Design and Construct the Merredin High Level Platform

Background

The Public Transport Authority has identified a requirement to improve the disabled access to the Merredin Train Station with the installation of high-level platforms that allows passengers to step on and off the railcars safely. The new Prospector railcars that were introduced in 2004 have the benefit of being designed to provide disability access in accordance with legislation at that time. As a consequence, a program was developed to provide high level platforms at the various stopping locations along the (EGR) Eastern Goldfields Rail line. While a high-level platform has been provided at Merredin on the loop this has proved insufficient as Perth bound and Kalgoorlie bound Prospectors cross at this point every day, and twice on Mondays and Fridays. Merredin station is also the location for a changeover for on-train staffs and accordingly, it is not feasible to amend train schedule. The platform on the main line is a lower-level platform which does not provide for disability access. In the early days it was possible to manage the situation by allowing the train that required the disability access to use the station loop while the other service used the main line. However, as the use of the Prospector by people with disabilities has become more popular, the situation has arisen in recent times where disability access is required for both trains. The other major difference between the old and new train is the fact that the stairs to board and alight from the old train were built into the railcar and were very safe, whereas on the new railcar they are external to the train and less safe, particularly for the elderly.

Scope of Works

The scope will include the design and construction of a prefabricated steel structure to serve as a new high-level platform at Merredin Station to replace the existing main line’s substandard low-level platform; to comply with DDA requirements, the subsequent Australian Standard 1428.1 covering Design for Access and Mobility and the WAGRC 1996 (Revised 1999) Access Plan for disabled patrons and other various related Standards. The new high level platform will cater for main line services. This platform will need to be positioned in such a way as to allow for the eastbound and westbound two or three car service to be plat formed and allow the existing walkway at the station to be left clear. The construction will include and provide for a raised area platform to railcar threshold level, within acceptable tolerances, complemented by complying ramps, lighting and pathways and other infrastructure that may be required to improve DDA access. The Scope of work includes the access path to both platforms at Merredin station, including the level crossing.