Funding secured for WA Beckenham Station and level crossing removal

Funding has been secured from the Federal Government for the removal of the William Street level crossing and the construction of an elevated Beckenham Station in Western Australia. 

Through the recently announced 2022-23 Budget, the Australian Government has committed $87.5 million towards the project, building on the $87.5 million funding commitment from the Western Australian Government. 

“Our Government is committed to investing in projects that deliver positive outcomes for the community and this project ticks all the boxes. 

“The extent to which the level crossings along the Armadale Rail line disrupt the flow of traffic is remarkable – it's a significant drain on local industry, and for people going about their day-to-day business, this project will remove those delays,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

Initial design for the elevated stations (source: METRONET)

The significant funding that will elevate the Beckenham Station will also deliver works to remove the William Street level crossing to help ease congestion along the Armadale Line. The William Street level crossing is closed about 266 times each day and this results in traffic delays due to boom gates being down. 

“Having motorists forced to wait hours for passing trains in a growing city like ours is unsustainable, and these projects will slash congestion and provide a boost to local industry, and people living in the area. 

“The removal of level crossings will also create significant new opportunities for activation, more public open space including walking and cycling infrastructure and more residential development through this corridor,” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

The new Beckenham Station is going to be built on one side of William Street to help minimise the ground level footprint in the area. This will also improve passenger experience through the station’s functional design and modern amenities while, at the same time, cater for future growth. 

In addition, the new elevated station and rail line will open opportunities for development as well as the delivery of public open space as land that is previously occupied by the rail line becomes available. 

The construction of the new elevated Beckenham Station and the removal of the William Street level crossing are part of the broader program of works – the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal program – that will see the removal of six level crossings and the delivery of five new elevated stations. 

Planning activities are currently underway for the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal and Byford Rail Extension projects, with the 18-month scheduled shut down of the Armadale Line to begin in late 2023. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; METRONET (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia