Perth Metro: Keeping a City-Scale Rail Shutdown moving

METRONET’s Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project is Perth’s biggest public transport investment. The project removed six level crossings, built five new stations and installed 7.5 km of rail infrastructure. With an intensive 18-month shutdown period, the works were designed to improve road and pedestrian safety and enhance local amenity with Perth largest park, the six-hectare Long Park.

The Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance (ALUA) engaged a partner to provide site facilities, equipment and specialist rail. Kennards Hire was selected to provide equipment and site services across the project.

Communication and logistics elevated through Kennards Hire Project Manager

ALUA worked with Kennards Project Manager, Jack Weir, in preparation for the scheduled 18-month shutdown; to plan equipment requirements, and factor in associated safety and environmental considerations.

When construction commenced, Jack was the central point of contact for the project; coordinating equipment planning, bespoke site accommodation and expedited orders, engaging our Operations Product Specialists to deliver highly specialised pump, water management and hi-rail equipment solutions.

ALUA’s Site Superintendent, Barrie Evans says the main challenge was at construction peak. “The volume of requests from different teams was challenging, but access to one main representative who understood the project needs and communicated honestly was invaluable.”

Equipment for site operations and specialist rail works

Behind the scenes, our distribution centre, conveniently located nearby in Welshpool, was a hub for storing, delivering and servicing equipment for the project. The branch became a storage yard and rapid dispatch centre for equipment to free up valuable site space and allowed the project teams easy access to specialised equipment and maintain productivity.

Jack Weir, Kennards Hire Project Manager, says, “The Cannington and Belmont branches were a massive help throughout the project, providing additional equipment support and local logistics capability that kept things moving across the full duration of the works.

We delivered traffic, lighting, access, earthmoving, rail and water management solutions, supported by competitive corporate rates and a conveniently located branch network. Integrating site buildings with services, access, lifting and safety equipment ensured compatibility across all elements and reduced the complexity and risk associated with managing multiple providers and trades.”

Barrie valued the range of our offering, noting “access to backup services and equipment was great.”

Kennards provided a comprehensive range of equipment across civil, rail and site services including:

• portable buildings
• light towers
• earthmoving and access equipment
• pumps and dewatering equipment
• small trucks
• over 40 portable toilets
• a wide range of general hire equipment to support site operations
• traffic management solutions to support day and night works at multiple locations
• specialist rail line equipment such as destressing rollers, rail tensors, rail trolleys, grinders and rail saws matched to the new elevated railway corridor

Ready-to-go site buildings

Beyond equipment hire, the team installed customised temporary buildings fitted with ready-to-use facilities. Barrie Evans said this was a “major benefit of working with Kennards Hire.” For selected buildings, we provided integrated plumbing and power connections, minimising third-party involvement, accelerating site establishment and the commencement of works. Early planning and delivery in step with ALUA’s schedule ensured efficiency and readiness for site possession.

On Track and On Time: Hi-Rail Tool Performance

ALUA required specialised hi-rail equipment to support project works. Rail Operations Product Specialist, Brett Harvey, identified, sourced and delivered tensors, rollers, grinders and saws; carefully staging equipment delivery with project timelines. Rail trolleys were also supplied for track, including customised solutions designed for extensive night works.

Results that matter to program delivery

• Supported crucial timeline: Early planning and aligned delivery ensured all equipment and facilities were ready for the 18-month shutdown period and enabled efficient worksite setup and timely availability of specialised solutions.
• Delivered clear communication: A dedicated Project Manager streamlined communication, reduced delays, and enabled fast responses to changing site demands with deep understanding of the scope, site rules and preferred equipment.
• Enabled integrated, end-to-end delivery: A single provider supplied equipment and service solutions, reducing complexity, risk, and the need for multiple contractors.

Creating value to a complex infrastructure project

Through proactive planning, integrated service delivery, and strong on-site coordination, Kennards Hire supported ALUA to manage a complex, high-volume construction program. The ability to respond quickly to changing requirements through Jack our Project Manager, supported by access to a range of stock and equipment and agile, reliable logistics contributed to the successful delivery of this major infrastructure upgrade project for Perth.