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Railway engineering work on the landmark Perth City Link project is now finished, according to the state government.
The “transformational” scheme was delivered six months ahead of schedule and completed with the opening of a pedestrian underpass to the public on Thursday (December 19).
Transport minister Troy Buswell visited the site last week and said it had not only come to fruition ahead of time, but had remained on budget throughout.
“The Perth City Link project lays the foundation for fulfilling the dream of reconnecting the CBD and Northbridge,” he stated.
“Together with Elizabeth Quay, the Riverside project, and the new Perth Stadium, the Perth City Link is part of an era of transformation in our city, which will deliver benefits for generations of Western Australians.”
According to the minister, the finished project marked a “very significant day” for the capital city’s public, with the government having achieved something that had been discussed for decades.
Federal and state governments team up
Deputy prime minister and federal minister for infrastructure and regional development Warren Truss welcomed the news, adding that it was particularly impressive such a complex project had been completed ahead of schedule.
He noted that the Australian government supplied $236 million to the rail part of the project and that its successful completion is an “excellent outcome” for Perth citizens.
The jointly funded $360 million initiative also received money from the state government and the City of Perth, with John Holland, GHD and the Public Transport Authority tasked with delivering the project.
Mr Buswell stated: “The early completion of the rail infrastructure means the second phase of this project, sinking the Wellington Street Bus Station, can now get under way.”
Railway engineering ‘masterpiece’
The minister described the Perth City Link as a railway engineering masterpiece and congratulated all the parties involved in its successful development.
He also thanked the general public for their patience and feedback during the necessary disruptions that took place during its construction.
Building work on the project began in late 2011 with the creation of a 600m underground tunnel to sink the Fremantle Line.
A new pedestrian underpass, which was opened to the public on Thursday, was made using more than 7,500 cubic metres of concrete and will be used by over 9,000 people per day who connect from Perth Underground to Perth Station.
The state government confirmed the underpass will ensure travellers can save time on transferring between the stations as it provides a more direct route.
In addition, a temporary pedestrian walkway between William Street in Perth and William Street in Northbridge was also opened last week.
“The walkway will provide direct access from Wellington Street through to the Roe Street side of the site where a temporary bus station is under construction,” Mr Buswell stated.