The 21 year old Glen Iris Tunnel, just outside of Fremantle will be used as part of Perth’s first east-west rail link.
Built in 2000 as part of the Kwinana Freeway extension works, the tunnel was created to prepare for a future rail line through the area. 21 years later, that rail line is being delivered.
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link will be Perth’s first east-west cross line connection, making travel around the city by train more flexible and providing a higher level of public transport service to Perth’s southern suburbs.
Located between the Kwinana Freeway and the freight rail reserve, the tunnel will connect trains into the Freeway median, where they will travel to Cockburn Central Station.
Crews are currently cleaning up and preparing the rail line for use. This includes building collision protection walls and steel reinforcement.
Fireproof coating and overhead line equipment will also be installed to make the tunnel meet current operational standards.
The NEWest Alliance, comprising CPB Contractors, Downer Group and the Public Transport Authority, are building the Thornlie-Cockburn Link.
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- Contract signed with NEWest Alliance for $716M Thornlie-Cockburn Link
- Trainees start on major infrastructure projects across the country in 2021