2021 is already off to a running start with three projects reaching an exciting milestone with major construction proponents shortlisted this month.
Byford Rail Extension, Inner Armadale Level Crossing Removal project and the new station at Midland all have progressed and will now move to the competitive bid stage, where they will be asked to show how they will deliver the projects.
Following a Request for Proposal the Byford Alliance (Downer EDI Works, CPB Contractors, Aurecon Australasia, and CareyMC) and MELConnx Consortium (Laing O'Rourke Australia Construction, Pritchard Francis Consulting, and Kellogg Brown & Root) will further develop their proposals for building the Byford Rail Extension, which will add eight kilometres to the Armadale Line, from Armadale Station to a new station approximately 400m north of Abernethy Road in Byford.
In addition to taking cars off the road, the project will further help improve traffic flow by reconfiguring Thomas Road into a road-over-rail bridge with works already underway.
The shortlisted proponents will also provide priced options to potentially expand the project scope to include elevated rail, with the final project scope to be determined subject to stakeholder consultation, price and funding availability.
Following an expression of interest period, the Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance (Acciona/Coleman Rail, BMD Constructions, WSP Australia, and AECOM Australia) and Elevate Alliance (Downer EDI Works, CPB Contractors, GHD, Aurecon Australasia, and CareyMC) will progress plans for removing the dangerous level crossings at Mint Street, Oats Street and Welshpool Road on the inner Armadale Line via an elevated rail solution.
Not only does elevated rail help improve safety and ease traffic movements, it will also help revitalise the area by creating new public spaces for community use.
These proponents will also provide a priced option for the Hamilton, Wharf and William streets package, which will be progressed later this year subject to funding.
Finally, the Transform Midland Alliance (Downer EDI Works, SMEC Australia) and Midland Junction Alliance (McConnell Dowell Constructors, Georgiou Group, Arcadis Australia, and BG&E) have been shortlisted to progress Midland’s new train station and associated infrastructure. These proposals will include the design and construction of a new station between Helena and Cale streets, with three platforms, a 12-stand bus interchange and 600-bay multi-storey car park, and decommissioning and demolishing the existing 52-year old train station.
Bringing the new station closer to the town centre and connecting it to the new Bellevue Depot and Manufacturing Centre will improve connectivity in the area and bring significant new employment opportunities to Midland.
Major construction contracts for all three projects will be awarded later this year.