Work is now underway on the Ellenbrook train station on the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line.
The first stage of work at the Ellenbrook Station site includes bulk earthworks, installation of in-ground services and station footings, followed by structural works, facades and interior.
It will be the most northern of the five new stations along the new 21-kilometre rail line to Perth, with stations constructed at Whiteman Park, Malaga, Noranda and Morley, before the train links to the Midland Line at the new Bayswater Station.
Site compounds will be located at the Ellenbrook, Whiteman Park and Malaga station sites while, in the rail corridor, clearing and service relocations have started.
The project's next stage includes building the foundations for the elevated station at Whiteman Park and the start of earthworks for bridge structures at Gnangara Road, Beechboro Road, and within Bennett Springs.
Work is also continuing on the Tonkin Gap project, which is delivering works on the Morley-Ellenbrook Line.
Last weekend eight bridge beams were installed as part of the Broun Avenue bridge, which will become the new bus interchange for the METRONET Morley Station, and a further six bridge beams will be lifted next weekend for the Morley Drive rail bridge.
The project is anticipated to support and create up to 6,500 local jobs.
The new Ellenbrook Station is being constructed in the heart of Ellenbrook's town centre and will offer quick and easy transport services to the more than 46,000 residents currently living in and around the suburb, slashing public transport travel times by up to 50 per cent.
The population of residents living within a one-kilometre radius of the station is anticipated to increase from under 4,080 to more than 7,300, with local jobs anticipated to grow from 2,710 to over 3,500.
Ellenbrook Station has been designed as a major activity centre to support this growth, while making the most of vacant land around the station, with high intensity development in areas close to the future strategic station precinct anticipated to increase dwellings from 1,580 to 2,840.
As planned, the Morley-Ellenbrook Line is expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
Comments attributable to WA Premier, the Hon Mark McGowan MLA:
"The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line has been promised for many years and my Government is delivering on this transformational, job-creating project and getting construction underway.
"The new train line will completely change the way people in our north-eastern suburbs travel, slashing travel times almost in half.
"This is one of the 15 METRONET projects we currently have under construction, have completed, in planning or in procurement."
Comments attributable to Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP:
"The Morrison Government is committed to funding city-shaping projects across Perth including METRONET, to ease congestion, improve connectivity and help commuters get home to their loved ones sooner and safer.
"This includes a $624.8 million commitment for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, which will support up to 6,500 local jobs and provide better transport options for Perth's north-eastern suburbs."
Comments attributable to WA Transport Minister, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA:
"I have been campaigning for the Ellenbrook train line for over a decade and I am so proud to turn the sod today to mark the start of works.
"Our north-eastern suburbs are one of Australia's fastest growing communities, and the population is expected to double by 2050 - from 209,000 in 2011 to more than 450,000 by 2050.
"It's important we build the infrastructure for this growth now.
"Ellenbrook Station will create more transport choice for residents living in Ellenbrook, Aveley and The Vines, and will be a key transport link for suburbs further to the north including Bullsbrook and surrounds."
Comments attributable to Federal Member for Hasluck, the Hon Ken Wyatt MP:
"The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line is a significant investment in the future of our rapidly growing community.
"Once operational, the line will bring improved access to public transport for local Ellenbrook commuters, in addition to reducing urban congestion.
"The Australian Government is committed to improving land transport networks in Ellenbrook, its surrounding suburbs and across WA."
