Perth traffic: Shut-down announced and commuters warned of delays before Midland station opens in February
Rita Saffioti emphasized that Metronet is worth it when announcing the opening date of the new Midland station, whose price has almost doubled.
The initial budget of $239 million has grown to $417 million, but the Transport Minister says the result has been transformational.
“What we are doing is delivering 72 kilometers of new railway,” he said.
“We have delivered 23 new stations, we have removed level crossings and without this kind of infrastructure, without this kind of investment it would be more difficult to move around our suburbs.
“This is absolutely worth it and this is an issue that we have now taken to three elections and each time it has been approved with overwhelming support from the community.”
The Midland Line between Bassendean and Midland will be partially closed for 31 days from 22 January due to recent critical works including the demolition of the existing railway station.
Morrison Road level crossing will also be closed.
“When we have to make these cuts there will be bus replacement services, as there always have been,” Ms Saffioti said.
A community event will be held on Sunday 22 February to officially open the new station, which includes a pedestrian overpass, cycle shelters, new bus interchange and an 800-space multi-storey car park.
Ms Saffioti said it was the final piece of the Metronet puzzle that had been the focus for eight years.
“I’m really proud of the work that was done,” he said.
“This was a project that created employment for thousands of people… If you look at our train stations, you will see that they are world class.”
