The NEWest Alliance comprising CPB Contractors and Downer is responsible for the construction of the Yanchep Rail Extension and Thornlie-Cockburn Link, as part of METRONET programme.
Under the contract, the alliance will work closely with the Public Transport Authority to develop the designs and construction which will be scheduled once the contract is signed next month.
The Yanchep Rail Extension will add 14.5km to the existing Joondalup Line north from Butler to Yanchep, with stations planned at Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep to support the area’s growing population and reduce congestion.
Early works on the project are already underway while the construction is expected to begin next year and the first trains are estimated to be operating in 2022.
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link will cover a gap of 14.5km in the eastern rail corridor by connecting communities between the Mandurah and Armadale lines.
Stations are planned to be built at Ranford Road and Nicholson Road in Canning Vale along with significant upgrades made to both Thornlie and Cockburn Central stations.
It is also expected to support the growth and accessibility across the southern suburbs by providing direct access to employment, sporting and recreation opportunities at Canning Vale, Cannington Strategic Metropolitan Centre, Burswood Peninsula and the eastern Central Business District.
Early works on the project are expected to start later this year.
Along with the Yanchep Rail Extension and Thornlie-Cockburn Link, the first stage of METRONET project also includes the completion of Forrestfield-Airport Link, planning and construction of new Morley-Ellenbrook Line, extension of the Armadale Line to Byford, relocation of Midland Station and extension of the Midland Line to Bellevue and construction of a new station at Karnup on the Mandurah Line.
It also includes the removal of level crossings on the Armadale, Midland and Fremantle lines, and planning for an inner-suburb light rail system to improve bus services and circle routes.