The WA Government has allocated more than $5.7 billion to deliver its transformational METRONET program over the next four years. The commitment was announced in the State Budget handed down last week.

The first METRONET project was recently completed with the opening of the Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing and Assembly Facility in June. The construction and building program is underway with $206.9 million to be spent in 2021‑22.

Funding in 2021-22 for METRONET projects nearing completion includes:

• $353.5 million for the Forrestfield-Airport Link, due for completion in the first half of 2022
• $15 million for the Denny Avenue level crossing removal, with the level crossing removed in April and associated water main and roadworks to be completed later this year
• $14.5 million for the Mandurah Station multi-storey car park, also to be completed later this year.

The Budget also includes funding for other major METRONET projects under construction, including the Morley-Ellenbrook Line; the Thornlie-Cockburn Link; the Yanchep Rail Extension; the new Bayswater Station project; the new Lakelands Station; and the Thomas Road Bridge, as part of the Byford Rail Extension.

Funding for METRONET projects under procurement includes:

• the Victoria Park-Canning level crossing removal
• the Byford Rail Extension
• the High Capacity Signalling program.

The Budget allocated $44 million across the forward estimates for one new METRONET project and two planning studies:

• $38 million to deliver a 700 bay multi‑storey car park at Greenwood Station
• $6 million to undertake a North East Rapid Transit feasibility study to look at future links between the East Wanneroo corridor and the Perth CBD; and complete an overarching land use and transport plan for Wanneroo Road between Beach Road and Green Street.

An additional $15 million has also been allocated across the forward estimates towards upgrading key roads in Maylands to support the closure of the Caledonian Avenue level crossing in the first half of 2022.