THE Yanchep rail extension and the Thornlie-Cockburn link will be delivered under a single alliance contract, with a shortlist for tenderers to be announced in early 2019.
The projects are backed by a joint funding arrangement between the Commonwealth and Western Australian governments.
The Yanchep rail extension is a 14.5km project that will deliver the final section of the Joondalup rail line from Butler to Yanchep, which the McGowan Government said will support the area’s ongoing growth as well as reduce congestion on WA roads.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said consistent with its assessment framework, Infrastructure Australia had positively evaluated both projects on their individual merits, confirming the WA Government’s advice that each would deliver a positive return on investment for the community.
Meanwhile, both Metronet rail extensions are now enshrined in law after state Parliament passed enabling legislation for the Yanchep rail extension and Thornlie-Cockburn link projects last week.
The Railway (METRONET) Bill 2018, due to receive Royal Assent, will authorise construction of the rail infrastructure for these two projects, which the state government said would add significant capacity to Perth’s public transport network and sustainably grow the city.
Ms Saffioti said the state government had worked closely with Infrastructure Australia to thoroughly address their assessment criteria in demonstrating how the projects would help build a future Perth that was connected and offered people more choices for travel, housing and jobs.
“Infrastructure Australia approval and the passing of enabling legislation marks an exciting new stage for these major projects, which underpin the government’s plans to change Perth’s public transport system and improve urban outcomes,’’ she said.
“This is a very busy time for public transport planning in WA and by the end of next year we will have three separate rail projects under construction, bringing our commitment to Metronet another step closer.”
