PERTH commuter operator Metronet resumed operation as planned on the reopened Armadale Line in the Western Australian capital on October 12. The $A 1.33bn ($US 870m) project includes an 8km extension to a surface station at Byford in Perth’s southeastern suburbs.
During the Armadale Line closure, Metronet delivered its Rail Revitalisation Programme, undertaking major maintenance and upgrades between Kenwick and Sherwood stations. This involved the renewal of 15km of track, upgrading 25 pedestrian crossings and 10 level crossings, and drainage improvements, as well as a new elevated station at Armadale.
Construction of the Byford extension required 22,000 new sleepers, 40,000 tonnes of ballast, 430 electrification masts and 72km of overhead wiring. Two new bridges were built over the railway at Thomas Road and Eleventh Road, while 8ha of new public open space was created by elevating the railway.
The new Byford station includes a separate platform for long-distance Perth-Bunbury Australind services, which are expected to resume in early 2026. The journey time from Byford to central Perth on Metronet commuter services is 46 minutes.
“Byford is one of the fastest-growing areas in Perth and now has access to a world-class railway line for the first time,” says Western Australia’s transport minister, Rita Saffioti.
The new line to Byford is the latest of several extensions to Metronet’s network, with the 21km Ellenbrook Line opening at the end of 2024 and the 17.5km Thornlie - Cockburn line entering service on June 9.
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