Ellenbrook line
Ellenbrook line | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overview | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other name(s) | Morley–Ellenbrook line (during construction) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner | Public Transport Authority | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Locale | Perth, Western Australia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Termini |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stations | 5 (branch) 13 (total) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Type | Suburban rail | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
System | Transperth | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operator(s) | Public Transport Authority | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depot(s) | Claisebrook railcar depot | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rolling stock | Transperth B-series trains | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
History | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commenced | January 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Opened | 8 December 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technical | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Line length | 27.9 km (17.3 mi)[a] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of tracks | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Character | At-grade and elevated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) narrow gauge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electrification | 25 kV 50 Hz AC from overhead catenary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating speed | 130 km/h (81 mph) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Signalling | Fixed block signalling | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Train protection system | Automatic train protection | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Ellenbrook line, known as the Morley–Ellenbrook line during construction, is a suburban railway line and service in Perth, Western Australia, which is operated by the Public Transport Authority as part of the Transperth system. The line branches from the Midland line at Bayswater station and heads north-north-west to serve five stations along a 21.3-kilometre (13.2 mi) route to Ellenbrook. Ellenbrook line services continue west of Bayswater station alongside Midland and Airport line services to terminate at Perth station in the central business district.
Land for a transit line to Ellenbrook was reserved in the 1990s during the first stages of the development of Ellenbrook as a "master planned community". A railway line to Ellenbrook was promised by both major political parties in the leadup to the 2008 state election, but it was cancelled by the Liberal government after winning the election. After the Labor Party won the 2017 state election, the Ellenbrook line began planning as part of the wider Metronet project. Enabling works within the Tonkin Highway median strip were undertaken by the Tonkin Gap project, which started construction in November 2020 and was completed in early 2024. The main Ellenbrook line contract was awarded to Laing O'Rourke in October 2020 and construction began in January 2022. The main contract's original budget was $1.123 billion, which was increased in 2023 to $1.651 billion. The first station was completed in March 2024 and tracklaying was completed by July. The first train entered the line in August and all stations were complete by November. The line opened on 8 December 2024.
Branching from the Midland line at Bayswater station, the Ellenbrook line enters a viaduct to exit the Midland line via a flying junction before entering the median strip of Tonkin Highway through a short tunnel. The line heads north from there, stopping at Morley and Noranda stations, before exiting the highway through another tunnel to reach Ballajura station. The Ellenbrook line then runs east along the southern side of Whiteman Park before bending north to head between Whiteman Park and Drumpellier Drive to reach Whiteman Park station. North from there, the line enters Ellenbrook to terminate at Ellenbrook station.
The Ellenbrook line has a frequency of five trains per hour during peak, reducing to four trains per hour off peak, operated by B-series trains. Peak frequencies are planned to increase to six trains per hour by 2031, which will require upgrades to signalling to accommodate the Ellenbrook line alongside Airport and Midland line services. All stations along the branch are fully accessible and have 150-metre-long (490 ft) platforms, but train lengths are limited by 100-metre (330 ft) platforms between Perth and Bayswater. The branch is forecast to have 11,753 boardings per weekday upon opening, increasing to 18,070 boardings per weekday in 2031.
History
[edit]Corridor reservation
[edit]The 1955 Plan for the Metropolitan Region, Perth and Fremantle, also known as the Stephenson–Hepburn Report, proposed a 7+1⁄2-mile (12 km) railway line branching off the Eastern Railway (Midland line) at Bayswater, then heading north through Morley to reach Walter Road and then north-west to terminate near Wanneroo Road. The branch was planned to have six stations and projected to have 7,000 daily passengers. The report also proposed the Beechboro–Gosnells Highway, now known as Tonkin Highway.[2][3] When the Metropolitan Region Scheme was adopted in 1963, the land for the proposed highway was reserved but the not the land for the proposed railway.[4][5] Tonkin Highway between Railway Parade and Reid Highway was eventually opened in stages between 1984 and 1991.[6][7]
The North-East Corridor Structure Plan, published in 1994, called for the rezoning of Ellenbrook for urban development and the reservation of a public transport corridor from the proposed Ellenbrook town centre and along Lord Street (now known as Drumpellier Drive) to Bassendean on the Midland line.[8]: 11 [9] The Metropolitan Region Scheme was amended later that year to reserve the corridor from Ellenbrook to Reid Highway. The corridor south of Reid Highway to Bassendean was not reserved due to a large number of objections,[10][11]: 1 which prompted the government to commission the North-East Corridor Transit Route Reserve Study to determine a route south of the Reid Highway/Lord Street junction. The study outlined four possible routes to the Midland line:[11]: 1 [12]
- To Bayswater via the Tonkin Highway median and the northern side of Reid Highway.[11]: 1 The northern side of Reid Highway was selected as the highway's median was not wide enough for the railway and the southern side had housing that was too close to the highway.[11]: 8 Potential station locations were Walter Road/Morley Drive, Benara Road, Beechboro Road, Altone Road, and Marshall Road.[11]: 12
- To Bassendean via the western side of Lord Street.[11]: 1 This option would have required a 240-metre (790 ft) tunnel to exit the Midland line corridor and pass under several houses.[11]: 8 Potential station locations were Morley Drive, Benara Road, and Marshall Road.[11]: 13
- To Midland via an extension of Benara Road through Caversham.[11]: 1 This would have had the Ellenbrook line end at Midland station, with a transfer required to get to Perth station.[11]: 9 Potential station locations were West Swan Road and Marshall Road.[11]: 13
- To Middle Swan via the Reid Highway median and from Middle Swan to Midland via the freight railway.[11]: 1 This would operate as an extension of the Midland line.[11]: 9 Potential station locations were Great Eastern Highway, Morrison Road, Stratton, Great Northern Highway, West Swan Road, and Marshall Road.[11]: 13
The route to Bayswater was chosen as the preferred option, so in 1996, the land required for that was reserved in the Metropolitan Region Scheme.[13][14]
Proposals
[edit]Following the success of the Mandurah line, which opened in late 2007, Premier of Western Australia Alan Carpenter committed a week before the September 2008 state election to build a railway line to Ellenbrook for A$850 million if the Labor Party were re-elected, with construction starting in 2012 and finishing in 2015.[15][16][17] Opposition and Liberal Party leader Colin Barnett also committed to building a railway to Ellenbrook,[18][19] but in the months following the Liberal Party's election victory, the Public Transport Authority (PTA) advised Transport Minister Simon O'Brien that bus rapid transit (BRT) would be more adaptable and could follow roads through built-up areas, unlike a railway line.[20] In April 2009, the PTA cancelled a route definition study that had been commissioned by the Carpenter government[21][22][23] and commenced a feasibility study due to doubts over the line's viability.[24][25] New Transport Minister Troy Buswell said in May 2011 that the Liberal Party only committed to the Ellenbrook line because it believed that the Carpenter government had done a feasibility study, and that a subsequent study found that patronage would not be high enough for a rail line.[26] Barnett said that he had only committed to building it if elected to a second term.[27]
In July 2011, the government's Public Transport in Perth in 2031 plan committed to a BRT service between Ellenbrook and Bassendean station, putting an end to plans for a rail line to Ellenbrook.[28][29][30] By August 2012, the design of the BRT route was underway.[31][32] Ahead of the March 2013 state election, Barnett again promised to build a rail line to Ellenbrook if re-elected, which he reiterated during an election debate on ABC News. In February 2013 though, Barnett reneged on that promise, saying that "when we looked at it and we took advice from the Department of Transport and others, it was clear that rail line was ahead of its time".[33] Meanwhile, Labor leader Mark McGowan committed to building the Ellenbrook line as part of Labor's proposed Metronet project.[34][35][36] Days before the election, Barnett announced that the BRT project had been cancelled[37][38] due to costs increasing from $61 million to $110 million.[39] The Liberals won the election.[40]
In the May 2016 state budget, the Ellenbrook BRT project was revived with a cheaper route. Estimated to cost $49 million, the new route was a 9-kilometre (6 mi) dedicated busway along Lord Street between the Ellenbrook town centre and Marshall Road. There would have been bus stations in the Ellenbrook town centre, at Gnangara Road, and at Marshall Road, with a future station at Youle-Dean Road. The busway would have been grade separated at Gnangara Road, Park Street and Youle-Dean Road, and buses would have continued south of Marshall Road along regular streets to Bassendean and Midland stations. Sections of Lord Street would have been upgraded and realigned as well.[41][42][43] A request for tenders was released in July 2016[44] and in November 2016, CPB Contractors was selected as the preferred proponent, with the cost having risen to $55 million.[45][46]
In February 2016, Transport Minister Dean Nalder revealed the government was considering an underground rail line from the Perth central business district to Morley via Edith Cowan University in Mount Lawley, with an eventual extension to Ellenbrook.[47][48][49] Labor criticised the tunnel for being too expensive.[50][51] The Transport@3.5 million plan, which was published in July 2016, said a railway line to Ellenbrook would not be needed until after 2050, with the tunnel from Perth to Morley to be built as the first stage of a line to East Wanneroo and that the Ellenbrook line would later be built as a spur off that line.[52][53][54] A week later, Barnett backtracked, saying that a rail line to Ellenbrook would be constructed "well before" 2050.[55] The final version of the Transport@3.5 million report, published in February 2017, said that a rail line to Ellenbrook would be needed before 2050.[56] Meanwhile, Labor again promised to build the Ellenbrook line for $863 million as part of its revised Metronet project,[57][58] with construction beginning in 2019 and finishing in 2022.[59][60]
The March 2017 state election resulted in the defeat of the Liberal Party and election of Labor to government.[61][62] Soon after being elected to government, Premier Mark McGowan announced the cancellation of the Ellenbrook BRT project as it was redundant to the Ellenbrook line, and the contract with CPB would be renegotiated so that Lord Street could be realigned and upgraded to a four-lane dual carriageway.[63][64][65] Upon the project's completion in April 2019, Lord Street was renamed Drumpellier Drive.[66][67] As part of the NorthLink WA project, the intersections between Tonkin Highway and Collier Road, Morley Drive, Benara Road, and Reid Highway were grade separated and the highway was extended north, providing the corridor for the Ellenbrook line to be built. The first three grade separations, which made up stage one of NorthLink WA, were completed in January 2018,[68][69] and the Reid Highway interchange and extension north, which made up stage two, opened in March 2019.[70]
Planning
[edit]Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull committed $500 million in the April 2018 federal budget for the Ellenbrook line, then-known as the Morley–Ellenbrook line,[71][72] subject to a favourable assessment by the independent statutory authority Infrastructure Australia.[8]: 50
The finalised route for the Ellenbrook line was revealed in August 2019, with the state government saying that it considered 100 possible routes. The main engineering challenge of the final alignment were the tunnels to enter and exit Tonkin Highway. The number and location of stations were finalised, with there being five stations: Morley, Noranda, Ballajura (known at the time as Malaga station), Whiteman Park, and Ellenbrook. It was also announced that the scope of an existing project to rebuild Bayswater station would be increased to add extra platforms for the Ellenbrook line. The expected opening date at the time was 2022–23.[73][74][75]
Consideration was given to having the Ellenbrook line travel along Tonkin Highway on the western side of Whiteman Park, but this route was not chosen as it would not allow for a station at the entrance to Whiteman Park or a station to serve Henley Brook, Dayton, Brabham or West Swan. The design allows for a branch to extend north along Tonkin Highway past Ballajura though.[76][77] Consideration was also given to running the line along Reid Highway as was planned in the 1990s instead of the southern side of Whiteman Park, but the Reid and Tonkin Highway interchange constructed as part of NorthLink WA made that route difficult to construct.[78] Another option considered was tunnelling the Ellenbrook line between Bayswater station and Tonkin Highway instead of building a viaduct. Tunnelling was rejected due to the high cost, steep slopes required, the Bayswater Main Drain being in the way, and disruption to the Airport and Midland lines. During further design, the height of the viaduct was reduced due to complains from nearby residents.[79][80] The route through the southern and eastern parts of Whiteman was criticised by the shadow minister for transport, Libby Mettam, who said that it broke the terms of an agreement made when Lew Whiteman and other landowners sold the land to the state government which said that the land must remain public open space. The state government retorted by saying that the previous Liberal government had planned for the land to become a cemetery and a sporting complex.[81][82]
The environmental assessment was divided into two packages. The Bayswater to Malaga environmental assessment application was submitted to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in November 2019,[83][84] which determined the following month that the Bayswater to Malaga portion did not require assessment by the EPA.[85] The Malaga to Ellenbrook environmental assessment application was submitted to the EPA in December 2019, which approved the application in November 2020. Important environmental considerations included the clearing of vegetation, impacts on Bennett Brook and nearby wetlands, and the habitat of Carter's freshwater mussels and black cockatoos.[86]
In February 2020, the Parliament of Western Australia passed an enabling act for the Ellenbrook line, authorising the line's construction.[87][88] Infrastructure Australia released its assessment of the Ellenbrook line in May 2020, adding the project to the Infrastructure Priority List as a "Priority Project", enabling it to receive $500 million in federal funding. Infrastructure Australia described the project as a "marginal" case, saying that urban renewal would be crucial to the project achieving the desired patronage levels and that the government had overestimated projected patronage growth and travel times, but that the Ellenbrook corridor had high population growth and was one of Perth's only corridors without a railway line.[89][90][91] In June 2020, the project definition plan was released,[92][93] which said that the Ellenbrook line would be divided into four programs of work: the Bayswater station project, the Tonkin Gap project, the main Ellenbrook line works, and forward works.[8]: 6, 50
Tonkin Gap project
[edit]Works to allow for the Ellenbrook line to run in the Tonkin Highway median strip were undertaken as part of an earlier project by Main Roads Western Australia, the Tonkin Gap project. This project's main purpose was to widen Tonkin Highway between Collier Road in Bayswater and Dunreath Drive in Redcliffe, but the associated works included building the tunnels and dive structures for the railway to enter and exit the highway at Bayswater and Ballajura, modifying drainage along the Ellenbrook line route, adding barriers between Tonkin Highway and the railway, rebuilding the Broun Avenue bridge to allow for a bus interchange at Morley station, and building railway bridges across Morley Drive.[94][95] As a future railway line was not considered during the construction of NorthLink WA stage one, the associated works also included adding deflection walls to bridge piers and electrification screens to bridges.[96]
The Tonkin Gap was constructed under an "alliance contract". The Tonkin Gap Alliance, consisting of BMD, Georgiou, WA Limestone, BG&E and GHD, was announced as the preferred proponent in May 2020,[97][98][99] and the $400 million contract was signed in June 2020.[100] Construction began in November 2020.[101][102] The cost has since increased to $761 million.[103]
The two dive structures were built by shifting the affected Tonkin Highway carriageway out of the way. From May 2021, the northbound Tonkin Highway carriageway between Railway Parade and Collier Road was shifted east to allow for the construction of the southern dive structure.[104] In December 2022, both carriageways were diverted to the western side of the dive structure,[105] and in early 2023, the southbound carriageway was moved back to the eastern side of the dive structure.[106] From September 2021, the southbound Tonkin Highway carriageway near Marshall Road was shifted west to allow for the construction of the northern dive structure. Piling works started that month[107] and were completed in April 2022,[108] after which, excavation and concrete pours commenced.[109] In March 2023, the northern dive structure was completed and the southbound Tonkin Highway carriageway was moved back to the eastern side of the dive structure.[110]
The Broun Avenue bridge was replaced because its clearance was not high enough and the Morley station bus interchange was to be built on a bridge across Tonkin Highway.[96] The old bridge was demolished in April 2022[111][112] and the new bridge was structurally complete by September 2022.[113] In November 2022, it was announced that a footbridge across Tonkin Highway to Ballajura station would be added to the scope of the Tonkin Gap project, in response to a community survey undertaken by Metronet in 2021.[114][115][116] The Tonkin Gap project was officially completed in July 2024.[117][118]
Bayswater station project
[edit]Before the Ellenbrook line, Bayswater station was already planned to be rebuilt for the Forrestfield–Airport Link (Airport line), which was under construction at the time. The station was planned to be rebuilt as an elevated station with two platform faces and a turnback siding west of the station. The planned number of platform faces was increased to four upon the announcement of the Ellenbrook line's route.[73][119] On 9 April 2020, the contract for the Bayswater station project, worth $253 million, was awarded to the Evolve Bayswater Alliance, consisting of Coleman Rail and Decmil.[120][121] Construction began in January 2021.[122]
The May 2023 state budget revealed a cost blowout,[123] taking the cost of the Bayswater station construction to $334.6 million.[124] The southern half of the new station opened on 8 October 2023.[125][126] From 28 March to 8 April 2024, the Airport and Midland lines were shut down to realign the tracks through Bayswater station to their final alignment and construct the connection to the Ellenbrook line. The northern half of the station opened at the end of that shutdown. The outer two platforms have since been used for Airport and Midland line services; the middle two platforms will be used by the Ellenbrook line upon opening.[127][128]
Ellenbrook line construction
[edit]The main Ellenbrook line project also used the "alliance contract" model. A request for proposal for the design and construction of the line was released in January 2020,[129][130] and in April 2020, two alliances were shortlisted: the Ellenbrook Alliance, consisting of CPB Contractors and Downer EDI, and the MELconnx Consortium, consisting of U.K. company Laing O'Rourke.[131][132][133] The MELconnx Consortium was chosen as the preferred proponent in September 2020.[134][135] The following month, the contract with the MELconnx Consortium was signed for $700 million, with the completion date delayed to 2023–24.[136][137][138] The contract's total budget was $1.123 billion when including contingency, escalation, and ancillary costs,[139] with a further $233 million for the Ellenbrook line portion of the Bayswater station and Tonkin Gap projects.[138][140] The shadow minister for transport, Libby Mettam, criticised the decision to go with a foreign contractor over a local contractor,[135][140] and the CEO of the Civil Contractors Federation Western Australia said that the project could have been split into smaller contracts like what was done for the Mandurah line to allow for mid-tier contractors.[141]
The MELconnx Consortium chose Woods Bagot to be the main architect for the five stations, alongside Taylor Robinson Chaney Broderick helping with Morley and Noranda stations, and UDLA and TCL doing the landscape architecture.[142][143][144] The designs for each of the five stations were revealed progressively between July 2021 and April 2022.[142][145][146][147][148]
Construction began on each station starting from the northernmost station and heading south from there due to the Tonkin Gap construction that was ongoing.[149] Work started at Ellenbrook station in January 2022.[150][151] Because the Ellenbrook line passes through the grounds of Ellenbrook Christian College, the state government funded a $2.8 million pavilion for the school's sports oval, and built an underpass,[152][153][154] By March 2023, the first 1.5 kilometres (0.9 mi) of track had been laid, between Whiteman Park station and Gnangara Road.[155][156] The May 2023 state budget revealed the cost of the Ellenbrook line had increased by $528.1 million,[123][157] bringing the total to $1.651 billion.[124] The cost increase was blamed on issues with the supply of labour, equipment, and materials.[103] By June 2023, the installation of beams for the Whiteman Park station viaduct had begun.[158]
The five stations were completed during 2024, starting with Ellenbrook station in March.[159][160] In July, Ballajura station was completed[118][161] and in August, Whiteman Park station was complete.[162][163] The final two stations, Morley and Noranda, were completed by November.[164]
By March 2024, 68 percent of tracklaying had been done and all major beams were installed for the Bayswater viaduct.[165] Tracklaying was complete by the end of July 2024, the overhead lines were energised in August 2024[118][161] and the first train entered the line on 26 August 2024.[162][163] Four weeks of testing was planned, with driver training commencing after that.[162][163]
The Ellenbrook line was officially opened on Sunday, 8 December 2024 by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Premier Roger Cook and state Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, with community events held at each of the five new stations.[166][167][168] It was estimated that over 40,000 people rode the Ellenbrook line on its first day.[169] The line only ran between Ellenbrook and Bayswater on opening day;[170] services to Perth and feeder bus routes to the five new stations commenced the following day.[171]
Description
[edit]The Ellenbrook branch uses 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) narrow gauge track[172] and has a maximum speed of 130 kilometres per hour (81 mph). Trains are powered by 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead line equipment which is powered by a substation in Malaga.[8]: 28 The Transperth network uses fixed block signalling. The tracks between Bayswater and Daglish are limited to fifteen trains per hour, which allows for a maximum frequency of five trains per hour on the Ellenbrook branch.[173][174] As part of the High Capacity Signalling Project, the signalling system will be replaced with a communications-based train control (CBTC) system by Alstom and DT Infrastructure. The Ellenbrook, Airport, and Midland lines are set to be Perth's first lines with the upgraded signalling system.[175][176]
Route
[edit]The Ellenbrook line branches from the Midland line at Bayswater and runs for 21.3 kilometres (13.2 mi) to Ellenbrook.[8]: 9, 20 South-west of Bayswater station, Ellenbrook line services are planned to run along the Midland line to Perth station, where they will terminate and run empty to the siding west of Daglish station to turn around and travel back to Ellenbrook.[8]: 24
The Ellenbrook line splits from the Midland line just west of Bayswater station; the Ellenbrook line uses the two inner tracks at Bayswater station and the Airport and Midland line services uses the two outer tracks, allowing Ellenbrook line services to either terminate at Bayswater or continue to Perth station. East of Bayswater station, the Ellenbrook line enters a viaduct for the flying junction, passing over the eastbound Midland line track and running parallel to the Midland line before curving north to pass over Railway Parade and Clavering Road, enter a tunnel under the Tonkin Highway northbound carriageway, and surface within the Tonkin Highway median strip.[8]: 20
From Bayswater, the Ellenbrook line heads north along Tonkin Highway for approximately 7 kilometres (4 mi)[8]: 29 until it reaches Ballajura. There are two stations along this section: Morley station at Broun Avenue and Noranda station at Benara Road. North of Marshall Road, the Ellenbrook line enters a short tunnel and bends east under the southbound Tonkin Highway carriageway. Within an undeveloped area of land bounded by Tonkin Highway, Beechboro Road North and Marshall Road is Ballajura station, which is at ground level. Heading east from Ballajura station, the Ellenbrook line passes under a bridge carrying Beechboro Road North and then travels through land within the southern area of Whiteman Park, north of Marshall Road. The line bridges over Bennett Brook and enters a rural part of Bennett Springs, where there is a road-over-rail bridge at Dulwich Street. Between Dulwich Street and Cheltenham Street is an area reserved for a future Bennett Springs East station.[8]: 20
In Bennett Springs, the Ellenbrook line bends north to travel along the western side of Drumpellier Drive, avoiding Horse Swamp, which is classed as a conservation category wetland. At Whiteman Drive East, one of the main entrance roads to Whiteman Park, is Whiteman Park station. The station is on a viaduct which bridges over Whiteman Drive East. North of Whiteman Park station, the Ellenbrook line continues parallel to Drumpellier Drive and then enters a tunnel to pass under the intersection of Gnangara Road and Drumpellier Drive, emerging on the eastern side of Drumpellier Drive. The railway then diverges from Drumpellier Drive to enter Ellenbrook, passing through the Ellenbrook Christian College school grounds on an embankment to reach the Ellenbrook town centre, where the line terminates at Ellenbrook station at ground level.[8]: 20
Stations
[edit]Ellenbrook line services stop at 13 stations: eight from Perth to Bayswater and five on the Ellenbrook line branch. The stations from Perth to Bayswater are all in fare zone one, Morley, Noranda, Ballajura and Whiteman Park stations will be in fare zone two and Ellenbrook station will be in fare zone three.[177] All stations on the Ellenbrook line branch will be fully accessible[8]: 2–3 and have 150-metre-long (490 ft) island platforms, long enough for a six-car train. Most stations between Perth and Bayswater only have platforms long enough for four-car trains, limiting the length of trains that can run on the Ellenbrook line. The exceptions are Bayswater, East Perth and Perth stations. The Claisebrook, Maylands and Meltham station platforms are planned to be lengthened in the near future, with Mount Lawley and McIver platforms to be extended thereafter.[178][179] Several stations between Perth and Bayswater are not fully accessible. Factors limiting accessibility include non-compliant ramps, a lack of tactile paving, large platform gaps, and pedestrian level crossings.[180]
Station | Distance from Perth[1] | Fare zone[177] | Location[181] | Opened[182][166] | Connections[183] | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
km | mi | |||||
Perth | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1/FTZ | Perth | 1881 | Bus at Perth Busport Australind, Airport, Armadale, Fremantle, Mandurah, Midland, Thornlie, and Yanchep lines |
McIver | 0.7 | 0.4 | 1/FTZ | Perth | 1989 | Airport, Armadale, Midland and Thornlie lines |
Claisebrook | 1.3 | 0.8 | 1/FTZ | East Perth, Perth | 1883 | Airport, Armadale, Midland and Thornlie lines |
East Perth | 2.1 | 1.3 | 1 | East Perth, Perth | 1969 | Airport and Midland lines, Transwa coaches, MerredinLink, Prospector,[184] and Indian Pacific[185] |
Mount Lawley | 3.2 | 2.0 | 1 | Mount Lawley | 1907 | Airport and Midland lines |
Maylands | 4.5 | 2.8 | 1 | Maylands | 1896 | Airport and Midland lines |
Meltham | 5.5 | 3.4 | 1 | Bayswater | 1948 | Airport and Midland lines |
Bayswater | 6.7 | 4.1 | 1 | Bayswater | 1896 | Bus, Airport and Midland lines |
Morley | 10.3 | 6.4 | 2 | Embleton, Morley | 8 December 2024 | Bus |
Noranda | 12.8 | 8.0 | 2 | Morley, Noranda | 8 December 2024 | Bus |
Ballajura | 15.9 | 9.9 | 2 | Whiteman | 8 December 2024 | Bus |
Whiteman Park | 21.6 | 13.4 | 2 | Whiteman | 8 December 2024 | Bus |
Ellenbrook | 27.9 | 17.3 | 3 | Ellenbrook | 8 December 2024 | Bus |
Services
[edit]Transperth train services are operated by the Public Transport Authority's Transperth Train Operations division.[186] Ellenbrook line frequencies are five trains per hour during peak, four trains per hour off peak and on weekends and public holidays, and two or one trains per hour late at night. It takes 31 minutes to travel from Perth to Ellenbrook. Services operate between roughly 5 am and midnight on weekdays, extending to 2 am on weekend nights. On weekend mornings, services commence at roughly 6 am and 7 am respectively.[177] By 2031, it is planned for peak frequencies to increase to six trains per hour, which will require the CBTC system to be operational and an additional siding at Daglish.[8]: 24
Rolling stock
[edit]Nine three-car Transperth B-series trains were planned to run Ellenbrook line services upon the line's opening.[8]: 24, 26 These trains entered service between 2004 and 2019, originally for the Mandurah and Yanchep lines, and consist of three cars each with two doors on the side of each car.[187] The introduction of C-series trains to the Mandurah and Yanchep lines in 2024 allowed for some B-series trains to be freed up for use on the Ellenbrook line.[188] Trains will be stabled and maintained at Claisebrook railcar depot near the Perth central business district and the future Bellevue railcar depot at the end of the Midland line. Provisions have been made for a future depot along the Ellenbrook line in Henley Brook with capacity for twelve six-car trains.[8]: 24, 26
Patronage
[edit]The Ellenbrook line branch is forecast to have 11,753 boardings per weekday upon opening, increasing to 18,070 boardings per weekday in 2031. The busiest station is forecast to be Ellenbrook station, with 8,016 boardings by 2031, followed by Whiteman Park station with 3,795 boardings, Ballajura station with 3,084 boardings, Noranda station with 1,810 boardings, and Morley station with 1,365 boardings.[8]: 12 On the first weekday of service, the Ellenbrook line had almost 4,500 passengers.[189]
Notes
[edit]- ^ This includes 2.1 kilometres (1.3 mi) from Perth to East Perth, 4.2 kilometres (2.6 mi) from East Perth to the junction in Bayswater, and 21.6 kilometres (13.4 mi) from the junction to Ellenbrook.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Manual – Rail Access" (PDF). Public Transport Authority. 19 November 2024. p. 9. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 November 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ Stephenson, Gordon; Hepburn, Alistair (1955). "Plan for the Metropolitan Region, Perth and Fremantle". Government Printing Office. pp. 121, 132. nla.obj-745050840. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ Kennedy, Peter (21 July 2011). "Lib's public transport opportunity". Business News. Archived from the original on 8 September 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Metropolitan Region Scheme Map 13" (PDF). Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. 1963. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
- ^ Zimmerman, Josh (22 February 2017). "Grandson of town planner Gordon Stephenson sets record straight". PerthNow. Melville Gazette. Archived from the original on 8 September 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Edmonds, Leigh (1997). The Vital Link: A History of Main Roads Western Australia 1926–1996. University of Western Australia Press. p. 311. ISBN 978-1-876268-06-0.
- ^ "Major Metropolitan Road Network Changes" (PDF). Main Roads Western Australia. 19 March 2013. p. 3–4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 July 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Morley–Ellenbrook Line Project Definition Plan" (PDF). Metronet. June 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ "North East Corridor Structure Plan" (PDF). Department of Planning. 1994. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 September 2013.
- ^ Metropolitan Region Scheme Amendment No. 950/33: The North-East Corridor: Report on Submissions. State Planning Commission. October 1994. pp. 15–16.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Department of Planning and Urban Development; Department of Transport; Main Roads Western Australia; Westrail (August 1994). North-East Corridor Transit Route Reserve Study (Report).
- ^ Lewis, Richard (6 October 1994). "Options for rapid transit route in NE corridor announced" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 27 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
- ^ Metropolitan Region Scheme Amendment No. 974/33: Eastern Corridor Omnibus (1995) Amendment. Western Australian Planning Commission. November 1995. pp. 4–5, figures 10a, 10b.
- ^ Metropolitan Region Scheme Amendment No. 974/33: Eastern Corridor Omnibus (No. 2): Report on Submissions. Western Australian Planning Commission. August 1996. pp. 12–13. ISBN 978-0-7309-5388-3.
- ^ Hayward, Andrea (31 August 2008). "Labor launches election campaign". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "ALP launches election campaign in Perth". ABC News. 1 September 2008. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Carpenter plans new rail line". Business News. 1 September 2008. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Barnett unveils policies on mental health, rail". ABC News. 1 September 2008. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ Phillips, Yasmine; Taylor, Robert (2 September 2008). "Liberals match rail promise". The West Australian. p. 9.
- ^ Thomson, Chris (10 August 2009). "Bus-ted: How Ellenbrook train line derailed". WAtoday. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
- ^ Thomson, Chris (9 April 2009). "Ellenbrook railway on the line". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 4 November 2011.
- ^ "Dispute over Ellenbrook rail line study". Business News. 9 April 2009. Archived from the original on 7 September 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Govt pushes ahead with Ellenbrook rail line". ABC News. 10 April 2009. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ Thomson, Chris (20 October 2009). "Minister softened up on Ellenbrook railway". WAtoday. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
- ^ Thomson, Chris (21 October 2009). "Row breaks out over Ellenbrook railway cost". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 19 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
- ^ Parker, Gareth (26 May 2011). "Ellenbrook line 'not worth the money'". The West Australian. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ Parker, Gareth (26 May 2011). "Barnett broke rail pledge: Labor". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Premier denies broken promise on rail line". ABC News. 14 July 2011. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Buswell, Troy (14 July 2011). "Light rail, bus rapid transit and railway to Yanchep part of 20-year public transport plan" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Parker, Gareth (15 July 2011). "Ellenbrook blow as train link ruled out". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Buswell, Troy (7 August 2012). "Ellenbrook BRT concept design under way" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Trenwith, Courtney (7 August 2012). "Plans begin for bus rapid transit system in Perth's north". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ "Ellenbrook rail line to wait: Barnett". WAtoday. Australian Associated Press. 20 February 2013. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Preston, Robyn (16 December 2012). "Labor promises new Perth rail network". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Zaw, Yolanda (16 December 2012). "Labor unveils $1.6b rail plans". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 3 July 2023. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Macmillan, Jade (30 January 2013). "Labor promises rail line to Ellenbrook if elected". ABC News. Archived from the original on 13 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Thomas, Beatrice (5 March 2013). "Wheels fall off Libs' Ellenbrook bus plan". The West Australian. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ "WA election campaign enters final day". ABC News. 8 March 2013. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ Emerson, Daniel (28 August 2013). "Ellenbrook BRT dropped over $110m cost". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "How the West was won: Landslide for Liberals". ABC News. 9 March 2013. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Spagnolo, Joe (1 May 2016). "Cancelled bus rapid transit plan for Ellenbrook is back on". PerthNow. Archived from the original on 7 September 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Nahan, Mike; Nalder, Dean (12 May 2016). "Our State Budget 2016–17: Efficient delivery of quality services – WA's first dedicated bus link for Ellenbrook" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 13 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Acott, Kent (13 May 2016). "Ellenbrook bus project gets its cash". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "WA State Government puts out tender for Ellenbrook rapid bus system". PerthNow. 21 July 2016. Archived from the original on 9 November 2019. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Marmion, Bill (22 November 2016). "WA's first dedicated bus corridor for Ellenbrook" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 13 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Beattie, Fraser (22 November 2016). "Ellenbrook bus corridor gets contractor, start date". Business News. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Young, Emma (2 February 2016). "West Australian government considers underground railway from CBD to Morley". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 7 September 2022. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ Parker, Gareth (1 February 2016). "Nalder talks up underground rail to Morley". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ Spagnolo, Joe (2 February 2016). "Nalder in favour of underground rail to Morley after light rail shelved". PerthNow. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ Kagi, Jacob (2 February 2016). "Perth to Morley underground rail line favoured as MAX light rail plan put on backburner". ABC News. Archived from the original on 7 September 2022. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ McNeill, Heather (2 February 2016). "Perth subway idea to build an underground rail from Perth to Morley 'nonsense'". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 7 September 2022. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ "Heavy rail to Morley priority in Perth transport plan". ABC News. 29 July 2016. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ Strutt, Jessica (20 June 2016). "Perth transport plan before WA Cabinet, but Opposition sceptical". ABC News. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ Spagnolo, Joe (29 July 2016). "Ellenbrook rail line could be three decades away: new report". PerthNow. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ O'Connor, Andrew (4 August 2016). "WA Premier flags early Ellenbrook rail line construction, contradicting transport plan". ABC News. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ Acott, Kent (2 February 2017). "Ellenbrook rail link back in transport plan but maybe not until 2050". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ O'Connor, Andrew (6 February 2017). "WA Election: $2.5bn cost of Metronet will not increase net debt, says Labor". ABC News. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Acott, Kent (9 February 2017). "Parties need to bring public along for the ride". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Spagnolo, Joe (5 November 2017). "WA State Government considers tunnel for Ellenbrook train line". PerthNow. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ McNeill, Heather (26 October 2017). "Ellenbrook rail pledge on track with possible routes being touted". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 16 May 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ Caporn, Dylan; Flint, John; Spagnolo, Joe (11 March 2017). "Labor romps to power as McGowan is crowned WA Premier". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 10 November 2024. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ^ Kagi, Jacob (11 March 2017). "WA election: Mark McGowan's Labor Party sweeps Colin Barnett's Liberal-National Government out of office". ABC News. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Change of direction for transport in Perth". Nine News. Australian Associated Press. 30 April 2017. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Barry, Hannah (30 April 2017). "McGowan scraps Ellenbrook bus lane, widens Lord Street and plans train". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Dual carriageway plan Lord Street to speed up Ellenbrook commute". PerthNow. 30 April 2017. Archived from the original on 5 March 2019. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "New Lord Street Project". TBH Consultancy. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "New Lord Street Newsletter" (PDF). Main Roads Western Australia. July 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 March 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ Caporn, Dylan (17 January 2018). "Northlink stage one completion set to ease Perth traffic congestion on Tonkin Highway". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Saffioti, Rita (17 January 2018). "NorthLink WA southern and central section progressing" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (22 March 2019). "Joint media statement – WA's biggest free-flowing freeway-to-freeway interchange opens" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Hastie, Hamish (27 April 2018). "WA in a 'sweet spot' as federal government splashes rail cash: McGowan". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 5 January 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
- ^ "Federal funding boost secured". Metronet. 27 April 2018. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
- ^ a b Spagnolo, Joe (4 August 2019). "'Game-changer: WA Government unveils route for $1b Morley to Ellenbrook train line". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 24 October 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Ellenbrook rail line in sight for residents, as WA Government unveils route". ABC News. 4 August 2019. Archived from the original on 7 September 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Pilat, Lauren (4 August 2019). "'Missing link': Morley to Ellenbrook train line to cut commuter time in half". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
- ^ "Morley–Ellenbrook Line alignment confirmed" (PDF). Metronet. August 2019. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 September 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ "Morley–Ellenbrook Line – Environment" (PDF). Metronet. June 2020. p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ "Ellenbrook, Whiteman Park and Malaga stations Q&A" (PDF). Metronet. July 2020. p. 1. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- ^ "Morley–Ellenbrook Line Bayswater connection" (PDF). Metronet. August 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 December 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Ho, Angela (19 October 2020). "Morley–Ellenbrook: why-a-duct?". Western Independent. Curtin University. Archived from the original on 13 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Pilat, Lauren (15 September 2019). "'Mischievous' Metronet plan: WA opposition accuses government of Whiteman Park land grab". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ Spagnolo, Joe (15 September 2019). "Concerns new Ellenbrook rail line could see Whiteman Park used for urban development". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ Saffioti, Rita (18 November 2019). "Morley–Ellenbrook Line environmental assessment commences" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ Mckenzie, Matt (18 November 2019). "Approvals split for Ellenbrook rail". Business News. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ Tonkin Gap Alliance. "Tonkin Gap Project and Associated Works: Annual Project Sustainability Report 2020-2021" (PDF). Georgiou Group. p. 18. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ "Malaga to Ellenbrook Rail Works – Assessment Report" (PDF). Environmental Protection Authority. October 2020. pp. i–iv. ISSN 1836-0491. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ Saffioti, Rita (19 February 2020). "Enabling legislation for METRONET Morley–Ellenbrook Line passes Parliament" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Railway (METRONET) Amendment Bill 2019". Parliament of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ Spagnolo, Joe (3 May 2020). "Full steam ahead for Morley–Ellenbrook line after decade-long fight". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Young, Emma (8 May 2020). "Can we get a hell yes on the Ellenbrook line? Well, no, but it's good enough". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Beyer, Mark; Mascione, Jessica (4 May 2020). "Morley–Ellenbrook line rated a marginal project". Business News. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Zimmerman, Josh (21 June 2020). "New Metronet Ellenbrook line station designs unveiled as part of $1 billion project definition plan". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (21 June 2020). "Joint media statement – Perth's newest METRONET train station designs unveiled" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 1 May 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Tonkin Gap Project Update" (PDF). Main Roads Western Australia. October 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 March 2022. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Tonkin Gap Project Update" (PDF). Main Roads Western Australia. July 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 March 2022. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ a b Donnelly, Liam; Swales, Matthew; Muhlisic, Emir (November 2022). Structures on the Tonkin Gap Project in Perth (PDF). Austroads Bridge Conference 2022. pp. 10–18.
- ^ "Premier Mark McGowan says massive road and rail project Tonkin Gap will fix WA's biggest road bottleneck". The West Australian. 12 May 2020. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (12 May 2020). "Joint media statement – Preferred proponent announced to build congestion-busting Tonkin Gap project" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Preferred proponent announced for $290M Tonkin Gap project in WA". Roads & Infrastructure Magazine. 13 May 2020. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (21 June 2020). "Joint media statement – Tonkin Gap contract fast tracked unlocking thousands of jobs" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Full steam ahead preparing for construction of the Morley–Ellenbrook Line". Metronet. 3 November 2020. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (2 November 2020). "Joint media statement – Job-creating congestion-busting road and rail project underway" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ a b "2023 Transparency Report: Major Projects: Project summary sheets" (PDF). Office of the Auditor General. 2 October 2023. pp. 14, 17. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 April 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
- ^ "Tonkin Gap Project and Associated Works Construction Update" (PDF). Main Roads Western Australia. May 2021. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 March 2022. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Tonkin Gap Project and Associated Works Construction Update" (PDF). Main Roads Western Australia. December 2022. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Tonkin Gap Project Update" (PDF). Main Roads Western Australia. May 2023. p. 1. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Tonkin Gap Project and Associated Works Construction Update" (PDF). Main Roads Western Australia. September 2021. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 March 2022. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Tonkin Gap Project and Associated Works Construction Update" (PDF). Main Roads Western Australia. April 2022. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Tonkin Gap Project and Associated Works Construction Update" (PDF). Main Roads Western Australia. June 2022. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Tonkin Gap Project and Associated Works Construction Update" (PDF). Main Roads Western Australia. March 2023. p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Peterson, Oliver (1 April 2022). "Drivers warned to prepare for major Tonkin Highway closure". 6PR. Archived from the original on 16 May 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
- ^ McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (5 April 2022). "Broun Avenue bridge demolished to make way for Morley Station" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
- ^ Saffioti, Rita (1 September 2022). "Milestone for Tonkin Gap and Morley Ellenbrook Line with final bridge beams installed on new Broun Avenue Bridge" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
- ^ Saffioti, Rita (28 November 2022). "New footbridge to deliver access to METRONET Malaga Station" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
- ^ "Stepping it up near Malaga Station". Metronet. 28 November 2022. Archived from the original on 5 April 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
- ^ "Better access for new METRONET Malaga Station". Roads & Infrastructure Magazine. 30 November 2022. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
- ^ Saffioti, Rita (30 July 2024). "Joint Media Statement – Tonkin Gap officially complete" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ a b c Caporn, Dylan (30 July 2024). "Metronet: Track works finished as Government reveals Ballajura name change". The West Australian. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ "Bayswater Station Upgrade Fact Sheet" (PDF). Metronet. 4 August 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 September 2021. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
- ^ Hastie, Hamish (19 May 2020). "Denny Avenue, Bayswater Station contractors picked". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ "Contract awarded for Bayswater train station upgrade, including new 'Bayswater Bridge'". PerthNow. Eastern Reporter. 20 May 2020. Archived from the original on 29 March 2021. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ "Busy in Bayswater for 2021". Metronet. 25 January 2021. Archived from the original on 15 September 2021. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ a b Zimmerman, Josh (23 May 2023). "Budget Estimates: Premier Mark McGowan refuses to rule out more blowouts to Metronet costs". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 5 October 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Annual Report 2022–2023" (PDF). Public Transport Authority. September 2023. p. 81. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 September 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Dietsch, Jake (23 September 2023). "Bayswater Station reopening date and designs of Beckenham Station revealed". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 23 September 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Al Jrood, Tabarak (9 October 2023). "First half of new Bayswater Train Station opens as Transport Minister Rita Saffioti apologises for disruption". ABC News. Archived from the original on 13 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Saffioti, Rita (22 February 2024). "Midland and Airport Line shutdown for essential rail alignment works" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 25 February 2024. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ Hastie, Hamish (22 February 2024). "Midland and airport line to shut down over Easter school holidays". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 25 February 2024. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (16 January 2020). "McGowan Government seeks builder for METRONET Morley–Ellenbrook Line's main works contract" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Murray, Jordan (16 January 2020). "Morley–Ellenbrook rail tender released". Business News. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ Beyer, Mark (24 April 2020). "Two alliances shortlisted for Ellenbrook rail". Business News. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Arnott, William (29 April 2020). "Morley–Ellenbrook Line shortlist announced". Inside Construction. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Gameng, Monica (27 April 2020). "Shortlisted builders announced for WA Morley–Ellenbrook Line". Felix Vendor Marketplace. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (22 September 2020). "Joint media statement – Preferred proponent named to construct METRONET Morley–Ellenbrook Line" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ a b Elton, Charlotte (22 September 2020). "Liberals slam choice of foreign consortium as frontrunner to build Morley to Ellenbrook Metronet project". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Traill, Michael (19 October 2020). "State Government inks $700m deal for Metronet's Morley–Ellenbrook rail line with Laing O'Rourke". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "MELconnx Consortium wins Metronet Morley–Ellenbrook Line contract". Railway Technology. 19 October 2020. Archived from the original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ a b McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (18 October 2020). "Joint media statement – Main construction contract awarded for highly anticipated METRONET Morley–Ellenbrook Line" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ "Annual Report 2020–2021" (PDF). Public Transport Authority. September 2021. p. 55. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
- ^ a b Beyer, Mark (19 October 2020). "Ellenbrook rail budget hits $1.3bn". Business News. Archived from the original on 1 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ Graham, Andy (1 May 2020). "Mid-tier contractors need more opportunities". Civil Contractors Federation Western Australia. Archived from the original on 19 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
- ^ a b "Design unveiled for WA 'station in a park'". Architecture Australia. 14 September 2021. Archived from the original on 14 September 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Miletic, Branko (6 November 2023). "Work on Woods Bagot-designed METRONET stations in Perth makes progress". Architecture and Design. Archived from the original on 3 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Metronet Morley–Ellenbrook Line (MEL)". TRCB. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Macdonald, Kim (28 July 2021). "New train station a game-changer for Ellenbrook". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 20 September 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Gameng, Monica (16 October 2021). "New milestone reached on WA METRONET Whiteman Park Station project". Felix Vendor Marketplace. Archived from the original on 1 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Noranda is glowing up". Metronet. 8 December 2021. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (5 April 2022). "Broun Avenue bridge demolished to make way for Morley Station" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "North to south for Morley–Ellenbrook Line". Metronet. 22 March 2022. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (30 January 2022). "METRONET train station on track for Ellenbrook" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Work starts on Ellenbrook train station in Western Australia". Railway Technology. 31 January 2022. Archived from the original on 27 November 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
- ^ Zimmerman, Josh (13 October 2022). "Metronet: Rita Saffioti announces next stage of Morley–Ellenbrook line following completion date delays". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (13 October 2022). "Ground breaks at Ellenbrook Christian College for METRONET Morley–Ellenbrook Line" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Saffioti, Rita (10 March 2023). "Underpass opens at Ellenbrook Christian College for METRONET" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Zimmerman, Josh (26 March 2023). "First 1.5km of track laid for Morley–Ellenbrook Line, with Mark McGowan and Rita Saffioti on hand". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ McGowan, Mark; Saffioti, Rita (26 March 2023). "Joint media statement – First tracks laid on METRONET Morley–Ellenbrook Line" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ Hastie, Hamish (11 May 2023). "McGowan hammers cost-of-living as WA to hit $4.2b budget surplus". WAtoday. Archived from the original on 24 March 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Saffioti, Rita (20 June 2023). "Work ramps up on new METRONET Whiteman Park Station" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Caporn, Dylan (4 March 2024). "Works finished on Ellenbrook station but Rita Saffioti gives no clues on opening date". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 4 March 2024. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ Cook, Roger; Saffioti, Rita (4 March 2024). "Joint media statement – New Train Station For Ellenbrook Now Complete" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 4 March 2024. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ a b Cook, Roger; Saffioti, Rita (30 July 2024). "Joint Media Statement – Major milestones for METRONET Morley–Ellenbrook line" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ a b c Cook, Roger; Saffioti, Rita (26 August 2024). "Joint media statement – First test train on track on the Morley–Ellenbrook line" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
- ^ a b c "First test runs on Perth network extension". International Railway Journal. 4 September 2024. Archived from the original on 4 September 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- ^ Saffioti, Rita (7 November 2024). "All METRONET Ellenbrook Line stations completed ahead of December opening" (Press release). Government of Western Australia. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
- ^ "Morley–Ellenbrook Line construction update". Metronet. 1 March 2024. Archived from the original on 13 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ a b Page, Jessica (8 December 2024). "Ellenbrook Metronet: Anthony Albanese, Roger Cook and Rita Saffioti declare rail line worth the wait". The West Australian. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Hastie, Hamish (8 December 2024). "Ellenbrook line opens 16 years after it was first promised". WAtoday. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Withers, Courtney (8 December 2024). "Residents welcome opening of Ellenbrook rail line in Perth's north-east amid concerns over bus routes". ABC News. Archived from the original on 8 December 2024. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ "Ellenbrook Line officially open!". Metronet. 11 December 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "Hello Ellenbrook!". Metronet. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "December Service Changes". Transperth. 9 December 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ Laird, Philip. "Perth's urban rail renaissance". University of Wollongong. pp. 4, 7. Archived from the original on 6 March 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
- ^ "High Capacity Signalling Fact Sheet" (PDF). Metronet. p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
- ^ "METRONET: High Capacity Signalling". Infrastructure Australia. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
- ^ Caporn, Dylan (18 July 2024). "Ellenbrook and Midland train lines first for signal upgrade as State signs $1.6bn decade-long deal". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 30 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ Smith, Kevin (18 July 2024). "Perth High Capacity Signalling contract awarded". International Railway Journal. Archived from the original on 22 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ a b c "Ellenbrook Line Train Timetable" (PDF). Transperth. 9 December 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 November 2024. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ "Platform and Signalling Upgrade Program Phase 1 and Phase 2 Upgrades Project: Summary Assessment Report" (PDF). Infrastructure Western Australia. January 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
- ^ Mckenzie, Matt (11 July 2024). "Metronet: Armadale, Midland, Fremantle lines need longer platforms to take upgraded trains". The West Australian. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
- ^ "Stations & Maps". Transperth. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Google Maps". Google. Archived from the original on 4 March 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ "History of Stations on the Midland Line" (PDF). Right Track. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2008.
- ^ "Metronet System Map" (PDF). Transperth. December 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "East Perth". Transwa. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "East Perth Terminal". Journey Beyond. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Transperth". Public Transport Authority. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ^ Gearon, Elwyn; Holden, Graham (September 2008). "New Metro Rail: Perth 'B' Series Electric Multiple Units". Engineers Australia. Archived from the original on 8 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via Rail Knowledge Bank.
- ^ "WA Railcar Program Project Definition Plan" (PDF). Metronet. December 2018. p. 12. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 January 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ^ Caporn, Dylan (10 December 2024). "Ellenbrook Line: Almost 4500 ride new service on day one, but hot weather prompts delay warning". The West Australian. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
Further reading
[edit]- Donnelly, Liam; Swales, Matthew; Muhlisic, Emir (November 2022). Structures on the Tonkin Gap Project in Perth (PDF). Austroads Bridge Conference 2022.
- Muhlisic, Emir; Ismail, Moh (November 2022). Tonkin Gap & Associated Works Project – Southern and Northern Dive Structures with Integral Bridges (PDF). Austroads Bridge Conference 2022.
- Htet, Paing; Elhowary, Hesham; Makita, Emson (November 2022). The design of asymmetric continuous twin U-trough rail viaduct with hybrid pre-stressing (PDF). Austroads Bridge Conference 2022.
External links
[edit]- Morley–Ellenbrook Line on the Metronet website
- Tonkin Gap Project and Associated Works on the Main Roads Western Australia website
- Malaga to Ellenbrook Rail Works on the Environmental Protection Authority website
- Railway (METRONET) Act 2018, the enabling act