The government of Western Australia has announced the beginning of upgrade works at Yarloop Station.
The projects, funded from the A$32m ($24.6m) Rail Future Fund package included in the 2017-18 State Budget, will make the station fully compliant with Disability and Discrimination Act (DDA) standards.
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Western Australia Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said: “This is part of a wider election commitment to revitalise the Australind train service from Perth to Bunbury to bring tourists to the South-West, and offer a faster journey between Bunbury and Perth.
“These works are vital, not just for people in wheelchairs but for passengers with prams and luggage as well – it will make it easier for all members of the public to access the Australind train as it travels through Yarloop.”
The scope of the project involves sheltering the platform, making adequate seating arrangements, installing lighting, as well as making the station accessible via ramp or stairs.
It also includes modernisation of the existing station access road and car park and construction of two car bays and one accessible (ACROD) bay.
The existing pedestrian level crossing, the car park, and the new platform will also be connected with new accessible paths as a part of the work package.
The Public Transport Authority is working with Arc Infrastructure, formerly Brookfield Rail, on this upgrade, which is expected to be completed by the middle of this year.
Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke: “The Australind train service is one of the main modes of transport in the Murray-Wellington electorate, and its revitalisation will make travel to Bunbury and Perth easier and quicker for people in the electorate.
“Upgrading Yarloop train station is an important part of rebuilding the town following the 2016 fires and will make the town more accessible to the public.”
