Thornlie- Cockburn link will be Perth’s first East-West cross line connection. The project involves the extension of the existing Thornlie line to Cockburn Station, including two new stations at Nicholson and Ranford Roads.

The existing passenger rail bridge over Canning River required duplication in order for eastbound and westbound traffic to run simultaneously. The new bridge consists of 5 spans stretching 150m across Canning River, linking Thornlie Station to Kenwick Tunnel.

Melchor Contracting were engaged to supply carpenter, steel fixing and concreter labour for the construction of various elements of the new Canning River Bridge. The substructure consisted of 2 abutments and 8 piers which were constructed in-situ. Melchor then assisted with installation and securing of the 10 teeroff beams, weighing a total of 840 tons.

Superstructure works completed by Melchor include the in-situ deck slabs, track slabs, derailment kerbing and run-on slabs. Melchor also installed much of the bridge furniture, including precast parapets, L shaped panels housing the alignment’s main cable route, expansion joints and permanent handrail.

Along with the many logistical challenges associated with bridge construction over water, Melchor adhered to strict environmental controls to ensure works had minimal impact on the Canning River marine environment. The on-time completion of the Canning River Bridge was a landmark project milestone, as it enabled rail installation works to the easternmost quarter of the project.