Improving community safety with removal of dangerous crossing

Residents in Kelmscott in Perth’s south east are the first to see the benefits of the METRONET Level Crossing Removal Program which has now decommissioned the boom gates on Denny Avenue and completed construction of the new rail-over-road underpass at Davis Road.

Residents in Kelmscott in Perth’s south east are the first to see the benefits of the METRONET Level Crossing Removal Program which has now decommissioned the boom gates on Denny Avenue and completed construction of the new rail-over-road underpass at Davis Road.

SMEC was appointed by the Design & Construct (D&C) contractor Downer EDI to undertake the detailed design and construction support services. The project involves both rail and road components, as well as drainage design, shared pedestrian and bike lanes, street and landscaping.

The permanent closure of what is considered to be Western Australia’s most dangerous level crossing has allowed for construction to be completed on the new rail-over-road underpass which increases the capacity of Davis road from two to four lanes of traffic. The works included decommissioning and removal of the current infrastructure, excavation of the underpass road, laying nearly 850 metres of rail track and building the new Principal Shared Path (PSP) over the underpass.

“As the project progresses, in addition to the major road and rail upgrades, the project will continue on works to see the area revitalised. Pedestrians and cyclists will have safer passage and the Station Master’s house will be restored and a plaza created which includes picnic tables, shade trees and public art,” said Barry Wilson, SMEC’s Area Manager in Perth.

The Detailed Design delivery was facilitated by an integrated federated Project Information model, which enabled early interdisciplinary clash detection, design decision making and asset information modelling. It has also been used to provide a 4D video of the construction sequencing and other communications products that have proven effective for stakeholder engagement.

“Creating solutions to address congestion and safety around rail corridors is a significant undertaking, but also a great opportunity to create community spaces which enhance the liveability of the city,” said Barry.

With the boom gates down on average for three hours and seven minutes per day, the removal of the crossing will reduce congestion in the area, but most significantly it will increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.