The design for the first METRONET level crossing removal project, at the 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).