https://thewest.com.au/news/transport/perths-first-sky-rail-annou...

https://thewest.com.au/news/transpo...ale-line-and-reduce-congestion-ng-b881579571z
Perth’s first ‘sky rail’ announced as part of $415 million project to overhaul the Armadale line and reduce congestion

Peter LawThe West Australian
Tuesday, 16 June 2020 11:56AM
Peter Law


Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the level crossings scheme was modelled on Melbourne’s “sky rail”, which she insisted had been well-received. Credit: Lee Griffith/WA News

The WA Government has unveiled plans to create Perth’s first “sky rail” by removing rail crossings on the Armadale line.
Premier Mark McGowan said the boom gates on the heritage line had divided communities and disrupted lives of residents for 120 years.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the boom gates were down four to six hours a day, creating noise, traffic congestion and safety problems.
She said the level crossings scheme was modelled on Melbourne’s “sky rail”, which she insisted had been well-received.
It would see the elevation of the rail lines at Carlisle Station, creating new community open space at ground level, Ms Saffioti said.
In Melbourne, this has included features such as table tennis and basketball facilities.

A tender will be released for the $415 million project, which includes two new stations on the Armadale line, in September.

“(In Melbourne) what you’re seeing is huge community usage of the public facilities that have been created underneath,” she said.
“So overall I think you’ll see that that (elevated rail) have been warmly accepted by the Melbourne community.
“It reduces congestion, improves safety and connects spaces for local people.”
Six level crossing on the Armadale line between Victoria Park and Beckenham are proposed for removal and up to 2.8km of elevated rail could be laid along the line.
Crossings identified for removal through the elevated rail approach include Mint Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, William Street and Wharf Street.
A road over rail option is the preferred concept for Hamilton Street.

The program also involves the construction of new stations at Carlisle, Oats Street and Beckenham, as well as potentially Queens Park.
Welshpool Station would close as part of the project, with a new Oats Street Station to have more passenger facilities.
Work would now begin on concept designs, including confirmation of the exact station location.
An application for funding to Infrastructure Australia has been submitted to remove more level crossings in Victoria Park, Kensington and Carlisle.