Western Australia is experiencing huge growth, with a host of civil construction projects underway to support future expansion and freight and access to outer metro areas in Perth.
Over the past few years, there has been increased investment in the mining sector, which has boosted the Australian economy considerably and contributed to Perth’s unprecedented population growth.
As a result, the government has released planned road and rail network improvements to support this growth. A host of projects across rail and roads means suppliers such as Fleetspec Hire need to be agile enough to respond to such demand.
Here is an overview of projects both in the pipeline and in progress:
NorthLink
(Malaga Swan Valley bypass)
The NorthLink WA is designed to bear the load of population growth to around 3.5 million in Perth. It will eventually connect Perth with Darwin, and according to the long-term vision of the project, its expected completion date is 2019. The current projected route was mapped to minimise the environmental impact and will also include a number of interchanges in order to improve safety on the roads. The NorthLink WA will help improve freight capacity and will also reduce traffic congestion within the city. This highway has been designed to offer improved road safety as well as a wide range of amenities for the local community, for tourists and general road users alike. The project is worth $1.12 billion, and is divided into several stages. Construction is already underway on Stage 1 of the NorthLink WA and the Tonkin highways.
Forrestfield Rail Link
The Forrestfield Rail Link project is worth $1.86 billion, and was funded jointly by the Australian and the Western Australian government. The Forrestfield Rail Link will provide a new rail service and a connection with the eastern suburbs of Perth via three new terminals which will be constructed at Airport Central, Forrestfield, and Belmont. This project will also see a joint link to existing parts of Midland and nearby Bayswater Stations, and will continue all the way across to Forrestfield through twin-bored tunnels.
A tunnel-based network was chosen to minimise the impact on the existing rail and road network. The landmark transport project was designed to increase the public transport options available in the foothill regions as well as the eastern suburbs. It will also considerably improve the access for commuters and those travelling between the Perth Airport and the Perth CBD.
The project was awarded to Salini Impregilo – NRW Joint Venture. They will construct 8km of the rail tunnels as well three new train stations. They are also required to maintain the infrastructure for a period of 10 years after the projects estimated completion date in 2020.
MetroNet
Rapid construction on the MetroNet is underway following a State government backed green light. The Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti confirmed tenderers were preparing business cases ahead of planned extensions on the Joondalup line which will see an extension of lines running to Yanchep, as well as the Thornlie line which will connect through to Cockburn.
Along with the MetroNet projects, the Wanneroo Road will also be widened, and a seven-kilometre stretch of road will create a duplication of Armadale road to a four-lane dual carriageway, to combat increasing congestion.
Ellenbrook Rail Line
The Ellenbrook Rail line construction is in sight and will likely see commute times halved by the time it’s operational in 2022. Estimated at around $863 million, it spans a distance of around 21km, with a new spur line created from Midland through to Morley. The Ellenbrook line will eventually include six new stations at Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Bennett Springs, Whiteman, and the Ellenbrook city centre itself, with a view to service more than 200,000 people and provide some 10,000 plus new jobs. Part of the development will also include a new dual carriageway for New Lord Street and a shared path which will run parallel to the road, providing improved access for both cyclists and pedestrians to Whiteman Park.
How can Fleetspec Hire help?
In addition to the host of civil projects underway and due for commencement, Fleetspec Hire has heavy involvement in the mining sector. Fleetspec Hire’s, well-maintained, specialised fleet ranging from water tankers, tippers, cranes, fuel and service trucks, are on standby, ready to be mobilised for short-term or long-term use.
There are strict compliance guidelines which need to be adhered to for government contract work and Fleetspec Hire is well equipped and experienced, having served in major developments and contract work in recent years.
Fleetspec Hire’s range of top-of-the-line equipment suits various construction phases and if their host of existing fleet doesn’t fit the bill – they can custom build to suit specific requirement or niche use.
