Major road and train line closures will continue south of Perth this weekend as construction on the new Aubin Grove Station enters its second week.
The station and Russell Road bridge upgrade on the Kwinana Freeway will this weekend include two large cranes on the southbound lanes of the freeway installing the eastern beam spans for both the Russell Road bridge and the station's pedestrian footbridge.
"The station is being built using a modular method, where parts of it are made off-site and craned into place. This approach, along with comprehensive work programs for the three weekends, have been carefully planned to save passengers and motorists months of disruptions over the life of the project," The Public Transport Authority said in a statement.
Travellers are asked to plan ahead and avoid the area.
Road disruptions
From 9pm Saturday until 4am Monday southbound traffic will be diverted over the freeway using the Russell Road off and on-ramps. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained during the diversion with appropriate traffic management and speed reductions.
The Russell Road bridge will be closed to all traffic. Northbound freeway traffic can exit at the off-ramp to Russell Road and turn only left into Russell Road – no right turn will be available.
Motorists west of the bridge will detour via Hammond Road (north to Beeliar Drive) and those to the east will detour via Tapper Road (north to Armadale Road) or Lyon Road (south to Rowley Road).
Rail disruptions
The Mandurah Line service will stop after the last service on Saturday June 18 (early Sunday morning) until first service on Monday June 20.
Trains will run between Perth Underground and Cockburn Central, with shuttle buses between Cockburn and Rockingham.
Trains will run as usual between Rockingham and Mandurah.
For more information on train disruptions visit www.transperth.wa.gov.au and on road diversions www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.
The works are expected to finish on June 27 at 4am, but the Department of Transport has advised construction is weather-dependent and may be postponed if necessary.
Speaking about the project in April, Transport Minister Dean Nalder defended the need for closures on three consecutive weekends.
"It makes sense to deliver a complete project at the outset. I understand it comes at a cost, however this is the type of smart transport decision the government is making to ensure a comprehensive integrated transport solution is delivered," he said.
"Some rail and road disruptions are needed so the station building can be constructed, and the pedestrian footbridges and beam spans for the Russell Road Bridge installed.
"The three weekend diversions have been meticulously planned and will save Kwinana Freeway users several months of disruptions over the life of the Aubin Grove and Russell Road upgrade."
