Shutdown date announced as part of transformational upgrade

• Armadale Line shutdown to start 20 November 2023
• Shutdown critical to deliver transformational upgrades including seven new train stations and removal of 13 level crossings
• Seven new temporary bus routes and five enhanced existing bus routes announced as replacement services
• Final timetables to be released in September
• Major community awareness campaign to begin in late September

The State Government has today announced the Armadale Line shutdown will commence on Monday, 20 November 2023, paving the way for a transformational upgrade of the 130-year-old train line.

During the closure, 5.5 kilometres of elevated rail will be constructed, along with seven new stations, and the extension of the line to Byford. 

The project will also see the removal of 13 level crossings that cause significant disruption to the local community, and the creation of around 6 hectares of public open space that will be turned into new public amenities.

The 13 level crossings will be immediately removed following the commencement of the shut.

The Thornlie-Cockburn Link will also be completed during the shut.  Two new train stations are being constructed along Nicholson Road and Ranford Road; and the delivery of the first east-west rail link connecting the Armadale and Mandurah Lines.

The Government also announced today seven new temporary bus routes and five enhanced existing bus routes will be put in place during the shut.

The replacement bus services will be a combination of limited stop and all stop bus routes, giving passengers options to get to the CBD and other local destinations.

More than 100 additional buses will be used to support the shutdown, as well as around 1.2 kilometres of bus priority lanes, along with the installation of intelligent system technology to help to minimise disruptions to passengers and road users.

There will be some changes to Optus Stadium transport arrangements. Trains will continue to stop at Stadium Station on weekends, public holidays and during events. A new special event bus service (Route 651) will also help eventgoers in Perth's south-east get to Stadium Bus Station.

The Government is currently assessing options for fare relief to regular Armadale Line passengers impacted by the shut.

Timetables for the new and enhanced routes will be released in September in line with the launch of a community awareness campaign.

Three temporary bus interchanges in Armadale, Cannington and Victoria Park are also being built to support the additional services. The Cannington bus interchange is now complete, with Victoria Park and Armadale to be completed in October.

The temporary Cannington bus interchange will be the largest temporary bus interchange in Perth, with more than 1,300 daily bus movements expected. It features 16 active and eight layover bus bays, bike storage facilities and security measures along with public toilet facilities to accommodate passengers using bus services during the shutdown.

While replacement services are being put in place, the Government also expects many existing park and ride passengers may choose to drive to alternative stations on other lines.

Safety has been a key consideration in getting ready for the shutdown, with an increase of up to 20 per cent more Transit Officer hours, as well as additional security vehicles being deployed to support the operation.

There will be increased surveillance at the new interchanges and the installation of new CCTV cameras, which are monitored 24/7.

While additional infrastructure is critical in minimising disruption, active transport will also play a key part within communities close to the line.

The Department of Transport will deliver an Active Travel initiative and has engaged with local governments and 10 schools along the train line to encourage walking and riding along safe and convenient local routes.

The project will provide dedicated School Active Travel Officers to deliver and administer events and activities at the 10 schools to promote active modes of travel.

A full line closure will be in place for three days from the start of the shutdown to allow for essential works to enable passenger services to operate between Victoria Park and Perth. After this, trains will run between Victoria Park and Perth.

The community will be able to access the latest information from the Armadale Line Shutdown Hub on the Public Transport Authority website: https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Track-Closures/Armadale-and-Thornlie-Line-Shutdown

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"This project is going to fundamentally change this 130-year-old train line, but we know to reach that destination, a period of disruption lies ahead.

"We're doing everything we can to make sure the closure is as smooth as possible, and that we have options to meet the needs of as many people as possible.

"We'll be implementing 12 new and enhanced bus routes which will be supported by more than 100 additional buses, three new bus interchanges, 1.2 kilometres of priority bus lanes and intelligent system technology at key locations to help to minimise disruptions to passengers and road users.

"Timetables for the replacement bus services will be released next month in line with the launch of a community awareness campaign.

"I thank the community and regular passengers on the Armadale Line in advance for their understanding and patience while we undertake these critical works to transform the line."