METRONET Byford Rail Extension with a business case for the project and the preferred location of the future Byford Station now finalised.
To help facilitate the rail line, the Thomas Road level crossing will be replaced with a road-over-rail bridge with works to commence in late-2020, supporting more than 330 jobs.
This project has been added to the scope of the $237 million Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge project, allowing the works to start now in order to save time and money.
Options are being considered for the other level crossings between Byford and Armadale and will form part of the main construction works.
The METRONET street-level Byford Station will be built adjacent to the emerging Byford Town Centre, within the existing rail corridor, about 8km south of Armadale Station.
The new station will have up to 600 parking bays, a bus interchange and pedestrian crossing over the railway line.
Armadale Station will also be expanded with longer platforms for six-car trains, a new Australind platform and an extended pedestrian overpass. The bus interchange will be redeveloped into a modern facility with better access to the station.
The Byford Rail Extension will now be submitted to Infrastructure Australia for consideration and to help secure Federal Government funding.
The METRONET team has worked closely with the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale on the project and there will be community information sessions held in coming weeks with more information on works.
The concept design phase for the Byford Rail Extension Project is now underway and once complete the main construction contract is expected to be awarded in mid-2021.
The McGowan Government has seven major METRONET projects underway this year, supporting local jobs and helping boost the economy.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Byford's population is forecast to double to 35,000 people by 2036, and that's why we committed to building this rail extension as part of METRONET.
"Big builds like these will mean there will be some disruption but it's about building for tomorrow and supporting WA jobs.
"Once complete, the project will make it easier for Byford residents to catch public transport in to Armadale, and other centres on the route to the Perth CBD, opening up new opportunities for employment, education and entertainment.
"The Byford Rail Extension will also act as a catalyst for further development in the future town centre, maximising the growth potential of the town."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We are working to ensure the people of Perth's south-eastern suburbs have top quality transport links, with the Byford Rail Extension and Tonkin Highway Extension both planned for the area.
"The main construction contract for the Byford Rail Extension is due next year and will bring an economic boost to the area as well as creating and supporting hundreds of local jobs.
"The Thomas Road level crossing replacement will pave the way for construction of Byford Station and is just one of eight level crossings we are removing across the rail network.
"This METRONET project is yet another way we're bringing road and rail projects together to get great outcomes for local communities."
