Yanchep Rail Extension

Site preparation works begun in late 2019 (including fauna trapping, vegetation clearing and fencing). Main construction is expected to begin in mid-2020.

Construction has started and the first trains will be running in 2022.

All three stations will open at once. To build the extension, including the stations, in stages would take considerably more time, resulting in delays to getting passengers travelling on the new line.

No decision has been made about changing the name of the line, although the option has not been ruled out.

Extending the Joondalup Line to Yanchep in a staged approach was an idea first developed in the 1970s. The plan saw rail as essential infrastructure and an important travel option to help grow these areas and move people living and working in the area.

The Yanchep-Two Rocks area is expected to accommodate two to three per cent of Australia’s population growth over the next 40 years due to the availability of relatively affordable urban zoned land, and the continued demand for coastal living.  The Yanchep Rail Extension will play an important role in facilitating that long-term growth and turn Yanchep into a Secondary Strategic Centre.

In the short to medium term, the extension will provide efficient transport movement. Without the project road-based congestion will severely impact travel times to places of employment, reduce economic productivity and negatively impact the environment.

Extensive modelling was undertaken to estimate patronage using data sources including current passenger numbers, population growth, housing density and other demographic information. The modelling uses a Department of Transport tool, the Strategic Transport Estimation Model (STEM). It is estimated there will be 19,400 daily boardings by 2031.

A combined budget of $1.25 billion has been allocated to the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Yanchep Rail Extension as a joint funding arrangement, with $700 million from the Commonwealth Government and $550 million from the WA Government.

A comprehensive bus network including new and amended bus routes will support the new stations, with 30 new bus stands to be installed. Service planning will commence around 12-18 months before operations begin, including detailed planning and community consultation to develop a bus network that best aligns with local development and community needs.

It is expected the Thornlie-Cockburn Link will generate around 1,680 jobs. Any WA Government roles are advertised on the WA Jobs Board. Project roles are also being advertised through CPB Contractors and Downer Group.

The Butler Master Plan (July 2008) recognised the need for a high quality public transport system extending to the future growth areas of the North-West corridor to Yanchep. Provision for a rail line in the area has been reflected in structure plans throughout the Butler to Yanchep area.

This final alignment was determined in consultation with key stakeholders, including local developers, to maximise planned future development in the area, minimise environmental impacts as much as possible and ensure safe and efficient rail operations.

To maintain or enhance connections between communities on either side of the Yanchep Rail Extension, 18 potential road-over-rail crossings were identified in consultation with key stakeholders, including private developers. Nine of these crossings are included in the project scope, with the remaining nine to be delivered as the area develops and the connections are needed. There is no timeframe for these bridges.

The Yanchep Rail Extension is a catalyst for high-density, high-amenity land use in the areas surrounding the stations. Transport projects can be planned and delivered in a relatively defined timeframe. However, the associated development around a station can take 30 to 40 years (or longer) to reach target densities. In addition, land uses are impacted by planning, investment and policy factors beyond the investment in transport infrastructure alone. 

When complete, the station precincts will include significant retail, mixed density residential development, business and service industrial precincts, plus civic and cultural zones.

The majority of development along the Yanchep Rail Extension will be undertaken by private developers, except at Alkimos Central, which will be led by DevelopmentWA.

The METRONET Office will continue to work with key stakeholders, including local government, along with landowners, in guiding any land planning and development to ensure the benefits of investing in good public transport are realised.

Typically when passenger rail is introduced, property values have improved.  Better transport connections also have the potential to lift property values directly but they also benefit indirectly because METRONET’s integrated planning approach enables denser development, leading to more amenities such as shops and health facilities. 

The METRONET Office worked closely with key stakeholders to ensure the station is positioned at the centre of the future City Centre’s main retail and commercial areas, making it easily accessible for visitors and residents.

Two new road-over-rail bridges will be built as part of the project. Other upgrades of the road network will be completed by other stakeholders as required.

Yanchep Station is the end of a new 13.8km principal-shared path that runs along the rail line. The station will have two secure bicycle parking shelters, bike u-rails and ability to add two additional secure bicycle parking shelters in the future.

Yanchep Station will be fitted with all the security measures that are standard at our stations. This includes CCTV, lighting and clear sight lines throughout the area. In the future as development occurs around the station, passive security will also increase as there will be more activity in the area.

The METRONET Office worked closely with key stakeholders to ensure the future station is positioned to service the future residential redevelopment.

Yes, a number of road-over-rail bridges will be built as part of the project. Other upgrades of the existing road network will be completed by other stakeholders as required.

Eglinton Station will be linked to a new 13.8 km shared path that follows the rail way. The station will have two secure bicycle parking shelters, bike u-rails and ability to add two additional secure bicycle parking shelters in the future.

Eglinton Station will be fitted with all the security measures that are standard at our stations. This includes CCTV, lighting and clear sight lines throughout the area. In the future as development occurs around the station, passive security will also increase as there will be more activity in the area.

The METRONET Office worked closely DevelopmentWA to ensure the future station is positioned at the heart of its planned Alkimos Central development.

Yes, a number of road-over-rail bridges will be built as part of the project. Other upgrades of the existing road network will be completed by other stakeholders as required.

Alkimos Station will be linked to a new 13.8km principal-shared path that runs along the rail line. The station will have two secure bicycle parking shelters, bike u-rails and ability to add two additional secure bicycle parking shelters in the future.

Alkimos Station will be fitted with all the security measures that are standard at our stations. This includes CCTV, lighting and clear sight lines throughout the area. In the future as development occurs around the station, passive security will also increase as there will be more activity in the area.

Given the size of the Yanchep Rail Extension, minimising environmental and community impacts during construction and train operations is a key focus for METRONET and its delivery agencies.

Travelling through existing and planned developments, the majority of the 14.5 kilometre extension will be in a cutting to reduce noise and improve overall amenity for nearby residents and businesses. The rail alignment will travel through some Parks and Recreation sites and a Bush Forever area. 

While every effort was made to avoid these areas, including careful consideration of alternative alignments, the undulating landscape, tight rail curve (not conforming to strict railway design standards) and impact on existing and future residents meant this was not viable. 

Environmental and heritage considerations are a key priority for the Yanchep Rail Extension. Early studies undertaken by specialist consultants have identified the following environmental and heritage considerations:

•    Removal of native vegetation
•    Waste Management
•    Loss of fauna habitat
•    Disturbance of acid sulphate soils
•    Dewatering and groundwater quality
•    Existing soil and groundwater contamination
•    Noise and vibration
•    Aboriginal heritage
 
These will continue to be assessed when the main contractor is appointed and in consultation during the approvals processes with the various regulatory bodies.

The Yanchep Rail Extension environmental approvals were submitted in two packages. 

Part one focuses on the extension from Butler to Eglinton, and was approved on 26 June 2019. Part two focuses on the extension between Eglinton and Yanchep, and is expected to be approved mid 2020.

The METRONET Office and Public Transport Authority are working closely with the various regulators to obtain environmental approval and have had early discussions with key local environmental groups.

No registered Aboriginal Heritage Sites are identified within, or in close proximity to, the Yanchep Rail Extension.

An archaeological survey, heritage surveys and Aboriginal consultation was undertaken to identify the heritage value of the rail corridor and surrounding area. As a result, specialist Aboriginal monitoring personnel will be engaged during the initial vegetation clearing stages at the station sites to further ensure there are no heritage sites or artefacts located within these areas.

Every effort was made to minimise impact on the Bush Forever site, including considering an alignment along the edge of the area. However, the undulating landscape, tight rail curve (not conforming to railway design standards) and impact on existing and future residents meant this option was not viable.

Yes, there is a considerable amount of replanting and landscaping included as part of the project. Where possible replanting areas with fast-growing small native shrubs and trees will take place after construction is finished. Replanting will be limited within the rail reserve due to visibility and rail safety rules. The plant selection will include species that are water-wise and local to the area.

The region’s fauna is a high priority for the project and is the subject of negotiation with environmental regulators. As part of the environmental approvals for these areas, fauna crossings and ecological linkages will be installed to ensure animals can continue to live in their existing habitats. This will also ensure animals can continue to cross from one side of the railway to the other. 

Fauna crossings will be included along the Yanchep Rail Extension, including one in the Alkimos Parks and Recreation reserve. Ecological linkages in the Bush Forever site will be included, and are still being investigated.

All works will follow a Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan, in accordance with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.  The plan will detail how potential noise and vibration impacts will be minimised and how impacted properties will be kept informed.

To minimise impacts on the current and future residential developments, the Yanchep Rail Extension will mostly be built in a cutting (in a trench). 

Private developers are required to have appropriate setbacks from the rail reserve (via roads or public open space) and homes in the ‘first row’ facing the rail corridor encouraged to implement ‘quiet house design’.

Noise walls will be constructed as required based on modelling outcomes and in consultation with land developers to minimise residual impact. 

To manage vibration, ballast matting will be installed under the rail line where it is located next to existing and future residential developments.

Construction management plans will be followed and include mitigations to minimise impacts to nearby properties. A pre-condition survey was offered to property owners close to the rail alignment and there was a high level of participation. This survey information will form part of managing any damage that may occur during construction.