WA - Metronet

[timh]

FIRST LOOK:#METRONET Railcars - The C-Series
[emoji1866] Made in WA, by WA workers
[emoji584] Top speed: 130km/h
[emoji423] Up to 150m long (six cars)
[emoji1286] Max capacity: 1200 people
[emoji412] 41 sets ordered
[emoji376] More and wider doors
[emoji271] Reduced energy consumption
[emoji298]️ USB ports

Rolling out from 2022. pic.twitter.com/JIcvV8CrWj

— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) August 18, 2019

^^Qld could order Alstom trains from the WA factory to top up the short fall of trains here in Qld.  Already set up for driver only, same gauge as Qld.  Just click and collect!  Bonus USB charging for commuters 

That's a brilliant idea!!!! Id take some Perth trains over more NGRs

[ozbob]

Yo, I suggested a few months ago that wouldn't be ironic if Queensland ended up with trains from WA, the converse of what happened with the B Series (built at Maryborough Qld) ... 

[ozbob]

Perth Now --> State Government announces new trains to be built at Bellevue hub


An artist's impression of a C series train.Picture: WA Government

They are the trains of tomorrow — fitted out with the latest technology, including USB charging points, LED lighting, and a more efficient braking system.

Announced by the State Government today, the new rail cars will carry 1200 passengers and have wider doors, making it easier and faster for passengers to get on and off.

The trains will be constructed here in Perth, meaning it's full steam ahead for WA's rail revival.

French manufacturing company Alstom will run the $1.6 billion build, but 50 per cent of the work must be sourced locally.

As many as 250 rail cars will be built at a new hub in Bellevue, with six cars on the existing Australind service to be replaced.

It's the biggest order of rail cars in WA's history, with the first new trains set to start running on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines in 2022.

Trains have not been built in WA since the Midland Railway Workshops closed 25 years ago.

Construction on the first stage of the Bellevue plant will begin next year and is due to be finished in 2021.

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/MarkMcGowanMP/status/1162884313270149124

That's a brilliant idea!!!! Id take some Perth trains over more NGRs

Yo, I suggested a few months ago that wouldn't be ironic if Queensland ended up with trains from WA, the converse of what happened with the B Series (built at Maryborough Qld) ... 

Also Alstom as a train maker own alot of patents therefore a good train can be built and delivered in line with Australian rail standards. Not saying the Bombardier can't or Downer EDI. But I suspect Downer EDI don't have the expertise nor the patents to build trains for the modern era that a rail operator would expect. I don't think at this point of time that the factory in Maryborough would be appropriate to go for tender to build new trains for the State unless a larger multi national that own the manufacturing patents invests in high robotic infrastructure at the site. While I don't disagree in local train manufacturing.  Labor are thinking in old patterns. The new world of manufacturing will mostly be done by modern robotic facilities. Less labour intensive which leads to better efficiency,  making economic sense.

[achiruel]

FIRST LOOK:#METRONET Railcars - The C-Series
[emoji1866] Made in WA, by WA workers
[emoji584] Top speed: 130km/h
[emoji423] Up to 150m long (six cars)
[emoji1286] Max capacity: 1200 people
[emoji412] 41 sets ordered
[emoji376] More and wider doors
[emoji271] Reduced energy consumption
[emoji298]️ USB ports

Rolling out from 2022. pic.twitter.com/JIcvV8CrWj

— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) August 18, 2019

^^Qld could order Alstom trains from the WA factory to top up the short fall of trains here in Qld.  Already set up for driver only, same gauge as Qld.  Just click and collect!  Bonus USB charging for commuters 

[/html]

So we make the same mistake as NGR, ordering DOO trains for a network that isn't ready for DOO.

They could be ordered to be DOO-ready, but they need to be able to be operated with guards as well. At the same time, DTMR needs to start funding ETCS2 rollout for the suburban network.

[verbatim9]

FIRST LOOK:#METRONET Railcars - The C-Series
[emoji1866] Made in WA, by WA workers
[emoji584] Top speed: 130km/h
[emoji423] Up to 150m long (six cars)
[emoji1286] Max capacity: 1200 people
[emoji412] 41 sets ordered
[emoji376] More and wider doors
[emoji271] Reduced energy consumption
[emoji298]️ USB ports

Rolling out from 2022. pic.twitter.com/JIcvV8CrWj

— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) August 18, 2019

[/quote]

^^Qld could order Alstom trains from the WA factory to top up the short fall of trains here in Qld.  Already set up for driver only, same gauge as Qld.  Just click and collect!  Bonus USB charging for commuters 

So we make the same mistake as NGR, ordering DOO trains for a network that isn't ready for DOO.

They could be ordered to be DOO-ready, but they need to be able to be operated with guards as well. At the same time, DTMR needs to start funding ETCS2 rollout for the suburban network.

The Government have 4-5 years to roll out ATP ETCS 2 before accepting new trains. Driver only and eventually driverless is the sustainable way forward. No secret there.

[achiruel]

<blockquote class=\\"twitter-tweet\\"><p lang=\\"en\\" dir=\\"ltr\\">FIRST LOOK:<a href=\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/METRONET?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\">#METRONET</a> Railcars - The C-Series<br />
Made in WA, by WA workers<br />
Top speed: 130km/h<br />
Up to 150m long (six cars)<br />
Max capacity: 1200 people<br />
41 sets ordered<br />
More and wider doors<br />
Reduced energy consumption<br />
️ USB ports<br />
<br />
Rolling out from 2022. <a href=\\"https://t.co/JIcvV8CrWj\\">pic.twitter.com/JIcvV8CrWj</a></p>— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) <a href=\\"https://twitter.com/MarkMcGowanMP/status/1162884313270149124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\">August 18, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src=\\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\\" charset=\\"utf-8\\"></script>

^^Qld could order Alstom trains from the WA factory to top up the short fall of trains here in Qld.  Already set up for driver only, same gauge as Qld.  Just click and collect!  Bonus USB charging for commuters 

So we make the same mistake as NGR, ordering DOO trains for a network that isn't ready for DOO.

They could be ordered to be DOO-ready, but they need to be able to be operated with guards as well. At the same time, DTMR needs to start funding ETCS2 rollout for the suburban network.

The Government have 4-5 years to roll out ATP ETCS 2 before accepting new trains. Driver only and eventually driverless is the sustainable way forward. No secret there.

I'd be very suprised if it could be done that quickly, considering they've barely started. AFAIK, only the business case for Northgate to Milton has been completed (which I find odd in itself, why finish at Milton? Northgate to Darra would've made more sense).

So, business cases need to be completed, then requests for tenders, choosing the successful tenderer, allocating budgets etc. At least 2 years I'd say before work can even commence, and completing the entire SEQ network south of Nambour in 2-3 years would be a massive task.

[SurfRail]

It's literally billions of dollars to roll it out any further than is currently scoped.  It should happen but it won't be done in less than a decade and even then at break-neck speed and if the money doesn't run out.

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Alstom to build Metronet fleet, Australind railcars

Alstom has been named the preferred bidder to build 246 new railcars for Perth's growing rail network, and six new Australind railcars, under a 50 per cent local content deal funded by the state government.

WA premier Mark McGowan announced on August 18 Alstom had been selected as the preferred bidder to build the Metronet fleet, almost a year after a trio of hopefuls were shortlisted for the contract

Budgeted at $1.6 billion over 10 years, the contract is for 102 railcars for new rail links and extensions, and another 144 to replace the ageing A-series fleet.

Together, the railcars will operate in 41 six-car sets, making up TransPerth's C-series fleet.

At least 50 per cent of the trains' construction will take place at a new plant in Bellevue, in Perth's east. The plant is currently being designed, with a construction contract to be awarded in early 2020, and initial construction completion targeted for 2021.

The railcar contract also includes 30 years of maintenance, which Alstom would deliver using its HealthHub solution. HealthHub, already in use on the Sydney Metro, is designed to combine a range of condition monitoring systems to coordinate an ideal predictive maintenance schedule.

Premier McGowan said new trains would hit the Mandurah and Joondalup lines starting from 2022, supporting more than 200 direct and long-term jobs.

"These are WA trains, so they should be WA jobs," McGowan said. "When people ride on a new Metronet train, everyone will know that it was built in Western Australia, by Western Australians."

He noted since the Midland Railway Workshops were closed in 1994, work carried out in WA was limited to window tinting and passenger seating, just two per cent of the work that goes into building a train.

"WA can do so much more than that," he said.

An Alstom spokesperson said the company was "delighted" to be selected as preferred bidder.

"We look forward to building on our existing local footprint and partnering with the State of WA in this exciting new phase of local railway manufacturing," the spokesperson said.

WA transport minister Rita Saffioti said the tender process had confirmed it was more cost-effective to build the trains locally.

"This has been an important project of mine since I was Shadow Transport Minister and travelled over east to learn how the Victorian Government locally manufactured their trains," Saffioti said.

"I knew that WA had the workforce and the skills to make this happen and I am proud that the Premier and I are able to deliver on this important election commitment."

The new C-series fleet will replace the A-series fleet, which entered service throughout the 1990s. The last of the B-series fleet, manufactured in Queensland by EDI Rail-Bombardier, was delivered to Perth in June 2019.

Alstom is also the preferred bidder to build six new diesel railcars for the state's Australind service, with a target delivery date of 2022-23.

Saffioti said the Australind services was "an important train service for residents in the south-west".

"The Australind service has been neglected for too long, but will finally get the attention it deserves under the McGowan Labor Government," she said.

[#Metro]

I like the idea that we could get more trains with a combined order with WA.

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> WA submits Byford extension business case

The McGowan Government has submitted its business case for the Byford rail extension to Infrastructure Australia, and aims to start work on the project in 2021.

The project would upgrade the existing regional rail corridor south of Armadale to facilitate passenger services to Byford, where population is set to double to more than 35,000 by 2036.

WA transport minister Rita Saffioti noted the Serpentine-Jarrahdale area south of Byford had almost tripled in population since 2011, to 27,000, and growth rates in this area are expected to continue.

"Extending the Armadale line will give those living in Byford and beyond a real alternative to travelling around Perth by car, with travel times that can vary due to road congestion," Saffioti said.

"This is an important step forward on the project, with construction on track with our commitment at the election."

The business case for the extension also includes futureproofing for a staged extension further south, to Mundijong.

The project is another under the WA government's Metronet program.

"Our Metronet projects are pressing ahead at full steam with the Forrestfield-Airport Link on track to open in late 2021, upgrades to Bayswater station to start at the end of this year and the recent route alignment for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line announced," Saffioti said.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1173253692201431040

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/metronetperth/status/1177024364585213952

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Morley-Ellenbrook proposed to Parliament

An amendment bill has been launched in WA Parliament to authorise the construction of the Morley-Ellenbrook line, the third planned under the state's Metronet legislation.

Labor's newest Amendment Bill for the Railway (Metronet) Act targets the proposed 21-kilometre spur off the Midland Line and was introduced to Parliament on September 26 by transport minister Rita Saffioti.

This follows the original passage of the Metronet legislation in 2018, which originally approved the Yanchep Rail Extension and Thornlie-Cockburn Link. The Forrestfield-Airport Link, while now included under the Metronet banner, was green-lit prior to the Metronet legislation.

The Morley-Ellenbrook line would spur off the Midland Line at Bayswater, run down the middle of the Tonkin Highway, through land north of Marshall Road, along the New Lord Street alignment, and finish in Ellenbrook.

Saffioti said the legislation was being launched with the view of kicking off procurement for the main construction works for the project in early 2020.

"I have always said the McGowan Labor Government would build the Morley-Ellenbrook Line – even if I had to lay the track myself," she said.

"This Bill will enshrine this promise in legislation, making sure Perth's fast-growing north-eastern suburbs get the train they so badly need."

By 2031, the government estimates the train line will take more than 10,000 car trips off the road every day. Under the current alignment, it's believed passengers will be able to travel from Ellenbrook to the Perth CBD in 30 minutes, with the train stopping at new stations at Whiteman Park, Malaga, Noranda and Morley, with another station at Bennett Springs East to be added in the future.

[#Metro]

Take a look on Google Maps, they already have the corridor preserved.

Meanwhile... in QLD...

[timh]

Take a look on Google Maps, they already have the corridor preserved.

Meanwhile... in QLD...

While I must applaud WA on being able to actually get sh%t done and build things while we can't, we do actually have corridors fairly well preserved for our proposed rail lines:
- NWTC (mostly preserved since the 70s)
- Gold coast heavy rail extension (runs mostly in the M1 corridor, very few resumptions needed)
- CAMCOS (Mostly preserved again, I think a few resumptions may be needed at Maroochydore)
- Springfield-Ipswich (almost all preserved except for a few minor resumptions near Ipswich station).

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[#Metro]

While I must applaud WA on being able to actually get sh%t done

Even more remarkable, they have done it at a time when they have a massive accumulated debt, approaching $40 billion. 

$4.1 billion for Metronet for 2022 to 2023, including projects at Bayswater Station, a new Ellenbrook line and the Thornlie and Cockburn link.

WA budget inches back into surplus but debt will have to wait a while
https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/wa-budget-inches-back-into-surplus-but-debt-will-have-to-wait-a-while-20190509-p51lq5.html

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> WA opens Metronet Training Centre

Western Australia is investing $1.25 million towards a Metronet Trade Training Centre to equip locals with the skills needed to build METRONET railcars.

Midland TAFE will become a specialist Metronet Trade Training Centre next year The $1.25 million will go towards new fabrication training equipment, and the redevelopment of workshops to provide the specific technical and support skills required for railcar manufacturing and METRONET maintenance.

The TAFE is three kilometres from the site of the new Metronet Bellevue Assembly Facility where the new C-Series railcars will be commissioned.

Tenders recently opened for the contract to build the Metronet Bellevue railcar depot where Metronet's railcars will be built and maintained, according to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti. The government is also currently finalising its order of railcars to be built at the new facility.

"The Metronet Trade Training Centre is part of a new hub of railcar manufacturing in Midland, which will allow us to deliver on our commitment to build at least 50 per cent of all METRONET railcars locally in WA," said Saffioti.

"Midland TAFE will provide world-class training to meet the demand of our Metronet program in courses including engineering, metal fabrication, instrumentation and electrotechnology," said Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery.

Local students will also receive a 50 per cent reduction in fees for certain Metronet TAFE courses, including in civil construction and plant operations, as part of a 'lower fees, local skills' policy that will reduce TAFE fees for 34 high priority courses.

"We will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure the training needs of our Metronet rail projects are met," said Ellery.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/metronetperth/status/1184293710395166720

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/metronetperth/status/1196992339778007041

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> WA infrastructure package a win for Metronet

A $940 million infrastructure package for projects across Western Australia, including Metronet, was jointly announced by the federal and state governments on Wednesday.

The bulk of the funding will go towards eight existing road and rail projects, while a total of more than $200 million, contributed by both governments, will fund six new projects.

Among the new projects, $80 million is slated for the construction of a new Metronet station at Lakelands on the Mandurah rail line. Of this, $64 million is contributed by federal government and $16 million by the state.

The total amount of federal funding for WA's infrastructure will rise to $5.4 billion from about $4.5 billion over the next four years after a further $868 million federal injection.

"This new agreement with the Commonwealth comes on top of the almost 500 road and Metronet projects currently underway or in the pipeline – when complete it will be an unprecedented transformation of our transport network," premier of WA Mark McGowan said.

McGowan said the package of works will generate around 1,000 jobs, adding to the thousands of other jobs being created by other WA infrastructure projects that are either under construction or in the pipeline.

"The package of works has something for Perth's northern, eastern and southern suburbs which are all experiencing significant population growth," WA minister for transport Rita Saffioti said

"The State Government put forward an ambitious timeframe for the existing projects and we're working hard to get new contracts underway, as soon as possible, including having to work through Federal environmental processes."

"  ... $80 million is slated for the construction of a new Metronet station at Lakelands on the Mandurah rail line. Of this, $64 million is contributed by federal government and $16 million by the state. ... "

Interesting Feds stumping up 80%  State 20%

[ozbob]

^

ABC News --> Lakelands train station gets federal funding over Karnup station from Prime Minister Scott Morrison

A stop on the Mandurah rail line described by senior Labor MPs as "a train station nobody wants" and "blatant pork-barrelling" will be fast-tracked to be built within five years as part of a major infrastructure funding announcement made this week by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The WA Government insisted it had little choice but to agree to build a new station in Lakelands after funding demands from the Commonwealth.

The Government has also abandoned a pre-election promise to open a new station in Karnup by 2022 as part of the funding agreement with the Commonwealth.

WA will contribute $16 million towards Lakelands station, five kilometres south of Karnup on the Mandurah line, which is now due to open in 2023.

The Federal Government will fund the remainder of the $80 million project, which Federal Labor MP Madeleine King said was "based on cynical pork barrelling and political point scoring".

Demands for station in Liberal MP's electorate

But Tourism Minister and Warnbro MP Paul Papalia, who described the station as a project "nobody wants" in State Parliament earlier this year, insisted the WA Government made the right call in deciding to proceed with a project it has long criticised.

"The Government is getting tens of millions of dollars from the Federal Government, who are insisting Lakelands gets built," Mr Papalia said.

"You can't knock that back on behalf of the WA taxpayer."

Mr Papalia said requests by the state to swap the Commonwealth funding to the Karnup station were refused and he blamed the Federal Government for prioritising a project in Liberal Andrew Hastie's seat of Canning.

He said WA would eventually build Karnup station, entirely with state funds if needed.

Mayor furious as Karnup station plans derailed

Both projects are designed to cater for population growth in the region and ease pressure on the existing Mandurah station.

The situation angered local authorities, with Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels saying his council had been assured for years that Karnup station would be built first.

Mr Sammels had written to the State Government seeking guarantees about when the project will be built.

"We want a concrete commitment when they are going to do it," he said.

"People in that area have been let down."

Labor, Liberal MPs back different station plans

Ms King said the decision was done for purely political reasons given the proposed Karnup station would be built in her safe seat of Brand.

She also blamed the Commonwealth for the situation, but urged the WA Government to meet its promise on Karnup with or without federal funding.

"I would definitely like to see Karnup built wholly with state funds and as soon as possible," Ms King said.

Mr Hastie said the community demand for a station in Lakelands was overwhelming.

"They want a train station in Lakelands and have been waiting a long time," he said.

"It's not a questions of Lakelands or Karnup, both have their place."

It is not the first Metronet promise the WA Government has failed to meet, with the timeframe of the Ellenbrook rail line delayed by a year.

Aspects of Metronet have also suffered significant cost blowouts.

[SurfRail]

Even we wouldn't hold up a new station on an existing line for Commonwealth money.  Mind you there is probably no real opportunity for any new infill stations anywhere here except on the Gold Coast (happening) and Ellen Grove (preferable but still not a massive priority given the surrounding land use).  We should be closing some stations.

[Gazza]

Am I correct in saying the $80m cost is because WA factors in the cost of additional railcars when building any new station?

Damn, I'd be salty too if I was a Karnup local, but yeah agreed that the state should just build it, like they did with Atwell

It's 22km between Warnbro and Manduah, so definitely a case for infill stations.
Lakelands is 6km north of Mandurah, Karnup is 4.5km on from that.

[Lungfish]

It dissapoints (but does not surprise) me that these descisions are being made on the basis of poltics rather than good planning. This is a blatent example of pork barrelling. Federally Lakelands is in the Liberal held seat of Canning, Karnup is in the safe Labour seat of Brand.

Personally as someone who travels from Rockingham to Secret Harbour (near Karnup) on a regular basis I had been looking forward to the better public transport links. It remains to be seen what the 'improved bus services' look like.

[ozbob]

WA Today --> Another late arrival for Metronet as cost to taxpayers soars

A major component of the McGowan government's flagship Metronet project is due for a late arrival and will cost taxpayers $242 million more than planned.

In signing the Thornlie-Cockburn Link contract on Tuesday, the state government revealed the rail extension, designed to connect the Mandurah and Armadale lines, won't be completed until 2023 with an increased cost of $716 million.

Before the 2017 election, Labor said the link would be completed by 2021 for just over $470 million.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti blamed the blowout on the relocation of third party infrastructure, improved wages for workers, minimising network disruption and meeting environmental requirements but said the costs had been offset by Metronet's railcars coming $347m under budget.

"Today's contract signing is a major step towards giving Perth the public transport system it needs to grow and succeed in the 21st century," she said.

"They are projects that we promised to the WA public and we are now happy to be delivering on those commitments."

Labor's Metronet project has come under fire in the last few months after delays and safety concerns at the  Forrestfield-Airport Link construction site.

Opposition transport spokesperson Libby Mettam has long criticised the project and on Tuesday called on the state government to "come clean" on how much Metronet would cost taxpayers.

"This is yet another Metronet project with significant budget blowouts and delays underlining the fact that the McGowan government can't deliver on transport," she said.

"Just like Yanchep and Ellenbrook rail, construction has been delayed by the McGowan government, holding up federal funding and construction jobs.

"The Forrestfield-Airport Link is also beset with problems and has been delayed nearly two years under this government.

"The Premier and minister need to come clean on how many billions of dollars Metronet is costing the taxpayers of Western Australia."

Early works on the Thornlie-Cockburn link, including the lengthening of Karel Avenue Bridge, are currently under way, with several other bridge and road upgrades on the cards.

The project will also see the construction of two new stations on Ranford and Nicholson roads.

Together with the Yanchep rail extension, the Thornlie-Cockburn Link is expected to serve 400,000 patrons, create 3000 jobs and ease congestion along WA roads.

Both projects will be delivered by NEWest Alliance, a partnership between CPB Contractors and Downer.

[ozbob]

Seeking applicants for Major Project roles The Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA), is an innovative Government Agency and a highly sought-after employer offering once in a lifetime opportunities to work on major rail infrastructure projects. The PTA is looking for qualified and experienced engineers and transport professionals to help grow and maintain the state's public transport network. We are committed to providing a safe, reliable and efficient service for our passengers. You will be an important part of the third phase of expansion of Perth's electric passenger rail system since it was electrified at the end of the 1980's. The Government has commenced a major program of projects named METRONET, the first stage of which will happen over the next 3 to 5 years which are valued at over AUD $3 billion. Interested in joining our team? Please visit www.pta.wa.gov.au/jobinterest To find out more about the PTA and these projects, please visit the following links: www.pta.wa.gov.au www.metronet.wa.gov.au/projects This email was delivered to admin@backontrack.org on behalf of Prime Creative Media. ©2019 Prime Creative Media

[ozbob]

So far ahead of the bumblers here in Queensland ... sigh .... 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/metronetperth/status/1207860301808275458

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Thornlie-Cockburn Link passes final approvals

Construction work on the Thornlie-Cockburn Link can now begin, with the project passing through the state and federal environmental approvals process.

The project will connect the Mandurah and Armadale lines over 14.5km with new stations at Ranford Rd and Nicholson Rd. Station upgrades will also be carried out at Cockburn Central and Thornlie.

CPB Contractors and Downer will carry out the works, including those works mandated in the final environmental approvals.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti outlined that the project as a whole has sustainability at its core.

"The McGowan Government is strongly committed to sustainable development, and we want to ensure this important project provides the amenities and features the community wants, and that it is delivered in a sustainable way."

The project sought feedback from the community and submissions raised environmental issues.

To address this, clearing of native vegetation for the project will be done in an environmentally responsible way. Animals will also be captured and then released by a licenced contractor with advice from the Department of Biodiveristy, Conservation, and Attractions.

"Environmental and heritage considerations are a key priority for the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and these approvals mark an important step forward for this much anticipated project," said Saffioti.

Thornline MLA, Chris Tallentire, said that the project will benefit the local community.

"It is important that we meet our environmental obligations for the sustainable delivery of our infrastructure commitments. It is fantastic to see that we have reached yet another important milestone for this project," he said.

"The METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link will bust congestion and provide our local community with greater connectivity with Perth city and the broader metro area."

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Contractors shortlisted for Morley-Ellenbrook line

The Western Australia government has shortlisted two joint ventures to design and construct the Morley-Ellenbrook line, part of the Metronet project.

The two joint ventures are, Ellenbrook Alliance (CPB Contractors and Downer EDI) and MELconnx Consortium (Laing O'Rouke Australia Construction).

Having completed the request for proposal phase, the shortlisted contractors will now enter the competitive bid phase.

The contract is the largest of four works packages to deliver the Morley-Ellenbrook line and covers the design, building, and commissioning of the electric rail line and five new stations.

Early works are already underway on the Bayswater Station and a contractor, Evolve Bayswater Alliance, was recently announced as the preferred proponent for the construction of that station.

WA Premier Mark McGowan announced that the decision has been the product of extensive engagement.

"Leading up to procurement, we engaged with hundreds of local businesses and subcontractors so they were prepared to bid for the huge range of work available through all stages of the project."

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said that the finalised project would connect the growing north eastern suburbs of Perth.

"This is another major step forward for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line project, which is the final missing piece for transport infrastructure in the north-eastern suburbs of Perth."

After leaving the Midland line at Bayswater station, the new, 21km line will follow the Tonkin highway and finish a t the Ellenbrook town centre. Stations will be built at Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Whiteman Park, and Ellenbrook. Another station could be built at Bennett Springs East with population growth forecast there.

The continuing construction on the Metronet project, which has not been limited by coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, is hoped to boost the WA economy.

"This year alone we will have six METRONET projects underway, in addition to our railcar manufacturing facility in Bellevue where local workers will build our METRONET railcars," said McGowan.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/RailExpressNews/status/1257554755548659713

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Rita_Saffioti/status/1262654303442853888

[Gazza]

It's a shame it doesn't have a train shed like most modern Perth stations.

[ozbob]

METRONET engagement hub

https://www.mysaytransport.wa.gov.au/metronet

Another example of how to do things, taking note Queensland  ....

[SteelPan]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-16/armadale-railway-line-sky-rail-unveiled-amid-pollution-concerns/12362036

[ozbob]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-16/armadale-railway-line-sky-rail-unveiled-amid-pollution-concerns/12362036

Usual yelps.  Sky rail is fine as has been demonstrated elsewhere.  6 LX to go. 
Opening up the community is a great benefit, the rail boundary is gone and space reclaimed is a great asset for linear parks, recreation and green space.

[ozbob]

WA Today --> 'Sidelined' Victoria Park council on the warpath over Metronet sky rail plans

One of Perth's most vibrant suburbs has lashed out at the state government, calling them "shortsighted" over Metronet plans they say threaten to destroy the amenity of the area.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti announced on Tuesday a sky rail would be built along the Armadale line, with community spaces planned for underneath the tracks and around the stations.

As part of the project, which mirrors a similar line in Melbourne's south-eastern corridor, level crossings and boom gates would be removed to link communities separated by the tracks.

But the Town of Victoria Park, home to five stations along the rail corridor, said it had been sidelined from the multi-million dollar project and "robbed" of the opportunity to have its say.

Mayor Karen Vernon said the announcement was disappointing and did not go far enough to transform the area into a thriving hub with new higher-density development around public transport, walking paths and cycling lanes.

"Our preference is for the government to go much further, by undergrounding the rail line along this corridor," she said.

"While we have been working with the Metronet team, this announcement is another example of state government sidelining local government under the guise of bringing this project forward for economic stimulus following COVID-19."

The council had been campaigning for the railway to go underground since 2019, warning in a report released last December that a breakdown in cooperation with the state government could threaten the area's housing targets and stunt local economic growth.

Victoria Park has been tipped as one of four metropolitan councils to do the heaviest overall lifting to increase population density under the Perth and Peel@3.5 million framework, with targets to double their existing numbers of homes by 2050.

Since the state government framework was released in 2018, plans to concentrate urban property development around major highways with good public transport have been included into precinct planning by the council.

Ms Vernon said the Town planned to fight the proposal and remained hopeful the state government would be open to exploring other options.

Ms Saffioti said the sky rail project focused on "delivering achievable and possible" outcomes after taking into consideration the suburb's constraints and cost parameters.

"I find that in many instances if you push these ideas [such as underground rail] they are never going to become reality," she told reporters on Wednesday.

"We look at the constraints, we look at our plan, put forward the plan and then engage in things like station location and design, amenity and what activity can be undertaken under the rail line."

The project will see crossings on Mint Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, William Street and Wharf Street removed and the construction of new stations in Carlisle, Oats Street, Beckenham and potentially Queens Park. Welshpool Station will also close.

The state government will now develop the design and station locations, with a business case to be submitted to Infrastructure Australia by the end of the year.

"What we will see is the community get on board and be involved in designing and also understanding how they can use that community space," Ms Saffioti said.

[ozbob]

WAtoday --> Perth's five new Metronet train stations on the Morley-Ellenbrook line revealed


Whiteman Park.

The construction of five new train stations in Perth's north-eastern corridor is expected to create thousands of local jobs to help support the state's economic recovery from COVID-19.

The state government on Sunday revealed a contract to build the new stations on the Morley-Ellenbrook line would be awarded in November as it announced details for the $1 billion project.

The construction of stations at Ellenbrook, Whiteman Park, Malaga, Noranda and Morley will be the state's biggest public transport project since construction of the Mandurah line.

The new stations will connect 21 kilometres of rail line in the north-eastern corridor to a redeveloped Bayswater station and onto the city.

More than 3000 local jobs are expected to be created and supported across the life of the project while more than 11,700 passenger boardings are anticipated on the line from the first day of operation and up to 18,070 daily boardings by 2031.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the contract would be awarded later this year and that the government was conscious of delivering the project at the budgeted $1 billion.

"We're working to the budget that we set of around a billion dollars but we'll be releasing the final budget at the time of last contract signing," Ms Saffioti said.

"We've been very careful in this market to negotiate the best outcome we can with the contractors."

Two proponents have been shortlisted for the main construction contract Ellenbrook Alliance (CPB Contractors and Downer EDI) and MELconnx Consortium (Laing O'Rourke Australia Construction), with the main contract expected to be awarded later this year.

Premier Mark McGowan said this year the government had seven Metronet projects under construction, which was a significant transformation to the state's infrastructure and public transport build.

Mr McGowan said the thousands of jobs created from the projects would support local jobs and the state's COVID economic recovery.

The project will be made possible with a federal government investment of $500 million that was allocated in the 2018 budget.

The new stations will include parking for a total of about 3,300 cars, four bus interchanges, universal access, cycle facilities, toilets and shared paths connecting them to the surrounding networks.

The Perth CBD will be as close as 15 minutes when boarding at Morley and just 30 minutes from Ellenbrook - making it the quickest transport option available for nearby residents.

The state government also announced on Sunday that it had awarded the $400 million Tonkin Gap contract to the Tonkin Gap Alliance, fast tracking the project with works expected to start in September.

The Alliance, which includes BMD; Georgiou Group; WA Limestone; BG&E and GHD, will work with Main Roads and PTA to deliver the project, which is expected to fix a major bottleneck on Tonkin Highway through Bayswater which carries more than 120,000 vehicles per day.

The project includes additional traffic lanes, five new bridges, upgrades to Guildford Road and Great Eastern Highway interchanges, and a shared path and underpasses for pedestrians and cyclists.

It is expected to save 17,000 road users who use this section of Tonkin Highway up to six minutes during morning peak and up to 11 minutes during afternoon peak.

[SteelPan]

Exciting project...but is it viable in a post Covid Perth? Population growth declining....