Track laying within the tunnels and dive structures for Perth Forrestfield rail link to Perth airport is at 65 per cent with more than 10 km of slab track being completed.
All foundations and masts for the overhead line equipment have also been installed in the dive structures at either end of the tunnels. In mid-February, the city-bound Midland Line tracks were shifted to their permanent location and the trains are now crossing over the dive structure before reaching Bayswater Station, located about 1 km to the west.
Recently, at Bayswater Junction final shift of the Midland Line tracks was completed and the new section of the alignment commissioned. These tracks are now located in their permanent locations just south of their original location, following temporary relocation in December 2017 to make room for the construction of the Bayswater Junction dive structure.
The next steps include noise and vibration monitoring during this with a further 56-hour shutdown required to tie-in rail systems such as the signalling and communicatins systems later this year.
Bayswater Junction is the area of rail reserve between Railway Parade and Whatley Crescent, from Cobden Street to Guildford Road, where the Forrestfield Line spurs from the Midland Line and trains will enter/exit the two twin-bored tunnels.
The new Bayswater Station will become a major transport hub with the Airport and Morley-Ellenbrook lines connecting to the Midland Line.
The High Wycombe station reached a new stage as the station transformers and main switchboard were energised. This means the station is only one step away from running off its permanent power supply. At concourse and platform levels terrazzo tiling works are nearing completion, with the current focus on installation of tactile paving. Tactile tiles are textured ground surface indicators that assist pedestrians who are vision impaired.
Along the rail corridor, adjacent to the platform, top soil is being placed in preparation for vegetation planting to begin mid-year.
Further north the multi-deck car park structure and ground level asphalting is now complete, with fit-out works ongoing.
At the same time, at Airport Central Station, the emergency escape stairs have taken cover behind a screen made of 4mm-thick perforated aluminium. The ‘bubble’ pattern goes well with the champagne colour of the screen, allowing for plenty of air circulation. Inside the station building, at the Skybridge level, glass balustrades are being installed, allowing uninterrupted views of the atrium architecture. Further down, at concourse level, escalator fit-out is nearing completion, while installation of lighting front and back of house is ongoing.
Roadworks inside and outside the construction boundary at the Redcliffe site are well advanced, with asphalting of the new north/south connection road imminent. Installation of drainage is ongoing throughout the entire station precinct.Roof sheeting works have now transitioned to the busways alongside the station building. Six bus bays and four layover stands will be available, providing passengers with direct undercover access to the station.
Below ground, at platform level, metal panels are being fastened to the ceiling framework, while the cabling crew is busy pulling cables for a range of services.
The AUD 1.86 billion (USD 1.4 billion) Forrestfield rail link is part of Metronet vision to create a world class public transport. The line will spur off the existing Midland Line near Bayswater Station and run to High Wycombe through twin-bored tunnels.
The contract on the design, construction and maintenance was awarded to Salini Impregilo – NRW joint venture.
The first trains are expected to operate the new line by the end of 2021.
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