The new Thomas Road Bridge has opened to traffic for the first time as part of the METRONET Byford Rail Extension Project.
Single-lane traffic in both directions can now travel along the new bridge in a temporary alignment. Once the project is complete, traffic will be able to pass over the rail corridor with two lanes in each direction.
Stage one of the bridge opening has seen the installation of 417 precast concrete panels, 370 tonnes of reinforcement, 1900m3 of concrete and 130,000 tonnes of sand.
The bridge will also feature new shared paths including an underpass for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, as well as a new road underpass connecting Butcher and Vlasich roads.
The removal of the Thomas Road level crossing also brings benefits to the community with increased road safety and reduced traffic congestion.
Inclusive employment has featured in the project with more than 15,000 hours of work undertaken by an Aboriginal-led workforce, and women making almost 40 per cent of technical staff.
The Byford Rail Extension will extend the Armadale Line around 8kms south to the new Byford Station, supporting those in the wider Serpentine-Jarrahdale area with improved access to jobs, services and amenities.