Work on the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link Project between Cockburn Central Station and the Glen Iris Rail Tunnel took a major step forward in January during the eight-day shutdown of the Mandurah Line. 

Working around the clock (with just a one-day break for New Year’s Eve), the team installed the final rail turnouts – configurations that will enable trains to move from one track to another. Once complete, these turnouts will provide the connection between the Mandurah and Armadale-Thornlie lines.

Eight rail turnouts were installed during the shutdown, along with 4 kilometres of rail, 1,500 concrete sleepers, and 6,000 tonnes of rock ballast.

Principal Project Director Garry Bloxham said every major shutdown has unique challenges but this one was done efficiently, safely and with minimal impact. 

“The team spent months planning the works and had a template for success, based on the accomplishments achieved during the major 20-day Mandurah Line Shutdown in late-2022,” Garry said. 

“We were able to build on these key learnings to achieve outcomes and while opening the Mandurah Line for one day on New Year’s Eve was a challenge, it was a top priority to minimise the impact to passengers.”   

Work on the Cockburn Central Station and Glen Iris Rail Tunnel sections of the project are expected to be complete early next year.