It’s taken nearly two years and a lot of patience from local commuters but the day has finally arrived.
The Examiner has been closely following the project, including cost increases and delays announced in the state budget in 2024, which attracted the ire of the state and federal opposition who, at the time, described state and federal Labor government’s handling of the project as ‘abysmal’.
But on Sunday it was all smiles as the local community marked the event as the full Armadale Line, which now extends eight kilometres to Byford, opened to a sea of local politicians celebrating the event.
The METRONET Byford Rail Extension project has delivered a brand-new train station in Byford, a new elevated station in Armadale, and removed nine pedestrian and road-level crossings providing a much-improved connection to our public transport system as the local population continues to grow.
Jointly funded by the both the state and federal governments, the project was a major construction feat with the delivery of eight kilometres of new dual-rail track, including 22,000 sleepers, 40,000 tonnes of crushed rock, 430 masts, and 72 kilometres of overhead wiring. The project has also supported an estimated 4,200 jobs.
Two new over-rail bridges were also built at Thomas Road and Eleventh Road, while eight hectares of new public open space was created through the elevation of the rail line. This open space is also complemented by eight kilometres of new shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
The new Byford Station also includes a new platform servicing the Australind train. The new train is currently undergoing dynamic testing and will return to service in early 2026.
The opening of the Byford Rail Extension marks the completion of all new METRONET rail lines WA Labor committed to at the 2017 State Election, with the final METRONET project, the New Midland Station, expected to open in early 2026.
Residents using the new Byford Station will reach the CBD in 46 minutes, while fares will be capped to just a single zone from 1 January when the single zone flat fare comes into effect.
During the Armadale Line closure, the Public Transport Authority also delivered the Rail Revitalisation Program, undertaking major maintenance and upgrades between Kenwick and Sherwood stations. The work includes the renewal of 15 kilometres of track, 25 pedestrian crossings, 10 level crossings and improved drainage systems.
Today’s community event also celebrated the official opening of Long Park, Perth’s newest and longest linear park between Carlisle and Beckenham stations.
Stretching seven kilometres, the six-hectare Long Park features 14 community spaces, including playgrounds, skate parks, dog and fitness parks and youth plazas with sports courts. New shared paths have also been built throughout the parkland area.
The elevation of the rail as part of the METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project created the opportunity for this development, which was shaped through meaningful input from the local community.
These transformative projects have delivered a remarkable 14 hectares of public parklands and open space – an area equivalent to seven Optus Stadiums.
Long Park is home to Perth’s longest public art trail, with more than 20 different pieces of public art installed along the length of the park.
Bus services have been expanded to support the Byford Rail Extension, including 10 extra buses and six new routes connecting directly to Byford Station, adding nearly 500,000 kilometres of bus service to the network each year.
More information on train and bus services and timetables can be found on the Transperth website.
WA Premier Roger Cook said METRONET has transformed the face of Perth by making travel more affordable, taking cars off our roads and creating thousands of jobs over the past eight years.
“We know how important our expanded public transport network will be in the coming years with Western Australia’s booming economy and growing population, which is why my government is proud to have delivered the METRONET Byford Rail Extension and reopened the Armadale Line,” he said.
“We know METRONET is giving people in Perth’s south-eastern suburbs more travel choices and addressing road congestion.
“Along the Armadale Line, METRONET’s development has also allowed us to open Long Park, which will provide Western Australians with more opportunities to get outside, be active and engage with their local community.”
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said she was excited to see the project finally completed and thanked local commuters for their patience.
“Byford is one of the fastest-growing areas in our city and now they will have access to a world-class train line for the first time,” she said.
“The upgrades to the Armadale Line have been transformational – linking more people to public transport, better connecting communities and unlocking around 14 hectares of new public open space, which will see the delivery of new parklands, playgrounds and amenities.
“This project is about supporting current and future generations, unlocking new opportunities for development and making more of Perth accessible by public transport.
“Can I thank the communities living along the Armadale Line for their patience while we have delivered this project.”
Federal Member for Burt Matt Keogh said he hopes the project will help connect people in Perth’s south east.
“This is such an exciting day for our whole community – from Kenwick down to Byford. With new rail down the whole line, two new stations, and the removal of frustrating level crossings, our community has been tracking this one closely,” he said.
Member for Armadale Tony Buti said the new station has completely transformed the Armadale town centre.
“This new station, the public open space we’ve created by elevating the line, and the removal of level crossings will make our community a better and safer place for people to work, commute and recreate for many decades to come,” he said.
The opening of the new Byford station is something locals in Byford have been looking forward to for some time according to Member for Darling Range Hugh Jones.
“Our community has been anticipating this day for years and there is a great deal of excitement as we celebrate the opening of the new Byford Station,” he said.
“Byford is now only a train ride away from new job and study opportunities, events, and outings in the CBD and Optus Stadium, and access to reliable and affordable public transport right on our doorstep.
“It means getting where we need to go faster, easier and cheaper and I’m proud our government got on with the job of delivering this important project, and to celebrate it with our community.”
Photographs – Richard Polden.
