Victoria Park railway services to be upgraded

13/12/02
Work has started on the $22million improvements to railway services through Victoria Park, Carlisle and Lathlain.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced the extensive program of works today as part of the Perth Urban Rail Development Project.
"In July 2001 the Gallop Government announced a change in the route of the South-West Metropolitan Railway from the 'Kenwick' route to the 'direct' route," Ms MacTiernan said.
"But although this change has meant a reduction in the number of trains that will pass through this area, the Government is still committed to making train and pedestrian access and traffic management across the railway safer and more convenient."
The scope of the works include:

• construction a cycle/pedestrian bridge across the railway at Howick Street;

• relocating/constructing a new Victoria Park station on a straight section of track adjacent to Duncan Street, which is about 230m south of the current station;

• closing Bishopsgate Street level crossing;

• constructing a new road bridge over the railway along the alignment of Miller Street/Roberts Road;

• closing Lathlain station; and

• upgrading Carlisle station.

"Preliminary work has started on the upgrade of Carlisle station," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The station will remain open throughout the construction period. However, access to the station platform will be restricted to entry points on the north western or Perth end of the station while the works are being completed.
"Other key dates are the closure of Lathlain Station on February 2, 2003 and the opening of the new Victoria Park station in November 2004.
"Lathlain station is being closed because it is only 330m south of the new Victoria Park station. We need to close the station early so that the track through the area can be lowered, to allow the construction of a new road and pedestrian bridge over the railway at Miller Street/Roberts Road.
"We are currently examining ways to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs who use Lathlain station. Pedestrians and cyclists who cross the railway at Lathlain will be able to use a temporary pedestrian crossing that will be constructed at Bishopsgate Street level crossing.
"The works through Victoria Park have been determined through consultation with the Town of Victoria Park and key stakeholders within the community over an extended period of time."
The other works through Victoria Park will facilitate traffic and pedestrian movements over the railway, in particular the road over the rail bridge at Miller Street/Roberts Road and the dual-use bridge over the railway near Howick Street.
There will be minimal disruption to passengers during the construction of these works.
A rail spur on the Armadale line from Kenwick to a new station at Spencer Road, Thornlie, will also be funded as part of the Perth Urban Rail Development Project. New services through Victoria Park to Thornlie will commence in December 2004.
A substantial amount of additional works will also be undertaken to improve infrastructure on the Midland and Armadale lines.
These works include upgrading Bassendean, Kelmscott and Midland stations and relocating Gosnells and Armadale stations.
Minister's office: 9213 6400