The vision of the former freight corridor accommodating both freight and passenger services is becoming a reality in Jandakot, Canning Vale and Thornlie.

Around 22 kilometres of passenger track is now in place and is being adjusted around the clock to prepare for test trains in the new year. This, in addition to the duplicated track between Thornlie and Beckenham and the track along the corridor within the Kwinana Freeway, forms the new Thornlie-Cockburn Link. Altogether, around 35 kilometres of new passenger rail has been built for the project.

Workers inspecting the track after installation

Laying ballast on the track

Did you know?

Unlike the existing freight line, passenger trains run on electricity and specific infrastructure is needed to ensure the safe and effective running of services. This includes: 

• Track built on top of ballast matting (to reduce ground vibration).
• Overhead line equipment involving wires, masts and Gantries. This equipment transfers the 25,000 volts needed to power electric trains. The overhead masts and gantries are installed at intervals along the track to support the wires for the electrified rail system.
• Communications and signalling equipment with over 100km of cabling running through underground conduits.
• Location cabinets, signalling equipment rooms and trackside equipment rooms that house signalling, power and communications equipment.
• Radio masts to support the rail communications.

Rail infrastructure on the Thornlie-Cockburn Link.