Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the addition of the METRONET projects – Morley-Ellenbrook Line and High Capacity Signalling System – to IA’s Priority List recognises the Government’s decision to plan and invest in nationally significant projects.
The government has committed $2.5 billion to METRONET projects in Western Australia, which involves 70 kilometres of new heavy passenger rail and up to 18 new rail stations.
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said adding the projects to the list meant the game-changing elements of METRONET were a step closer.
“For people in the north of Perth, the Morley-Ellenbrook Line will be 21 kms of rail line improving connectivity and productivity for locals,” says Mr Tudge.
“At the same time the Capacity Signalling System project will improve the performance of the current rail network by allowing trains to run more often, reliably and safely.”
Construction on the Morley-Ellenbrook Line is expected to get underway in early 2021 and reach completion in 2023-24.
Work completed on WA’s biggest road project, NorthLink
The biggest road infrastructure project in WA’s history, the $1.02 billion NorthLink, is now open, providing a free-flowing link between Morley and Muchea, doubling road capacity and improving journey times and productivity.
Road users travelling from Kewdale to Muchea can now avoid up to 16 sets of traffic lights, two railway crossings and 21 speed limit changes.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the third and final section of the project – a 22-kilometre dual carriageway highway between Ellenbrook and Muchea – will transform how traffic enters and exits Perth from the state’s north.
“The opening of the final section means road users, particularly freight, can now realise the full benefits of the 37-kilometre highway,” the Prime Minister says. “NorthLink WA has also supported around 7000 direct and indirect jobs for Western Australians throughout its construction.”
Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan says that infrastructure projects planned for the north-eastern suburbs of Perth, including several major road upgrades and the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, will help ease congestion and mean less time spent on roads.
“These are vital job-creating projects that will ensure WA is well-placed to respond in the economic recovery stage of the pandemic.”
Western Australian Minister for Transport and Planning Rita Saffioti says: “NorthLink WA has been a major feat of collaboration across successive governments, having initially been funded in the 2013 Federal Budget as the Swan Valley Bypass, and continued under the current State and Federal governments.”
The NorthLink WA project was jointly funded with the Australian Government providing $820.84 million and the Western Australian Government $204.06 million.