Major works progressing on $1.86B Forrestfield Airport Link

Almost four kilometres of track has now been laid within the two tunnels of the Forrestfield Airport Link METRONET line.

Tunnelling was completed on the project in April and now the focus is on fitting out the stations and laying the railway track. Trains are expected to begin operating on the track in late 2021.

So far, 5.7 kilometres of skeleton track has been laid with 3.9 kilometres of track, across both tunnels, have been completed for the 8.5 kilometre line. More than 2,400 tonnes of Australian-made steel are being used to build the track.

Almost 100 local workers are laying the track, which is being undertaken by Martinus Rail.

Work is also well underway at the Airport Central station which will feature the longest uninterrupted escalator in the southern hemisphere at 35 metres long and 15 metres high.

The roof of the station is inspired by contours of aircraft and will include a suspended art installation, which will be created by local artist and designer Anne Neil, in collaboration with Noongar artist John Walley.

Construction continues at the other stations too, the roof steel structure at Redcliffe Station is 70 per cent complete.

Premier Mark McGowan said the METRONET project was one of the major infrastructure projects where work has been able to continue to help guide Western Australia out of the pandemic and build the economy back up.

“The Forrestfield Airport Link construction employs hundreds of local workers and provides opportunities for local businesses and subcontractors,” he said.

Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said it was exciting to see the project taking shape.

“We’ve reached several milestones this year with the completion of tunnelling and the start of track laying,” she said.

“Track laying is progressing well almost 4 kilometres of track laid and completed and 5.7 kilometres of skeleton track laid.

“The stations are almost completed and it is exciting to think trains will be running on this line in late 2021.”

The Forrestfield Airport Link is jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments.