The first tracks have been laid on Perth’s METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, marking a major milestone for the $1 billion game-changing project in the city’s northeast – the largest expansion of the rail network in more than 15 years.
The first section of rail will see approximately 1.5 kilometres of ballast and sleepers installed north of Whiteman Park Station through to the Gnangara Underpass and along Drumpellier Drive.
Specialised equipment has been used to undertake the feat, including a ballast box spreader which positions the ballast and an excavator with an ‘octopus’ attachment to position the sleepers.
“The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Train Line is a game-changer for communities in Perth’s northeast, and seeing the first tracks being laid is another strong indication of our Government getting on with the job,” said Minister for Transport; Planning; Ports, Rita Saffioti.
“This is Perth’s biggest public transport project since the Mandurah Line and will support more than 6,500 jobs and help shape vibrant communities.
“Once the project is operational, there will be a 50% reduction in public transport times between Ellenbrook and Perth, with only a 30-minute journey to the city.
“The two-zone cap will also make travel accessible and affordable for commuters – helping people to save potentially thousands of dollars a year.”
The $1.1 billion project is jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments.
The 21-kilometre Morley-Ellenbrook Train Line represents the most significant expansion of the Perth rail system since the Mandurah Line opened in 2007.
It includes new stations at Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook, with patronage expected to reach 18,000 people boarding per day by 2031.
“We promised to build the Morley-Ellenbrook line – and my Government is delivering,” said Premier, Mark McGowan.
“This is the biggest milestone to date on a project that will transform our north-eastern suburbs, with works now underway from Ellenbrook right through to Morley and Bayswater.
“We are getting on with delivering METRONET right across our suburbs – slashing travel times, improving safety and building strong communities while creating thousands of local jobs and opportunities for local business.”
The project will support the area’s growth as a major activity centre, while making the most of development opportunities nearby, including for new housing, the Premier said.
The journey from Ellenbrook to Perth City will only take 30 minutes once complete, giving those living in the north-eastern suburbs greater transport choice, reduced travel times and new modern stations, he said.
