METRONET Byford Rail Extension works start at Thomas Road

Early work has begun for the removal of the Thomas Road level crossing, signalling the beginning of the wider METRONET Byford Rail Extension project.

The $52 million project will see a new road bridge built over Thomas Road to make way for the rail line which will support the Byford Rail Extension project.

This project has been fast tracked by the Western Australian Government to help boost the economy and create local jobs.

Thomas Road construction will include building a four lane road bridge to facilitate the extension of the Armadale Line by eight kilometres to Byford.

Alongside this, the Western Australian Government is also looking into the possibility of using elevated rail as part of the Byford Rail extension.

The City of Armadale has written to the State Government with an amended proposal which leaves out a tunnel proposal and requests an elevated rail option.

This option would enable removal of more level crossings at Armadale Road and Abernethy Road.

A shortlist of contractors for the Byford Rail Extension will be released in early 2021. These contractors will then progress plans for elevated rail routes.

Completion of the Thomas Road level crossing removal is expected in 2022 and works will also include modifications to local roads, a shared user path, noise walls and landscaping and re-vegtation.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said METRONET is a once in a lifetime investment and we need to make sure we are planning for the now as well as building the infrastructure for the future.

“When complete the METRONET Byford Rail Extension, combined with the Tonkin Highway Extension, will change the way people travel throughout our south eastern suburbs,” Saffioti said.

“When the main construction contract is awarded next year the contractor will be asked to provide priced options for elevated rail through the Byford and Armadale town centres.”