{"id":168569,"date":"2025-01-21T07:26:47","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T21:26:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railexpress.com.au\/?p=118359"},"modified":"2025-01-21T07:26:47","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T21:26:47","slug":"first-east-west-connection-begins-testing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=168569","title":{"rendered":"First east west connection begins testing"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Image\/WA Government<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Perth’s first east-west line connection, the METRONET<\/a> Thornlie-Cockburn Link, and the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project have reached a major milestone, with the first test train running today.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The milestone<\/a> marks the start of an extensive testing and commissioning program, which will ensure all infrastructure and systems are operating effectively and trains are running safely, efficiently, and smoothly.<\/p>\n

The 17.5-kilometre METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link project includes two new stations, at Nicholson Road and Ranford Rd, and upgrades to the Thornlie and Cockburn Central stations.<\/p>\n

Connecting the Mandurah and Armadale lines through the Thornlie-Cockburn Link will support growth and accessibility across the south-eastern suburbs by providing access to employment, unlock long-term housing development opportunities in Canning Vale, and provide a direct line for Mandurah Line passengers to Perth Stadium Station for the first time.<\/p>\n

Premier Roger Cook attended the first testing on the new line.<\/p>\n

“METRONET is powering ahead across Perth – transforming our suburbs, opening up housing opportunities, creating jobs, slashing congestion, and providing affordable transport for WA families,” he said.<\/p>\n

“The METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link delivers a whole new way of moving around our suburbs, and, as a Kwinana local, I can’t wait for train rides straight to Optus Stadium.<\/p>\n

“Once opened, the new METRONET lines will provide some of the most affordable public transport in the country, delivering real cost-of-living support to commuters and families across the south-eastern suburbs.”<\/p>\n

When passenger services commence later this year, commuters will have a 26-minute journey to Perth from Nicholson Rd Station and a 29-minute journey from Ranford Rd Station, as well as some of the most affordable public transport anywhere in the country.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, construction on the new elevated Armadale Line continues to surge ahead, with works well-progressed on all seven new stations and delivery of the new seven-kilometre-long linear park underneath the elevated rail underway.<\/p>\n

‘Long Park’ will provide six hectares of new public open space for the community and help facilitate new urban housing opportunities along the corridor.<\/p>\n

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said Perth’s first east-west line connection will be a game-changer for thousands of people living in the south-eastern suburbs who have never had access to our world-class train network.<\/p>\n

“That’s what METRONET is delivering – a better-connected city where more people can access the affordable public transport being provided by our WA Government,” she said.<\/p>\n

“METRONET is reshaping Perth, providing great new amenities for the community and delivering the transport infrastructure needed to keep our city moving and growing.”<\/p>\n

The parkland will have 14 new community spaces with a range of amenities including:<\/p>\n