The first 2.7 kilometres of track has been laid on the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension Project, which is set to transform Perth's northern suburbs and give more than 150,000 residents transport options in and around Perth.
Within the Ningana Bushland area, nearly 14,000 tonnes of ballast and close to 8,000 sleepers have been installed to form the first section of the 14.5 km extension.
The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension will deliver three new stations at Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep, extending the Joondalup Line from Butler.
Reaching this milestone involved laying ballast and sleepers, rail distribution, fastening, the installation of 124 masts with cantilevers and two signal bases over a seven-week period.
New technologies to assist the laying of the bottom ballast will increase efficiency and minimise waste across the project.
The Yanchep Station deck pour was completed in early April, the largest in volume project-wide.
Three green fauna bridges, a major sustainability initiative on the project, are undergoing finishing works.
The first of their kind over rail in Western Australia, they will give native wildlife a safe crossing over the rail corridor and maintain habitat connectivity within the Ningana Bushland.
Vegetation chosen for the bridges will match the surrounding bushland and be planted in the cooler months.
The Yanchep Rail Extension Project will support developing communities by stimulating employment opportunities and provide connection to the Perth CBD with only the two-zone cap, making it an accessible and affordable option for commuters.
As stated by WA Premier Mark McGowan:
"Right across Perth, our transformational METRONET program is surging ahead, and the first tracks being laid on the Yanchep Rail Extension Project is another major milestone.
"All up 14.5 kilometres of new track will be laid as part of this project, which will provide thousands of people living in our north access to a train line for the very first time.
"The transformational METRONET program is delivering a major economic boost to our State and local economies, and creating jobs for thousands of Western Australians."
As stated by Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"Today marks another significant milestone in METRONET's expansion of Perth's public transport network.
"The laying of the new track on the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension Project is a game-changer for people in Perth's northern outer suburbs, contributing to the vision of better connecting major nearby population centres to the WA capital.
"METRONET is providing the infrastructure Perth and the surrounding areas need, reducing congestion and delivering thousands of jobs."
As stated by WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension Project is transformational for Perth's north, and this milestone means we are one step closer to delivering this key project.
"We are building three new stations where passengers will be able to enjoy modern facilities and a seamless journey from Yanchep, Eglinton or Alkimos to the Perth CBD.
"This is just another example of how our Government is stimulating the economy, creating a pipeline of employment opportunities for our metropolitan areas and delivering transformational transport projects for the community."
As stated by Federal Member for Pearce Tracey Roberts:
"The new track laid for the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension Project will add both an essential travel option and convenience for many commuters who live in Perth's outer northern metropolitan suburbs and who need to travel to the CBD or nearby.
"This is another great example of the Australian Government working with the Western Australian Government to deliver this important piece of job creating infrastructure, further linking our local community to the centre of the WA capital.
"This is an exciting next step in the growth of METRONET, as we once again join the WA Government in continuing to build the infrastructure that commuters in this fast-growing area need and deserve."
As stated by State Member for Butler John Quigley:
"I want to thank the community once again for their patience while we deliver this project.
"This is a massive milestone for the Yanchep Rail Extension Project, which is going to deliver so many benefits to communities living in the north of Perth.
"Very soon, communities in Yanchep, Alkimos and Eglinton will be connected to our metropolitan rail network which will significantly improve the way people are able to get around."
