Major works

Armadale Line Shutdown

Last month's newsletter gave the lowdown on the Byford Rail Extension and new Byford Station projects (you can read all about them here). With the Armadale Line Shutdown only weeks away, here's what to expect and how you can prepare.

Background

The 130-year-old Armadale train line is about to undergo a transformational upgrade that will see the construction of 5.5 kilometres of elevated rail, seven new stations and the extension of the line to the new Byford Train Station. The project will also see the removal of 13 level crossings and the creation of around six hectares of public open space that will be turned into new public amenities.

Carrying out the shutdown in one go is a big project, but it means it will be delivered in a shorter timeframe and provides a safer and more efficient environment for construction workers.

What to expect

The Armadale Line Shutdown commences on Monday, 20 November. For the first three days, the entire line will be closed to enable passenger trains to turn at Victoria Park. Once this step is complete, train services will resume between Victoria Park and Perth stations at an increased frequency - approximately every 7.5 minutes during the day and 15 minutes in the evenings. 

The Armadale Line, from Armadale Station to Victoria Park Station, will remain closed for approximately 18 months - until mid-2025 - while major works are completed.

How will disruptions be managed?

This is a big project, and there will be significant disruptions to travelers while the shutdown takes place. In recognition of this, the Cook Labor Government has announced a range of initiatives to reduce the pain. Here is everything you need to make the most of them.

Free travel and parking

We are providing regular Armadale Line passengers six months of free travel for an estimated saving of $1300 for daily commuters. To be eligible you need to be a current SmartRider user, and to have travelled on a train from an affected station at least once a week for 13 weeks (does not have to be consecutive) in the six months prior to 17 September 2023

Eligible travellers will have the free travel token applied to their SmartRider before the shutdown begins, for use until 31 May 2024.  The free token applies to Transperth car parks, too, so you can park in any Transperth car park free of charge. 

Check your eligibility by entering your SmartRider number at the Transperth website.

Students starting Year 7 in 2024 who have not already met the eligibility criteria but will be travelling from an affected station to get to school will also be eligible for free travel from the start of the school year, until 31 May 2024.

New and enhanced bus routes

We are adding seven new temporary bus routes and enhancing five existing bus routes during the shutdown. You can see them on the map below, and click here to view the new timetable. The Transperth JourneyPlanner has also been updated to include the new bus routes, to make planning your journey easy - click on the button below to check it out.

All stops on the supporting bus network will be Disability Discrimination Act compliant to ensure access for people with disability and parents with prams.

Additional buses and technology

More than 100 additional buses will be used to support the shutdown, as well as around 1.2 kilometres of bus priority lanes, and intelligent technology systems to enable traffic lights to detect when a bus is approaching and turn green faster, increasing travel efficiency for buses. 

A new temporary bus interchange in Armadale will begin operations when the shutdown begins - you can find it using the map below.

So there you have it, all the ins and outs of how to prepare for the transformation of a rail line that was first established in 1893. Once works are complete, Byford will have a brand new station taking passengers to Perth in 42 minutes; the removal of level crossings will drastically improve traffic congestion; and Thornlie will connect with the Mandurah line via the Thornlie-Cockburn Link.

Keep up to date with project news on theMETRONET website, where you canregister for updates; and for information on bus routes, timetables and service updates, visit Transperth.