Project Profile: Yanchep Rail Extension

The Yanchep Rail Extension is an operational commuter rail project in Perth, Western Australia, delivered as part of the wider METRONET initiative. The project extended the Joondalup Line by 14.5km from Butler to Yanchep, incorporating three new stations to service the city’s rapidly expanding northern coastal corridor. This profile outlines the technical specifications and strategic impact of this critical infrastructure upgrade.

Technical Specifications

The Yanchep Rail Extension involved the construction of 14.5km of dual-track, standard gauge railway, primarily situated within the Mitchell Freeway median. A significant civil engineering feature is the construction of the rail line within deep cuttings to minimize noise and visual impacts on adjacent communities. The project included three new stations: Alkimos, Eglinton, and Yanchep. Each station is designed as a multi-modal transit hub, featuring extensive park-and-ride facilities (totaling over 2,000 bays), dedicated bus interchanges, and secure bicycle storage to facilitate seamless first- and last-mile connectivity. Infrastructure works included the construction of multiple road-over-rail bridges and fauna underpasses to maintain local road network integrity and protect wildlife corridors. The extension is serviced by Transperth’s B-series electric multiple units (EMUs), integrated into the existing Joondalup Line signaling and operational framework.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Urban Expansion: The extension provides essential public transport capacity to Perth’s northern growth corridor, supporting planned residential and commercial development for a population projected to reach over 150,000.
• Congestion Reduction and Sustainability: By offering a reliable alternative to private vehicle use, the project directly addresses road congestion on the Mitchell Freeway and Marmion Avenue, contributing to reduced regional carbon emissions.
• Economic Catalyst: The new stations act as focal points for transit-oriented development (TOD), creating new activity centers that stimulate local economic growth, business investment, and employment opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Yanchep Rail Extension open?

The Yanchep Rail Extension officially opened to passengers in July 2024. This followed a construction period that began with groundbreaking in 2019 and major works commencing in 2020.

Who built the Yanchep Rail Extension?

The project was delivered by the NEWest Alliance, a joint venture between two of Australia’s leading infrastructure firms, CPB Contractors and Downer, on behalf of the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia.