The first train has taken to the tracks, with testing now underway on the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, the largest public transport project delivered in Perth since the Mandurah Line.
The Morley-Ellenbrook Line starts at Bayswater Station on the Midland Line, travels in the centre of Tonkin Highway, through land north of Marshall Road, along the western side of Drumpellier Drive (formerly New Lord Street) and ends in Ellenbrook, south of The Parkway.
The project has seen 21 kilometres of new rail line constructed, including 150,000 sleepers and 96,000 tonnes of ballast, and five new stations currently being delivered in Morley, Noranda, Ballajura, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook.
The first train on the tracks 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 start of testing and commissioning comes as the new Whiteman Park Station approaches formal completion. Whiteman Park will be the third station to be completed, alongside Ellenbrook and Ballajura. Works on Morley and Noranda stations continues, with completion scheduled in the coming months.
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When passenger services begin later this year, the line will provide around a 30-minute journey from Ellenbrook to Perth, halving the commuting time for passengers.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said testing was a major milestone for the project.
“The tracks are laid, the stations are almost complete, and now trains are on the METRONET line to Ellenbrook – the finish line is well and truly in sight,” he said.
“This will be a game changer for Perth’s north-east – bringing affordable public transport to our suburbs, slashing congestion, supporting jobs and transforming local communities.”