Tenders advertised for multi-million dollar Thornlie rail works

25/6/03
A multi-million dollar contract to construct a railway station and two bridges, as part of work on the new rail line to Thornlie, will be advertised for tender today.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the works included the construction of a rail bridge over the Canning River, the Spencer Road Bridge over the freight line and a station at Spencer Road.
"Tenders will close on August 28, the contract will be awarded in late October and work is expected to begin in November," Ms MacTiernan said.
"This tender brings us a step closer to providing an integrated public transport network for the rapidly growing Thornlie community and surrounding areas.
"It's estimated Thornlie will provide an extra 3,500 daily boardings. Thornlie Station will be a major bus and rail interchange that will also enable set-down and pick-up by private car, walking and cycling.
"We are providing an accessible, safe and efficient public transport system."
The new Spencer Road bridge will replace the existing level crossing. When work starts on the bridge in November, a traffic diversion will be constructed in Spencer Road and the level crossing will be temporarily relocated.
The level crossing will go when the bridge becomes operational in October, 2004.
Train services on the new line will start in December, 2004.
"By putting out three main elements in one package, we are confident the construction of the station and bridges will be achieved in a co-ordinated and timely way and in the most cost-effective manner," Ms MacTiernan said.
The Minister said although work on the railway was not due to start until November this year, a lot of construction activity was already obvious.
"Stage two of the Kenwick Tunnel, which will enable the railway line to cross under the Roe Highway and the railway freight line, is well under way," she said.
"It also involves the relocation of about 1.4km of the Woodbridge to Kwinana freight railway and the erection of a noise wall adjacent to Burham Road."
Minister's office: 9213 6400