The McGowan Government’s work to remove multiple level crossings along the inner Armadale Line has taken a significant step forward with tenders released calling for work on the important congestion-busting project.
The State Government committed at the 2017 State Election to remove three Armadale Line level crossings – with works to remove the first, at Denny Avenue, beginning later this year.
Preliminary planning for the removal of the remaining Oats Street and Wharf Street level crossings has identified the potential for even more level crossings to be removed along the Armadale Line.
As a result, the State Government has expanded the scope of the project, with successful tenderers to undertake economic analysis and prepare business cases towards the removal of up to six crossings, in addition to Denny Avenue in Kelmscott.
The expanded level crossing removal project has subsequently been split into two packages. The first deals with level crossings at Mint Street, Oats Street and Welshpool Road, and the second with crossings at Hamilton Street, Wharf Street and William Street.
The successful tenderer will investigate the potential to remove these crossings – with a focus on reducing congestion, maximising pedestrian and driver safety, improving connectivity and supporting future precinct development.
Later this year expressions of interest will be sought for a team of engineering and land use planning consultants, who will undertake key work required to inform the business case.
This includes reviewing engineering solutions and design options, potential land uses and development outcomes, traffic and access studies and consideration as to how the project will interface with surrounding precincts.
The 2019-20 State Budget committed a total of $415 million specifically towards the removal of three level crossings.
Local businesses are encouraged to tender for the works at https://www.tenders.wa.gov.au
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“This call for tenders represents a major milestone for improving safety and traffic flow along the Armadale Line.
“We are now investigating the removal of even more crossings as part of this project – with motorists, pedestrians and public transport users all set to benefit from this major overhaul.
“With works set to start on the Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal this year, it is an exciting time for improving safety and connectivity along the Armadale Line.”
As stated by Victoria Park MLA Ben Wyatt:
“People living along the Armadale Line are all too familiar with the presence of outdated and dangerous level crossings on their daily commutes.
“This project will overhaul and improve traffic flow in the areas where the level crossings are located – improving safety and cutting travel times.”
As stated by Cannington MLA Bill Johnston:
“The State Government has carried out significant preliminary work into level crossing removal along the Armadale Line and this latest phase brings us a step closer to delivering major benefits for communities along the Armadale Line.
“Removing level crossings not only improves safety and traffic flow – these projects will require significant capital works, creating jobs and supporting businesses in a range of industries.”
