Armadale Train Line Delay

The delay of the Armadale train line has significantly impacted thousands of commuters in Perth’s south-east, with the government announcing the postponement of a major section’s reopening. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The line, which was initially closed on November 20, 2023, after Coldplay’s concert at Perth Stadium, was expected to reopen in mid-2025.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti confirmed that only the inner section would open on June 9. This opening is part of the flagship Metronet project, which includes elevated stations at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park, Cannington, and Beckenham. Saffioti explained that construction issues caused delays, and despite efforts to recover lost time, the government was unable to meet the original deadline.

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The government has apologized to affected passengers and assured them that every effort is being made to open the line promptly. The remaining section, from Kenwick to Byford, will open after completing elevated stations at Armadale and Byford, a few months later than the June 9 opening.

Construction Challenges and Progress

Construction challenges involved replacing piers and beams, but Saffioti confirmed that work has been completed, and the project is now nearing completion. This progress allows for the line to reopen soon, despite earlier setbacks.

Introduction of East-West Connection

Perth’s first east-west cross-line connection, the Thornlie-Cockburn link, will open on June 9. This highly anticipated addition to the Metronet network will provide a direct route from Mandurah to Optus Stadium for the first time.

The link includes two new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road, alongside upgrades to Thornlie, Cockburn Central, and Perth Stadium stations.

Premier Roger Cook emphasized the importance of this connection, stating that it would benefit families in the south-eastern suburbs. The new route will serve tens of thousands, making commuting more efficient. Passengers will be able to travel from Perth to the Canning Vale stations at Nicholson Road in 27 minutes and Ranford Road in 31 minutes.

Financial Implications

Despite these developments, the Metronet project has experienced significant cost overruns and delays since its inception. The most recent budget revealed an increase of $707 million in costs, with the Commonwealth covering most of the increase.

The Thornlie-Cockburn link alone required an additional $228 million, while the Victoria Park-Canning level crossing removal added $120 million. Additionally, extending the Byford line increased costs by $70 million.

Saffioti assured the public that the project would stay within budget and that the government is working diligently to deliver the necessary infrastructure. She emphasized that the delays did not result in further cost overruns. Commuters affected by the delays will continue to receive free public transport, including replacement bus services.

Political Perspectives

WA Liberal Leader Basil Zempilas acknowledged the challenges of large infrastructure projects, stating that delays are sometimes inevitable. However, he also expressed concern over the overall cost of the Metronet project. He refrained from criticizing individual delays but stressed that projects of this scale require time to be done properly.

While the government faces criticism for the cost and delays, they remain committed to completing the Metronet projects. Despite setbacks, these developments promise to improve Perth’s transport network significantly, benefiting thousands of daily commuters across the region.

Source: ABC News Australia

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