Design revealed for Denny Avenue METRONET level crossing removal

image1

03 July 2018

WA Government: The design for the McGowan Government's first METRONET level crossing removal project, at the dangerous Denny Avenue level crossing in Kelmscott, has now been revealed.

An underpass and elevated rail line at the parallel Davis Road is the preferred solution to remove the level crossing on Denny Avenue - a 170-metre road that has seen 154 crashes in five years.

The 2018-19 State Budget included $69 million to remove the level crossing - improving safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians on one of Western Australia's most dangerous roads and removing risks to rail operations.

The Kelmscott community and local commuters will benefit from improved traffic connections between Albany Highway, major retail precincts, schools, community services and transport connections.

The new east-west road connection at Davis Road will require the rail line to be elevated slightly in this area to accommodate the underpass. A parallel principal shared path will be built alongside the railway to provide safe pedestrian and cycling connections in the community.

The Davis Road option offers the best solution for train and road operations, public safety, community outcomes and cost, and was chosen following thorough analysis with stakeholders.

Tenders for construction will be released in the coming months, with detailed design and construction to commence shortly after the awarding of the contract next year.

The METRONET team has also been given direction to consider a range of town centre improvements that can be achieved within the project scope.

The 2018-19 State Budget also included funding to begin planning for the removal of the three other level crossings identified as priority projects - Caledonian Avenue (Maylands), Oats Street (Carlisle) and Wharf Street (Cannington).

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"This is another METRONET election commitment being delivered, one that will improve safety, enhance the town centre and provide a boost to local jobs during construction.

"Denny Avenue is one of the most dangerous level crossings on our rail network and it drives locals mad.

"It's been talked about for years, and now we've got on with the job of providing the solution and the funding to finally fix this problem and eliminate the risk of accidents between trains and cars."

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"This is the first of four level crossings that will be removed as part of stage one of our METRONET plan.

"Removing the Denny Avenue level crossing and relocating the east-west connection to Davis Road will improve connections in the town centre and mark the start of a revitalisation program around Kelmscott Station.

"It is a major connection for communities such as Clifton Hills and Roleystone to the local high school. For decades this level crossing has been an issue, and I recall the challenges of crossing it when I travelled to Kelmscott Senior High School from Roleystone.

"It also aligns with the long-held vision to improve the overall community amenity and streetscape of the Kelmscott town centre.

"This work is progressing well, with the METRONET team continuing to assess options in consultation with key stakeholders prior to the Government making a final investment decision."

Comments attributed to Armadale MLA Tony Buti:

"The commitment by the McGowan Government to replace the level railway crossing at Denny Avenue with a separated crossing at Davis Road will be very welcomed by my local community.

"Since being elected to represent the electorate of Armadale in October 2010, I have been advocating for a solution to the Denny Avenue crossing issue.

"I am delighted that the Premier and the Minister for Transport have revealed a separated railway crossing at Davis Road as the solution to the Denny Avenue railway crossing problem. It is what many in the community and I have been calling for."

 

--ENDS--

 

Source:  Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

Contact: Premier's office - 6552 5000  Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500

External Links:  N/A

Recent news by:  WA Government

 

ONLINE PROFILE