- More than 500 precast L-beams for the transformation of the Armadale Train Line are now complete
- The L-beams will form part of the viaduct structures for the elevated rail
- Elevated rail section almost four-kilometres in length
- L-beams have been manufactured in Western Australia, and delivered local jobs
- The elevated rail will create new open space for the community to enjoy
Preparation for the transformational METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project has reached a critical milestone, with the entire overhead rail structure now complete.
The overhead rail structure will be more than four-kilometres in length, and will be made up of more than 500 precast L-beams.
The first L-beam was completed in late 2022, with each beam weighing around 130-tonne, including approximately eight-truckloads of concrete and 13-tonnes of steel.
During the project, the beams will be transported from two sites, to the Armadale Train Line corridor, and carefully lifted into place by custom-made gantry cranes, imported from Italy.
A total of four custom-made gantry cranes will be in operation on sites to install the L-beams.
L-beam pairs will be joined together to form a trough for the trains to run on the line.
The Cook Government recently announced a competition to name the gantry cranes doing the heavy lifting along the project. To get involved, enter here.
The transformational upgrade of the 130-year-old Armadale Train Line, will see seven new stations constructed, and the delivery of the METRONET Byford Rail Extension.
The project will also see the removal of 13-level-crossings that currently cause significant disruption and congestion to the local community, and the creation of around six-hectares of public open space that will be turned into new public amenities.
The METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link will also be completed during the shut. Two new train stations are being constructed along Nicholson Road and Ranford Road; and the delivery of the first east-west rail link connecting the Armadale and Mandurah Train Lines.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Preparation is currently the number one priority for this transformational project, and the completion of more than 500 L-beams is a significant milestone.
"The entire overhead rail structure for the METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project is now complete, meaning that once the old line has been removed, we'll be ready to begin installing straight away.
"The precast materials for the elevated rail are being produced locally, which is providing jobs and economic benefits for Western Australians.
"We know there is significant benefit on the horizon, but a period of disruption to get there, and we thank the community in advance their patience.
"This project will transform the rail corridor with seven new stations, an extension of the line to Byford, and of course more than six-hectares of new public open space for the community to enjoy."
