Five dangerous level crossings whose boom gates are each down for about three hours every day will be removed on the inner Armadale Line, with elevated rail chosen as the solution.

The railway line at the Mint Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, Hamilton Street and Wharf Street level crossings will be elevated, allowing motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to pass through the area without interacting with rail services.

New elevated stations will be built at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park and Cannington, while Welshpool Station – which has very low patronage – will be closed.

Station locations are now confirmed with Carlisle Station moving closer to Mint/Archer streets to make it easy to connect to the school and local businesses. Oats Street will have a station entrance on either side of the road for safer access, Queens Park Station entrance will relocate slightly to better connect to local schools, and Cannington Station’s entrance is planned to face Cecil Avenue.

In response to community feedback, the single-structure elevated rail solution was chosen to maximise the freed-up land, minimise visual impact and create welcoming public spaces.

This design also helps moderate train noise, as the platform shelters will act as privacy screening.

Elevating the railway line will also create about six hectares of public space in areas of the rail reserve no longer occupied by railway infrastructure, with extensive landscaping, public art and facilities such as bike racks and gym and playground equipment to be installed to create vibrant public spaces. The community will play a key role in shaping these spaces, with further consultation as part of the next stages of design expected to take place in 2022.

Community members are also encouraged to apply to be part of the new Community Reference Group, to help shape the next phase of the project. Applications are now open.

To stay up to date with the project, register for METRONET project updates and join the community Facebook Group.