Transport infrastructure in Perth appears to have moved to the top of the state government’s priorities.
Just weeks after the announcement of updated light rail plans, the government has released details for a rail line connecting commuters and travellers to and from Perth Airport.
As is the case with Melbourne Airport, this type of infrastructure has been deemed critical in supporting passenger growth as the number of travellers continues to rise.
“Perth Airport will continue to experience substantial passenger growth and it is critical transport infrastructure is planned to ensure adequate services are in place to cater for the projected demand,” said Minister for Transport Troy Buswell. “The State Government has demonstrated its commitment to the development of the airport precinct and associated infrastructure with the $1 billion Gateway WA project which encompasses a number of road network improvements to facilitate effective movement of people and freight.”
Buswell added that it is extremely important that commuters be given options in finding ways to get to and from the airport.
The Minister added that cabinet “has approved the reservation of the surface route on land under control of the State and has endorsed ongoing discussions between the Public Transport Authority and stakeholders to ensure the route is protected.”
The preferred route would see the rail line run down the middle of the Tonkin Highway east of the Bayswater train station. It would tunnel under the major road and the airport’s runways towards a proposed consolidated international and domestic airport terminal.
Options eastwards from the airport, linking the suburbs of Forrestfield and High Wycombe to and from the airport, were also being considered.
Buswell said the rail line would not only provide public transport to Perth Airport but also improve access to the eastern foothills. The project has been identified in the Public Transport Network Plan as a stage two project, which would see it built sometime between 2021 and 2031.
The Government has emphasised that it is keen to understand the project’s full scope and cost to determine where it sits in relation to other infrastructure investment priorities before making a full commitment.
