WA Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal marks new milestone

A new major milestone has been reached on the METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project with the first of 530 precast concrete L-beams poured as part of preparation works prior to beginning major construction. 

The L-beams are included in the precast concrete components of the project that will form part of the almost four-kilometre overhead railway. 

“It is great to see manufacturing of this scale in Western Australia, which will be of benefit to local businesses and draw on local knowledge. 

“These L-beams will form the new rail-over-road viaducts that will be seen across the METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Australian manufacturer Humes is undertaking the production of the L-beams that are going to be casted, cleaned and stored at the repurposed Midland brick site. The manufacturer will be bringing its knowledge and expertise to this project with Humes having delivered works in Victoria’s Level Crossing Removal Project. 

This project not only opens opportunity for local employment, but it also contributes to the broader supply chain through engagement with local businesses that can fabricate and produce the structures needed for the removal of the level crossing. 

Each one of the L-beams is made up of about eight truckloads of concrete and 13 tonnes of steel. The beams are about 2.2 metres high, 30 metres long and weigh approximately 130 tonnes. 

All the water used to clean the beams is recycled and no concrete waste will be left on site. 

“These beams will be pivotal in transforming the Armadale Line, removing level crossings and elevating rail in the area, opening up new public spaces for a variety of community uses. 

“Preparation is absolutely essential on this project, which is why we are starting the process of manufacturing our precast beams now,” Minister Saffioti said. 

The beginning of the L-beams manufacturing follows the confirmation of an $87.5 million funding allocation through the Mid-year Review for the William Street level crossing removal as well as the Beckenham Station elevation. 

The additional funding was jointly committed by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, and it will see the removal of six level crossings and the construction of five new elevated stations as part of the overall METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project. 

A further $39.1 million has also been allocated by the State Government to support the temporary 18-month shutdown of the Armadale Line starting at the end of 2023. 

This new funding will deliver a temporary bus interchange and car park at Victoria Park Station along with the construction of a dedicated city-bound bus lane on Shepperton Road. The investment will also deliver intelligent transport system infrastructure such as additional CCTV and variable message signs that will provide real-time travel information and help manage travel demand. 

The Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project will help relieve congestion along the Armadale Line, at locations where the boom gates are down for several hours each day. The new elevated rail line will also open new opportunities for development and public open space as land that was previously occupied by the railway becomes available. 

“We are getting on with delivering METRONET across our suburbs. 

“This METRONET project will be transformational for people who live and work along the Armadale Line. 

“Already we are seeing real benefits for our State, with local industry playing a key role in manufacturing components of the overhead rail structure – with thousands more local jobs to be created across the life of the project,” Premier Mark McGowan said. 

Earlier this year, the Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance was awarded a $701 million contract to deliver the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project. The alliance is comprised of Acciona Construction, BMD Construction, WSP and AECOM. 

Scope of works included in the level crossing removal project are: 

• Replacing five level crossings at Mint Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, Hamilton Street and Wharf Street with elevated rail 
• Four new elevated stations at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park and Cannington 
• Creation of around six hectares of versatile public space and better community connections through elevated rail 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; METRONET; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine