2021 looks set to be another big year of progress for METRONET, with three projects now moving into the major construction procurement shortlist phase.
The announcement includes the main construction contract for the Byford rail extension, the removal of three level crossings through Victoria Park and the construction of a new Midland Station.
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan, said METRONET was creating local jobs and helping the Western Australian economy through COVID-19.
"We have nine METRONET projects in construction, and with another three major construction contracts to be awarded later this year, there are more opportunities for local jobs and businesses to get involved," the Premier said.
"We are building the major infrastructure we need for tomorrow."
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said METRONET was paving the way for thousands of jobs for hard-working Western Australians and boosting the WA economy.
"All along, the Morrison Government has said METRONET will re-shape Perth and we're seeing this transformation take shape," Minister Fletcher said.
"These projects also mean jobs right now and critical, targeted infrastructure for generations to come."
Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, said the contracts for the three projects would be awarded later this year.
"Early works on the METRONET Byford Rail Extension are already underway with the removal of the Thomas Road level crossing," Minister Saffioti said.
"The removal of the Oats Street level crossing and the construction of the new Midland Station were both key McGowan Government election commitments - due to our successful negotiations with the Commonwealth, we have been able to remove additional level crossings at Mint Street in Victoria Park and Welshpool Road."
While early works on the Thomas Road level crossing removal continue, two alliances have been shortlisted to design and build METRONET's Byford Rail Extension project, which will add eight kilometres to the Armadale Line, extending it to Byford with a new station about 400 metres north of Abernethy Road.
Following a Request for Proposal, the Byford Alliance (Downer EDI Works, CPB Contractors Aurecon Australasia, and CareyMC) and MetCONNX Alliance (Laing O'Rourke Australia Construction, Pritchard Francis Consulting, and Kellogg Brown & Root) will now progress to the competitive bid phase, where they will be asked to show how they will deliver the project.
The alliances will also provide additional priced options to potentially expand the project scope and include an elevated rail component, following requests from the City of Armadale and Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
The final scope of the Byford Rail Extension will be subject to stakeholder engagement, price and available funding with the major construction contract to be awarded later this year.
The removal of dangerous level crossings through Victoria Park is also a step closer with two alliances shortlisted for the main construction works at three sites.
This METRONET project could see up to six level crossings removed - Mint Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, as well as Hamilton Street, Wharf Street and William Street, with the contractor asked to price all six removals.
Following an expression of interest period, the Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance (Acciona/Coleman Rail, BMD Constructions, WSP Australia, and AECOM Australia) and Elevate Alliance (Downer EDI Works, CPB Contractors, GHD, Aurecon Australasia, and CareyMC) will progress to the competitive bid phase, where they will show how they will deliver the Mint Street, Oats Street and Welshpool Road removals via an elevated rail solution, while also offering a priced option for the Hamilton, Wharf and William streets package.
The removal of the three additional level crossings will be subject to further funding discussions.
The Mint Street-Oats Street-Welshpool Road contract is expected to be awarded later this year.
Two proponents have been shortlisted to prepare detailed proposals to design and build Midland's new train station and associated infrastructure - Transform Midland Alliance (Downer EDI Works, SMEC Australia) and Midland Junction Alliance (McConnell Dowell Constructors, Georgiou Group, Arcadis Australia, and BG&E).
The two proponents now progress to the competitive bid phase which will include the design and construction of a new station between Helena and Cale streets and the decommissioning and demolishing of the existing 52-year-old train station.
Along with a 12-stand bus interchange and multi-storey car park with more than 600 parking bays, the new three-platform station will include a north-south pedestrian overpass, universal access, passenger toilets, lifts and stairs, kiosk and about 100 secure bike parks.
The alliance contract is expected to be awarded in mid-2021.
The projects are jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Western Australian Government, with the Commonwealth committing $530.5 million.
