The METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link (TCL) project celebrated a key milestone this week, with the relocation of Arc Infrastructure’s 22km of freight rail track now complete, enabling works on the new passenger rail to ramp up.
The two freight rail tracks (up and down main) were required to be duplicated and moved approximately 6m north of the existing line to make way for a new TCL passenger route operated by the Public Transport Authority (PTA).
With the freight rail track relocated, and trains now switched and running on the new alignment, construction on the entry building for the Nicholson Road Station is underway.
The relocation of the freight rail track also means track laying for the new Thornlie-Cockburn Link can commence.
Premier Roger Cook and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledged Arc Infrastructure’s contribution and willingness to work with the METRONET team to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.
"This was a complex and technically demanding task, which was years in the planning and involved close collaboration to overcome the many challenges.
"The relocation of the freight rail track is critical to the overall METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link project, as it means we can now get to work on the passenger rail and new stations,” Minister Saffioti said.
Arc’s Third Party team worked with NEWest Alliance and METRONET to facilitate construction of an entirely new freight rail track, which included 70,000 tonnes of ballast, 33,000 concrete sleepers, and 4,000 tonnes of track.
Chief Executive Officer Murray Cook said Arc was pleased to help facilitate this key project.
“As the manager of the State’s freight rail network, Arc Infrastructure is proud to play a role in facilitating what will be a transformative project for Western Australia.
“The realignment of the freight rail tracks as part of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link has required extensive coordination between all stakeholders, working together to deliver this part of the iconic METRONET project,” Murray said.
Project Lead – Third Party Projects Justin Rapp said the Arc team worked closely with NEWest Alliance and METRONET to ensure the project could be delivered as safely and efficiently as possible.
“Laying new track in areas with existing development and within an operational corridor can be challenging and it is great to be a part of such a significant project. We worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the project ran as smoothly as possible and the promised METRONET project can be delivered with minimal disruption to freight rail operations,” Justin said.
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