The state government has outlined details for removing six level crossings between Victoria Park and Beckenham, as part of a multi-million dollar project to improve safety and ease traffic congestion along the Armadale Line.
The state government has outlined details for removing six level crossings between Victoria Park and Beckenham, as part of a multi-million dollar project to improve safety and ease traffic congestion along the route of the Armadale rail line.
Work on removing a seventh level crossing, at Denny Avenue in Kelmscott, is already under way, with the road portion of works awarded to Downer in February. An underpass is currently being built at Davis Road.
Under further works on the Armadale line announced today, level crossings will be removed at Mint Street, Oats Street and Welshpool Road, using the $415 million set aside in the 2019-20 State Budget.
Level crossings will also be removed at Hamilton Road, Wharf Street and William Street.
However, funding for the final three level crossings is subject to an agreement with the federal government and a decision on whether to close the level crossing or elevate the rail at Wharf Street.
The Department of Transport said elevation would have additional cost considerations, such as rebuilding Queens Park Station.
It said a road over rail project is the preferred option for Hamilton Street.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said removing the seven level crossings would cut waiting time for drivers, remove barriers between suburbs, and enable development opportunities.
“We’ve all felt the pain sitting at a level crossing waiting for one, two, sometimes three trains to pass by,” she said.
“This project will also mean new train stations at Carlisle and Oats Street, and potentially Queens Park, giving the local community the opportunity to have their say on what they would like these new stations designs to look like.
“It will create opportunities for new and unique public space and developments around stations, connect our communities and allow us to wave goodbye to boom gates.”
The existing Welshpool Station will be closed and be replaced by the new Oats Street Station, and up to 2.8 kilometres of rail will be laid along the inner Armadale line to provide a safer crossing for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Premier Mark McGowan said the Armadale line level crossings were dangerous and frustrating for many commuters.
“This plan will transform the Armadale line as we know it, setting it up for the next 100 years and creating more liveable and vibrant communities,” he said.
“There are plenty of opportunities for the community to get involved in these projects, so I encourage people to have their say.”
The state government has requested community input on final station locations, designs and potential uses for new public spaces.
