- Significant milestones reached on major transport projects in Perth's south-east
- Road and rail projects to slash commute times, deliver affordable transport options
- More than $2.7 billion road and rail investment into one of Perth's fastest growing areas
- Byford expected to grow to 50,000 over the next two decades
The Cook Labor Government's transformative infrastructure program is powering ahead in Perth's south-eastern suburbs, with a number of significant milestones reached today for one of the State's fastest growing areas.
Major road and rail projects in the south-east corridor - including the METRONET Byford Rail Extension and significant upgrades and the extension of Tonkin Highway - will slash congestion, reduce travel times to and from the city, improve road safety and provide local residents with affordable public transport options.
Among the milestones is more than 80 per cent of the elevated rail on the METRONET Byford Rail Extension having now been constructed.
The achievement comes as work rapidly progresses on the new Byford Station, with the station's platform largely complete and roof canopy well underway.
Byford is one of Perth's fastest growing communities, with the population expected to grow to around 50,000 people in the next two decades.
The new station will connect Byford residents to the METRONET rail network for the first time, and the Cook Government's two-zone fare cap means residents can travel to Perth for just $4.16 with a SmartRider. When it opens next year, residents will have a 42-minute journey to the CBD.
The project is also delivering improved road safety outcomes by removing seven level crossings, including a major new road over rail traffic bridge at Thomas Road.
The Cook Government has also announced key milestones on a number of major road projects in the south-east, including releasing expressions of interest for Stage One of the Tonkin Highway Corridor project, which will deliver two new grade separated interchanges at Welshpool Road and Hale Road and widen Tonkin Highway - significantly reducing travel times along the key transport route.
The State Government has also released a request for proposals to short-listed proponents for Stage Two of the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade project, and marked the completion of major safety upgrades on Thomas Road.
Works on both the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade and Stage One of the Tonkin Highway corridor project are scheduled to commence next year.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Living in the outer suburbs, I know how important quality road and rail links to the city can be for local families.
"Through METRONET, we're bringing rail to Byford for the first time - delivering affordable public transport on our world-class rail system for local residents.
"Our major investments along Tonkin Highway will slash congestion on this important route, meaning less time in the car and more time with the family.
"We're delivering the infrastructure our south-eastern suburbs need for the future, because our Labor Government will always do what's right for WA."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The south-east corridor is one of the fastest growing areas in our city, and our Government is making significant investments to make sure these communities have the transport infrastructure to support them long into the future.
"Whether it's access to the METRONET rail network for the first time or new and upgraded roads that make it safer and easier for people to commute, we're making sure these communities are supported.
"It's fantastic to see the Byford Rail Extension taking shape and next year the community will be able to use this station, significantly improving their access to reliable and affordable public transport."
As stated by Darling Range MLA Hugh Jones:
"Byford is a rapidly growing community, and our Government is ensuring we have the necessary infrastructure in place to support that growth into the future.
"The major investment in the transport network highlights our Government's commitment to the communities in Darling Range, and ensuring they have a safer and more efficient road network plus access to high quality public transport."
