Another major milestone was marked on Western Australia’s Thornlie-Cockburn Link (TCL) and Yanchep Rail Extension back in December 2019, which will get construction going on the METRONET projects this year.
Contractual close has been reached following the awarding of the construction contract to the NEWest Alliance - comprised of CPB Contractors and Downer - in November of last year. This will generate revenue of approximately $423 million each to both CPB Contractors and Downer.
“CPB Contractors looks forward to working closely with the West Australian Government to safely deliver this landmark public transport project for the people of Perth,” CPB Contractors Managing Director Juan Santamaria said.
“We look forward to working with our partner, CPB Contractors, to deliver this important and landmark METRONET project for the government and the people of Perth,” Downer Managing Director and CEO Grant Fenn said.
The two METRONET projects are expected to generate over 3,000 jobs that will deliver opportunities for Western Australians as well as provide a boost to the local economy.
“Around 3,000 jobs will be supported across both METRONET projects - 1,680 for the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and 1,370 for Yanchep Rail Extension. This is a great result for the local economy,” Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said.
According to WA Premier Mark McGowan, METRONET projects will move forward towards construction in 2020.
“Perth will have six METRONET projects under construction at once, creating thousands of local jobs and opportunities for local businesses.
“Our METRONET projects, along with our unprecedented investment in upgrading our road network, will give residents a new public transport option and reduce their time spent in traffic, which means they can spend more time with family and friends,” the Premier said.
The 17.5-kilometre Thornlie-Cockburn Link is set to become the first cross line connection in Perth that will connect the Mandurah and Armadale lines. This project will also deliver the construction of new train stations at Ranford Road and Nicholson Road in Canning Vale as well as upgrades to both Thornlie and Cockburn Central stations.
On the other hand, the Yanchep Rail Extension will deliver the last 14.5-kilometre section of the Joondalup Line from Butler to Yanchep. Works will also comprise of the construction of three new train stations at Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep.
Early works are already underway on both METRONET projects.
“The start of the TCL and Yanchep Rail Extension projects marks the beginning of a new era of rail construction in WA.
“[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. Connecting our communities and having efficient public transport links is the backbone of a strong, well-functioning city,” WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said.
Both METRONET projects are jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments.
The Yanchep Rail Extension is expected to begin operations by mid-2022 while the Thornlie-Cockburn Link is due to be fully operational by mid-2023.
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Source: CPB Contractors; Downer; Government of Western Australia; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; METRONET (1, 2, 3)