The new Thomas Road Bridge has opened to traffic for the first time as part of new infrastructure for the METRONET Byford Rail extension.
Vehicles can now travel along the new bridge in a temporary alignment for the first time, allowing single-lane travel in both directions. Once the project is complete, traffic will be able to pass over the rail corridor with two lanes in each direction.
The bridge will also feature new shared paths, including an underpass, for cyclists, pedestrians and horseriders, as well as a new road underpass connecting Butcher and Vlasich roads.
Stage one of the bridge opening has seen the installation of 417 precast concrete panels, 370 tonnes of reinforcement, 1,900m3 of concrete and 130,000 tonnes of imported sand.
The project has already seen more than $1 million spent on Aboriginal businesses and is well on track to exceed a commitment to award $1.5 million.
Inclusive employment has featured in the project with more than 15,000 hours of work undertaken by an Aboriginal-led workforce, and women making almost 40 per cent of technical staff.
The removal of the Thomas Road level crossing also brings benefits to the community with increased road safety and reduced traffic congestion.
The METRONET Byford Rail Extension will extend the Armadale Line around 8kms south to a new ground-level station in Byford, supporting those in the wider Serpentine-Jarrahdale area with improved access to jobs, services and amenities.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This is an exciting milestone for the Byford Rail Extension project. The new bridge will help with traffic flow when the electrified rail line is fully operational, and services are frequent.
"Once the extension is complete, Byford residents will be able to access the city in 42 minutes, with fares capped to two zones or five dollars.
"This project also demonstrates the strength of the METRONET Gnarla Biddi Strategy, with Aboriginal procurement and employment being incorporated throughout the project.
"To date, Aboriginal employment has comprised 13 per cent of the total project hours, and 58 local WA businesses have been engaged through the project."
As stated by Darling Range MLA Hugh Jones:
"Having traffic moving across the new bridge is fantastic for the community. It means better traffic flow along Thomas Road and less congestion around the construction site.
"The Byford Rail Extension is an exciting project for the community with many benefits for business and the community for years to come. It will improve access to jobs, services and amenities, and support the development of Byford."
