Preliminary work on the Byford Rail Extension and new elevated Armadale station is set to begin this month.
Sections of high-pressure gas pipeline will be relocated in and around Armadale and Byford to make way for the METRONET project.
The pipeline relocations are due to start in Armadale in early August and could continue into October.
There will likely be traffic delays and lane closures on Aragon Court and Forrest Way during construction.
The Byford works are scheduled from October and will mostly affect George Street.
In other news, the period for public comment on the new Armadale Station has ended.
The design incorporated feedback from the community provided during consultation earlier this year.
The new elevated Armadale station will include three platforms, new public open spaces and aims for better connectivity between the town centre and station.
It has been designed as ‘multi-modal’ with provisions for a bus terminal, and room for other potential modes of transport.
With an elevated rail line, space on ground level can be reclaimed.
A new off-leash dog park was proposed to be constructed under part of the rail line and will feature dual safety gate entrances, dog exercise equipment, seating, and drink fountains with dog water bowls.
The additional height from the rail lines will also mean new views out to the town centre and the Darling Scarp.
Meanwhile, within the station there will be bike storage, four lifts (two to each platform), a kiosk, and accessible public toilets.
Three platforms are proposed as part of Armadale station, a future-proofing tactic to accommodate a potential rapid Bunbury train service.
Canopies will stretch across 80 percent of the length of the platforms to protect commuters from poor weather.
And there are big landscaping plans for the areas immediately around the station.
‘Urban lounges’ are proposed to provide comfortable, welcoming spaces to sit, read, and enjoy amongst trees and native plantings. These will be located in three areas across the site – behind the RSL club, in the youth area and adjacent to the ‘Kiss and Ride’ area to the south of the station.
The youth area will be constructed to the east of the bus terminal, and is proposed to include bouldering, a full-size and half-size basketball court and a junior nature-play playground.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti MLA said she believed the new station will be a “fantastic new asset” which takes on board suggestions from the local community about improving the connectivity between the town centre and the station.
“We understand that to deliver these significant improvements, there will be disruption with the train line needing to close for 18 months later this year. To help, we are undertaking significant work to make sure the shutdown is as smooth as possible,” she said.
“To support the shutdown, we are building three new bus interchanges, including one in Armadale, that will provide the community with alternative public transport options while the closure is in place.”
Member for Armadale Dr Tony Buti said the design will not just improve the look of the area, but also the public’s safety.
“Included in the design is enhanced lighting and CCTV, which will improve community safety and increase passive surveillance measures,” he said.
“The removal of the level crossing at Denny Avenue has been of enormous benefit to the local community by reducing traffic congestion and improving travel convenience and accessibility for local businesses.”
“This new METRONET station is another important step by the state government in this exciting revitalisation of this precinct and is expected to give local businesses a boost and spark community opportunities for growth.”
