Joondalup railway line, Perth facts for kids

The Joondalup railway line is a hybrid suburban rail and rapid transit railway line in Western Australia that runs from Perth north to Butler. It was formerly known as the Northern Suburbs Railway. For much of its route, it traverses the median strip of the Mitchell Freeway.

History

B-series train on the Mitchell Freeway median strip in October 2006

On 14 November 1989, construction commenced on the line with Premier Peter Dowding driving the first spike. The line to Joondalup was opened by Premier Carmen Lawrence on 20 December 1992. Initially only Leederville, Edgewater and Joondalup stations were opened with the remaining stations opened as completed for a full service to commence on 21 March 1993. A realignment of the entire Transperth bus system was undertaken whereby the new train stations became bus interchanges. On 8 August 1993, the line was extended to Currambine.

On 4 October 2004, the line was extended to Clarkson as part of the New MetroRail project. Nowergup depot opened at the same time. On 29 January 2005, Greenwood was opened to alleviate pressure at the adjacent Warwick and Whitfords stations.

On 8 August 2005, the service, which previously continued south from Perth station onto the Armadale line, was curtailed at Perth and no longer provided a through service. On 15 October 2007, Joondalup line trains began running to Perth Underground and Elizabeth Quay stations via new tunnels under central Perth.

On 23 December 2007, the opening of the Mandurah line resulted in Joondalup services operating through to Mandurah. On 21 September 2014, the line was extended to Butler.

Images for kids

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  Part of Joondalup railway station in 2014

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  Perth Underground station

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  Glendalough station

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  Whitfords station

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  Butler station

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  Transperth B-series train south of Butler station