Work is underway to start preparing commuters for the temporary partial closure of the Mandurah Line for up to 25 days in late December, due to major construction on the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link.
This will be the biggest ever shutdown of Perth's public transport network with the Mandurah line to close completely between Aubin Grove Station and Elizabeth Quay Station.
Services will run at a reduced capacity between Mandurah Station and Aubin Grove Station.
From tomorrow (June 7), the Public Transport Authority will begin surveying commuters at stations along the Mandurah Line, including at Perth Underground, to help understand potential impacts of the closure, how to best target the bus replacement capacity and how to best communicate the blockade travel options with passengers.
Other travel options will be considered, including encouraging commuters to travel along the Armadale Line and fast replacement bus services.
This will be undertaken alongside engagement with key stakeholders.
Work is also being undertaken by the Public Transport Authority to arrange replacement bus services for affected commuters and specific services for key workers, including at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
More information about replacement services and the timing will be made available closer to the shutdown.
Commuters can also have their say by visiting https://www.buildingfortomorrow.wa.gov.au
Major works will be undertaken on the Thornlie-Cockburn Link, from where the Thornlie Line enters the Kwinana Freeway through the Glen Iris tunnel down to Cockburn Central Station.
A number of options to deliver the required work were assessed and this was considered to be the safest and least disruptive.
To limit the disruption time, significant supporting works will be delivered outside rail operating hours.
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link will be Perth's first east-west cross line connection, linking the Mandurah and Armadale lines and making travel through the southern suburbs quicker and more flexible.
The McGowan Government has nine METRONET projects under construction, creating thousands of local jobs and providing opportunities for local businesses.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The shutdown of the Mandurah rail line at the end of the year will be the biggest disruption of the public transport network Perth has seen.
"We know that this shutdown will be disruptive and inconvenient for many people and we apologise in advance for this.
"We want to hear from people about the disruption and how we can minimise impacts on their travel.
"The PTA will be out talking to commuters and people can also have their say by visiting the Building for Tomorrow website.
"We know this is frustrating but it is also exciting - these works are a key step in constructing the Thornlie-Cockburn Link, which will provide southern suburbs commuters with new transport options in the future, including a more direct connection to Perth Stadium.
"Thank you to all commuters for their patience while we build the infrastructure for tomorrow."
