Australia’s Metronet: Armadale/Byford Rail Extension Impact

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Introduction

The Armadale Line in Perth reopened on 12 October 2025, with the commencement of passenger services on the 8-km Byford rail extension.

Project Overview

The Metronet Byford rail extension project introduced a new train station in Byford and an elevated station in Armadale. The project also eliminated nine pedestrian and road-level crossings.

Infrastructure Improvements

The extension connects Byford and the Serpentine-Jarrahdale area to the Perth CBD, with a 46-minute train journey. According to Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King, the project included the removal of level crossings and the installation of a new dual-rail track to enhance the Armadale Line.

Construction Details

The project was jointly funded by the Federal Government of Australia and the Western Australia’s Government. Construction involved an 8 km double-track section, including 22,000 sleepers, 40,000 tonnes of crushed rock, 430 masts, and 72 km of overhead wiring, supporting an estimated 4,200 jobs.

Additional infrastructure included two new over-rail bridges at Thomas Road and Eleventh Road, 8 hectares of new public open space, and eight kilometers of new shared paths. The Armadale Line was also upgraded, involving the renewal of 15 km of track, 25 pedestrian crossings, and 10 level crossings.

Future Developments

The new Byford station includes a platform for the Australind train, which is currently undergoing dynamic testing and is scheduled to return to service in early 2026. The opening of the Byford rail extension concludes the new Metronet rail lines committed in 2017, with the New Midland Station expected to open in early 2026.