Laing O'Rourke appointed to build WA Morley-Ellenbrook Line
Western Australia’s METRONET Morley – Ellenbrook rail line is a step closer to being built following the appointment of the MELconnx Consortium – comprised of Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction – as the preferred builder to deliver the major works on this massive transport infrastructure project.
This design and construction contract is the biggest of four work packages for the project and it will involve the construction of the rail line and building five new stations.
The remaining three work packages include the New Bayswater Station Project, Tonkin Gap Project’s associated works and the forward works contract.
Early works on the New Bayswater Station Project are already underway while design and planning is ongoing for the Tonkin Gap Project.
This METRONET project is expected to create thousands of local jobs as well as provide opportunities for local businesses to get involved.
“Now more than ever, big infrastructure projects like METRONET’s Morley – Ellenbrook Line are imperative to WA’s COVID-19 economic recovery as it creates a pipeline of work and supports thousands of jobs.
“This year alone we have seven METRONET projects underway and through our Building for Tomorrow program, we are creating lasting infrastructure for generations to come while creating thousands of local jobs and opportunities for local businesses,” Premier Mark McGowan said.
According to Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge, getting work started on METRONET developments will mean jobs for hard-working West Australians and a boost in the local economy.
“All along the Morrison Government have said that METRONET will re-shape Perth and that transformation is underway.
“It means jobs right now and critical, targeted infrastructure for generations to come,” Minister Tudge said.
With the recent boom in Perth’s north eastern suburbs and with the population predicted to dramatically increase over the next decade, this transport project is vital to support this growth in the region.
“We need to ensure our infrastructure keeps up with this growth – not only are we delivering on the much anticipated METRONET Morley – Ellenbrook Line, we have also delivered key road upgrades including Northlink, the duplication of Reid Highway and the upgrade of Drumpellier Drive.
“The final construction contract is only weeks away – and with early works already underway at Bayswater Station and the Tonkin Gap project, getting works started on this project will bring our major infrastructure transformation in this area to life,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
Project map (source: METRONET)
The METRONET Morley – Ellenbrook Line will deliver a new 21-kilometre rail line between Ellenbrook and Bayswater with five new stations at Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook.
The existing Bayswater Station is going to be upgraded and a future station at Bennett Springs East is also in the works.
“Like many in my electorate, I am delighted that this project is finally moving ahead and I know it will make a significant difference to the everyday lives of those who’ve been waiting so patiently for it.
“Once completed the Ellenbrook Rail Line will connect communities to jobs and services and unlock opportunities for business growth in our region,” Federal Member for Pearce Christian Porter said.
The Morley – Ellenbrook Line will run from Bayswater Station on the Midland Line then travel in the centre of Tonkin Highway, through land north of Marshall Road and along the western side of Drumpellier Drive, ending in Ellenbrook – south of The Parkway.
Once up and running, commuters will be able to travel from Ellenbrook Station to the CBD in about 30 minutes, without the need to transfer trains.
Final negotiations will now begin and the contract for this major works package is expected to be awarded in the coming weeks.
The METRONET Morley – Ellenbrook Line is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments.
Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; METRONET (1, 2)
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