http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMiQDRtQnPs

Here's an update on the city link project, track will soon be ready to be laid, the project is ahead of schedule platform 8/9 will re-open later this year and the first trains will start using the tunnels in June/July next year earlier than expected.

Love the smeg-flick soundtrack on that....

Love the smeg-flick soundtrack on that....

It often gets referred to as smeg music.

the project is ahead of schedule platform 8/9 will re-open later this year

...from the 20th of May.

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/ServiceUpdates/ServiceChanges/tabid/132/newsid568/3335/Default.aspx

And a new map: http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/2/Images/PCL/Projects/Midland%20Line%20P8/Perth-Station-map-May2013-.jpg

...from the 20th of May.

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/ServiceUpdates/ServiceChanges/tabid/132/newsid568/3335/Default.aspx

And a new map: http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/2/Images/PCL/Projects/Midland%20Line%20P8/Perth-Station-map-May2013-.jpg

You beat me to it Mouse LOL!. The tunnel's supposed to be completed later this year, a year ahead of schedule,  I believe the final fit out is currently underway... I could be wrong.
Not long to go now it's a shame the underpass doesn't connect with Roe Street *sighs*.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzTzwKEWxmU

Good news, take a look at Perth's new rail tunnels, which will be completed ahead of schedule, the project is on track to start taking passengers from the end of July,
http://m.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/city-link-on-track-to-early-finish/story-fnhocxo3-1226635561729

Good news, take a look at Perth's new rail tunnels, which will be completed ahead of schedule, the project is on track to start taking passengers from the end of July,
http://m.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/city-link-on-track-to-early-finish/story-fnhocxo3-1226635561729

"City Link on track to early finish" I see what they did there...

It's extremely rare that a project over here in WA is on time, even rarer when it is on budget and rarer again when it is AHEAD of time and on budget! I never thought i would say this but the liberals have actually managed to do something RIGHT over here regarding public transport! It kind of feels like an apology to the Fremantle line after a previous liberal government closed it but the new pedestrian underpass by itself will be a HUGE improvement to the station!

The station upgrade is much needed, the connections right now are complicated and it takes far too long, the underpass will make connections much more simpler although you'll still have to run to your Thornlie service.

"City Link on track to early finish" I see what they did there...

It's extremely rare that a project over here in WA is on time, even rarer when it is on budget and rarer again when it is AHEAD of time and on budget! I never thought i would say this but the liberals have actually managed to do something RIGHT over here regarding public transport! It kind of feels like an apology to the Fremantle line after a previous liberal government closed it but the new pedestrian underpass by itself will be a HUGE improvement to the station!

I think it's been said before, but a large part of the reason the project is doing so well is due to the current downturn in the mining industry. I don't think you can directly associate it to the Liberals.

I think it's been said before, but a large part of the reason the project is doing so well is due to the current downturn in the mining industry. I don't think you can directly associate it to the Liberals.

Most voters will however be doing just that!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwpotz5_r1k&feature=plcp

http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/perthcitylink/Article/tabid/514/ArticleID/67/May-2013-works-update.aspx- May 2013 update.

Take a look inside Perth's new rail tunnel, the installation of track has started and the solid conductor third rail power system
When the Fremantle line tunnel crosses the Joondalup line tunnel there will be a 1.5m gap
Midland line services have returned to arrive/depart from platform 8 Midland line services continue to terminate at Perth
Once the Fremantle line tunnel is complete with services expected to start from the end of July work will begin on extending the Joondalup line tunnel an additional 1km
Then work will start on the new state of the art underground bus station



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPsiNLRtI00

The Fremantle line tunnel will become operational from July 18th,
there will be two five day long closures (a total of 10 days) the biggest since the closure to allow for the connections of the Mandurah line in 2007.

12th- 17th July

http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/perthcitylink/RailProject/Currentworks/Trainshutdowns/tabid/610/language/en-AU/Default.aspx

• Perth Station and Perth Underground will be closed
• Fremantle Line: services cancelled
• Joondalup Line: services terminate at Leederville
• Mandurah Line: services terminate at Esplanade
• Armadale Line: services terminate at McIver (weekend services terminate at Claisebrook) and will operate an all-stops pattern on an altered timetable
• Midland Line: services terminate at McIver (weekend services terminate at Claisebrook)
• Thornlie Line: services cancelled (passengers will need to catch Armadale Line services throughout shutdown) and bus replacements will operate between Cannington and Thornlie stations

31st July to August 4th closure

•        Perth Underground will be closed
•    Perth Station will remain open
•    Fremantle Line: services cancelled
•    Joondalup Line: services terminate at Leederville
•    Mandurah Line: services terminate at Esplanade
•    Armadale, Midland and Thornlie lines: no impact

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LyxuG1aVpM

"Biggest shut down in Perth's history"?
I think they're forgetting the Fremantle Line was closed for almost four years in the late 70s/early 80s by the Liberals.

Also, where'd you get that graphic from?
"Closed during shuts"
Haha!

Also, where'd you get that graphic from? "Closed during shuts", haha! Doesn't show the McIver/Claisebrook closures either.

The graphic's from the PTA Citylink website, http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/perthcitylink/RailProject/Currentworks/Trainshutdowns/tabid/610/language/en-AU/Default.aspx (31 Jul - 4 Aug tab), and is intended to show the second shutdown thus not including McIver/Claisebrook.

The equivalent for the first shutdown is here: http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/2/Images/PCL/Shutdowns/Shut%201%20network%20map%20(2).jpg

Does anyone know why the Fremantle line is closing completely?  They can have trains running between West Leederville and Fremantle.  Is it because there is other work on the Fremantle Line being carried out, or is it because of stabling trains, which should not be a problem as they can stable at Fremantle station, show grounds, and West Leederville?

Does anyone know why the Fremantle line is closing completely?  They can have trains running between West Leederville and Fremantle.  Is it because there is other work on the Fremantle Line being carried out, or is it because of stabling trains, which should not be a problem as they can stable at Fremantle station, show grounds, and West Leederville?

Electrification, there's an electrical feeder point where the new Fremantle line will run that needs to be ripped out and replaced, someone can correct me on this but apparently that's the only feeder point for the Fremantle line.

I'd like to see a small stabling yard in North Fremantle where the old tracks are, enough for perhaps 14 railcars, I think the Fremantle line will also receive upgrades to communications, signalling and power.

http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=1069&tabid=121

Biggest planned rail disruptions in Perth’s history


Launching a public awareness campaign about the rail shutdowns, Transperth spokesman David Hynes said they would run from July 12 to July 17, and again from July 31 to August 4.
“The first round of shuts starts at 7pm on Friday July 12 and runs to the last service on Wednesday July 17, with normal services resuming the following morning,” he said.
“This will allow the new Fremantle Line tunnel to be connected to the Transperth rail network.”
 During the five-day shut, Midland and Armadale line trains will terminate at McIver on weekdays and Claisebrook on weekends.  Joondalup and Mandurah trains will terminate at Leederville and Esplanade respectively, while the entire Fremantle Line will be closed.
Mr Hynes said the planned disruptions were the biggest in Transperth’s history.
“There is simply no other way to get the Fremantle Line up and running through the tunnel than to close these parts of the network while the work is being undertaken,” he said.
“We urge our passengers to be patient and plan ahead during this time.”
My Hynes said by the end of the first shut, passengers would be able to see the tangible benefit of the first round of closures.
“On Thursday July 18, trains will travel through the new Fremantle Line tunnel.”
The second disruption runs from 3pm on Wednesday July 31 through until the last service on Sunday August 4.
Again, Joondalup and Mandurah line passengers will be able to travel on the train only as far as Leederville and Esplanade stations respectively.  
The Fremantle Line again will be closed, but this shut will have no impact to the Midland, Thornlie and Armadale lines.
“Planning around these closures has been very thorough. This is not a decision we make lightly – it has to be done – so we are putting a lot of effort into minimising the impact and letting people know what is happening.”
 A major communications program to passengers will be launched tomorrow to advise weekday commuters and other train users, businesses, local governments, schools and universities, sporting, senior and disability groups how to get around during the shuts.
He said people should start planning now for the disruptions.  
“Transperth will have replacement buses running during the closure, but there will be some delays, so passengers should plan their journeys and allow for additional travel time.
“We are asking that people consider staggering their work start and finish times, take some flexi time, carpool, ride your bike to work, or even take some leave during the shuts.”

We are getting off quite lightly. The entire Adelaide network was shut for weeks.

That's true, but most west Australians will complain anyway.

Never forget - its all part of the big picture. Repeat, it's all part of.....................

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwpotz5_r1k&feature=plcp

http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/perthcitylink/Article/tabid/514/ArticleID/67/May-2013-works-update.aspx- May 2013 update.

Take a look inside Perth's new rail tunnel, the installation of track has started and the solid conductor third rail power system
When the Fremantle line tunnel crosses the Joondalup line tunnel there will be a 1.5m gap
Midland line services have returned to arrive/depart from platform 8 Midland line services continue to terminate at Perth
Once the Fremantle line tunnel is complete with services expected to start from the end of July work will begin on extending the Joondalup line tunnel an additional 1km
Then work will start on the new state of the art underground bus station



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPsiNLRtI00

" the solid conductor third rail power system "

What the?  As I under it (AIUI), they're using the overhead beam electrification system to minimise overhead clearance requirements and hence simplify the tunnelling work. It's not a blanky third rail system. These are used in Britain, and in urban metros around the world - notably New York and Chicago Transit Authorities.

" the solid conductor third rail power system "

What the?  As I under it (AIUI), they're using the overhead beam electrification system to minimise overhead clearance requirements and hence simplify the tunnelling work. It's not a blanky third rail system. These are used in Britain, and in urban metros around the world - notably New York and Chicago Transit Authorities.

It's just the terminology they use. Technically it IS a third rail but it is above the train instead of below. Converting the train fleet to use a ground-based third rail system would take WAY too much effort and money than is needed so they put the rail above the train so they don't have to convert all of the trains

It's just the terminology they use. Technically it IS a third rail but it is above the train instead of below. Converting the train fleet to use a ground-based third rail system would take WAY too much effort and money than is needed so they put the rail above the train so they don't have to convert all of the trains

Not entirely correct.

The "third-rail" is essentially a simplified overhead line using a solid rail, known as a “solid conductor rail”, instead of the traditional tensioned wires of a catenary system. It is being used due to the minimal space imposed by the above ground redevelopment constraints. Initially the new Fremantle Line tunnel was designed to pass over the existing Joondalup line tunnel with a gap of only 70cm. However, the solid conductor rail can be affixed directly to the roof of the tunnel without the need for the extra supports that would be needed for a catenary system, hence saving space and allowing a gap of 1.5m between the two tunnels. It also reduces the gradient of the tunnel.

The technology is common practise in tunnel construction all around the world but this is the first time it has seen use in Western Australia.

(source)

June project update: http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/perthcitylink/Article/tabid/514/ArticleID/68/June-2013-works-update.aspx

Youtube regarding the first shutdown and associated platform changes:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfRb_VuCijs

Just over two weeks to the start of the first shutdown, and three weeks today the new tunnel opens...

There goes my loved Armadale to Fremantle link but then again it's back to the old times.

Timetables are up for the Armadale, Fremantle and Midland lines. Interestingly to note that its the same timetable from 2010 till the last changeover in August last year which saw The Armadale Line going to Fremantle

Interestingly to note that its the same timetable from 2010 till the last changeover in August last year which saw The Armadale Line going to Fremantle

I guess it won't change 'til they start receiving new railcars.