{{Short description|Railway tunnel in Perth}} {{for|the road tunnel in Sydney|Kings Cross Tunnel}} {{Featured article}} {{Infobox tunnel | name = William Street tunnel | image = OIC transperth esplanade station tunnel.jpg | alt = A round, concrete tunnel with a single railway track | caption = View facing north from Elizabeth Quay station | line = Mandurah and Yanchep | location = Perth, Western Australia | coordinates = | system = Transperth | start = | end = | stations = 2 | startwork = February 2004 | opened = {{Start date|2007|10|15|df=y}} | owner = Public Transport Authority | operator = Public Transport Authority | length = {{cvt|770|m}} (bored tunnel) | gauge = {{track gauge|1067mm|lk=on}} narrow gauge{{sfn|Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan|2002|p=90}} | el = {{25 kV 50 Hz}} from overhead catenary{{sfn|Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan|2002|p=116}} | speed = {{cvt|50|km/h}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Manual – Rail Access |url=https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/15/AA_DOCUMENTS/About_us/Working%20with%20PTA/Safety%20resources/8800-400-001%20-%20Manual%20-%20Rail%20Access%20(RAM)%20(1).pdf |website=Public Transport Authority |access-date=18 January 2026 |page=59 |archive-date=23 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251223145858/https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/15/AA_DOCUMENTS/About_us/Working%20with%20PTA/Safety%20resources/8800-400-001%20-%20Manual%20-%20Rail%20Access%20(RAM)%20(1).pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> | width = | map = {{maplink-road |from=William Street tunnel.map}} }}
The '''William Street tunnel''' is a railway tunnel under the central business district of Perth, Western Australia. It was built between 2004 and 2007 as part of the construction of the Mandurah line, which it connects with the Yanchep line, running under William Street for much of its length. It consists of {{convert|770|m|ft}} of twin bored tunnels, a cut-and-cover tunnel at either end, and two stations: Perth Underground and Elizabeth Quay.
The Mandurah line was initially proposed to branch off the Armadale line. After a more direct route was chosen in 2001, a tunnel under the central business district became necessary to connect the Mandurah line to the rest of the network. The construction of the Mandurah line was divided into eight contract packages; the William Street tunnel was part of Package F, also known as the '''City Project''', the contract for which was awarded to Leighton–Kumagai Gumi in February 2004 for A$324.5{{nbsp}}million. Preliminary works began the same month, and tunnelling began in October 2005, starting from Elizabeth Quay station and heading north. Boring for the first tunnel was completed in June 2006, after which the tunnel boring machine was transported back to Elizabeth Quay to dig the second, which was completed in October 2006.
Construction was disrupted by industrial action, which culminated in the prosecution of 107{{nbsp}}workers for illegally striking in February and March 2006 following the issuance of a strike ban by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The strikes, along with complications involving heritage protection at Perth Underground station, engineering challenges on the Swan River foreshore, and contract disputes, resulted in the tunnel's opening being delayed beyond its 2006 deadline. The first train entered the tunnel in August 2007 and it opened to passengers on 15{{nbsp}}October, ahead of the rest of the Mandurah line's opening on 23{{nbsp}}December. The final cost, after contract disputes were settled, was $439.3{{nbsp}}million.
==Description== The William Street tunnel consists of {{convert|770|m}} of twin bored tunnels,<ref name="Media Statement 27 October 2006"/> plus a cut-and-cover tunnel at each end, whereby a trench is dug and covered to form the tunnel.{{efn|The 2002 master plan gave a length of {{convert|690|m}} for the twin bored tunnels, {{convert|648|m}} of cut-and-cover tunnel between the freeway and Esplanade station, {{convert|310|m}} of cut-and-cover tunnel between Esplanade station and the Roe Street dive structure, and nearly {{convert|200|m}} of ramp at the northern portal.{{sfn|Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan|2002|p=28}}}} The tunnel has two stations:{{sfn|Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan|2002|p=28}} Perth Underground, which was known during construction as William Street station, and Elizabeth Quay station, which was known before 2016 as Esplanade station.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kagi |first1=Jacob |title=WA Government attacked for costly renaming of Elizabeth Quay bus and train station |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-16/government-criticised-over-elizabeth-quay-train-station-renaming/7035242 |website=ABC News |access-date=2 May 2025 |date=16 December 2015 |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407150255/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-16/government-criticised-over-elizabeth-quay-train-station-renaming/7035242 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=McNeill |title=Elizabeth Quay opening celebrations to last three weeks |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/elizabeth-quay-opening-celebrations-to-last-three-days-20160120-gmae84.html |website=WAtoday |access-date=2 May 2025 |date=20 January 2016 |archive-date=2 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502100320/https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/elizabeth-quay-opening-celebrations-to-last-three-days-20160120-gmae84.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The tunnel is part of the Yanchep line{{efn|name="Yanchep line"|The Yanchep line was known as the Joondalup line before 15 June 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lopez |first1=Erick |last2=Dietsch |first2=Jake |title=Mayor questions name change on train line from Joondalup to Yanchep as opening date is revealed |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/wa/mayor-questions-name-change-on-train-line-from-joondalup-to-yanchep-as-opening-date-is-revealed-c-14415615 |website=PerthNow |access-date=7 February 2026 |date=27 April 2024}}</ref>}} north of Perth Underground and the Mandurah line south of Elizabeth Quay, the section between these two stations being shared by both lines.<ref>{{cite web |title=System Map |url=https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Portals/0/Asset/Documents/Using%20Transperth/System%20Maps/Byford%20Rail%20Extension%20System%20Map%20October%202025.pdf |website=Transperth |access-date=6 February 2026 |archive-date=6 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260206101403/https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Portals/0/Asset/Documents/Using%20Transperth/System%20Maps/Byford%20Rail%20Extension%20System%20Map%20October%202025.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The bored tunnels have an internal diameter of {{convert|6.16|m|ftin}}, with {{convert|275|mm|in|adj=mid|-thick}} lining,{{sfn|Hudson-Smith|Grinceri|2007|p=35}}{{sfn|Sigl|Yamazaki|2007|p=45}} and the rails range from {{convert|9|to|21|m}} below ground level. The tunnel has a design life of 120{{nbsp}}years.{{sfn|Hudson-Smith|Grinceri|2007|p=35}}
The southern cut-and-cover portion, measuring approximately {{convert|648|m}}, commences east of the Mitchell Freeway along the Swan River foreshore, and ends at the intersection of Mounts Bay Road and William Street, where Elizabeth Quay station is. North of the station, the tunnel runs under William Street as two bored tunnels, one for each track. The tunnels curve east of William Street to reach Perth Underground station, which was dug cut-and-cover. The bored tunnels then bend west to enter the rail corridor west of Perth station, on the site of the former Perth Marshalling Yard, where the bored tunnels end. A {{convert|200|m|adj=on}} ramp parallel to Roe Street takes the tracks to the surface, where they connect with the rest of the rail network.{{sfn|Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan|2002|p=28}} This was not originally part of the tunnel, but the ramp was covered as part of the Perth City Link in the 2010s.{{sfn|Perth City Link Rail Master Plan|2010|p=vii}}<ref name="PerthNow 23 August 2011"/> The minimum curve radius for the tunnel is {{convert|135|m}} due to geometric constraints, far below the minimum curve radius of {{convert|700|m}} used elsewhere on the Mandurah line.{{sfn|Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan|2002|p=90}}{{sfn|Sigl|Yamazaki|2007|p=43}}
{{Multiple image | align = center | direction = horizontal | total_width = 500 | image1 = Perth Underground station interior.jpg | alt1 = Underground station concourse, with lifts and escalators down to platform level and up to ground level | caption1 = Perth Underground station | image2 = Esplanade station platforms.jpg | alt2 = Underground train station platform | caption2 = Elizabeth Quay station }}
==Planning== Initial plans for the Mandurah line, created by a Liberal state government, proposed it branch off the Armadale line at Kenwick, which did not require a tunnel through Perth's central business district (CBD). Experts, including Murdoch University professor Peter Newman, called for a direct route to be constructed instead, which would have necessitated a tunnel through the CBD.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Malpeli |first1=Gareth |title=Expert Rails Against Mandurah Train Link |work=The West Australian |date=20 March 1999 |page=30}}</ref> The Labor Party supported the Kenwick route in the lead up to the 2001 state election,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Julie |title=Train boost will pick up voters |work=The West Australian |date=20 October 2000 |page=10}}</ref> but after Labor's election victory, the new Cabinet of Western Australia decided in July 2001 to construct the direct route instead.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |first2=Geoff |last2=Gallop |title=Gallop Government unveils vision for faster rail link to Mandurah |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Gallop-Government-unveils-vision-for-faster-rail-link-to-Mandurah-20010716 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=16 July 2001 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045725/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Gallop-Government-unveils-vision-for-faster-rail-link-to-Mandurah-20010716 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The West Australian 17 July 2001">{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Rail Switch – New train link across city foreshore |work=The West Australian |date=17 July 2001 |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Government re-routes major rail link |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Government-re-routes-major-rail-link |website=Business News |access-date=4 September 2025 |date=17 July 2001 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The new tunnel was to be a cut-and-cover tunnel along William Street, with an elevated portion south of St Georges Terrace,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=The radical rail plan |work=The West Australian |date=21 July 2001 |page=9}}</ref> which was strongly criticised by the lord mayor of Perth, Peter Nattrass, who said the elevated section would be an "eyesore" like the Cahill Expressway in Sydney.<ref name="The West Australian 17 July 2001"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Nattrass vows united fight on new rail route |work=The West Australian |date=17 July 2001 |page=6}}</ref> The minister for planning and infrastructure, Alannah MacTiernan, tried to allay his fears by leaving open the possibility that the tunnelled section would extend further south than St Georges Terrace.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |last2=Capp |first2=Geraldine |title=Rail link row cools down |work=The West Australian |date=18 July 2001 |page=4}}</ref>
{{maplink |from=City Project alternatives.map |frame=yes |frame-align=right |frame-width=450 |frame-height=380 |frame-lat=-31.953654 |frame-long=115.856222 |zoom=15 |text=Routes shortlisted by the Perth City Rail Advisory Committee in March 2002: The western route (left), central route (middle), and eastern route (right).{{sfn|Perth City Rail Advisory Committee|2002a|loc=Figures 5, 6, 8}}}}
In response to criticism of the Mandurah line's route through the CBD, the Perth City Rail Advisory Committee was formed in October 2001 to assess other options. The committee consisted of eight members, including engineers, planners, and representatives from the Property Council and the Perth City Council.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=City rail options to be examined |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/City-rail-options-to-be-examined-20011031 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=31 October 2023 |date=31 October 2001 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031150910/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/City-rail-options-to-be-examined-20011031 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Minister puts rail options on track |work=The West Australian |date=1 November 2001 |page=36}}</ref> Tasked with submitting its report in February 2002, it was delayed as the committee struggled to reach a consensus;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Team stuck on city rail route |work=The West Australian |date=1 March 2002 |page=14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Low |first1=Catie |title=Perth–Mandurah rail line on track for group therapy |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Perth-Mandurah-rail-line-on-track-for-group-therapy |website=Business News |access-date=31 October 2023 |date=5 March 2002 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031150909/https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Perth-Mandurah-rail-line-on-track-for-group-therapy |url-status=live }}</ref> it was released on 14{{nbsp}}March 2002. The report assessed sixteen options, of which three were shortlisted:{{sfn|Perth City Rail Advisory Committee|2002a|p=20, Figure 4}}<ref name="The West Australian 14 March 2002">{{cite news |last1=Burns |first1=Anne |last2=Robb |first2=Trevor |title=Rail review backs bypass |work=The West Australian |date=14 March 2002 |page=7}}</ref>
*The western route runs along the Mitchell Freeway, exiting the freeway median strip via a tunnel south of Malcolm Street, before bending east to surface in the existing rail corridor, terminating at Perth station. There would be an underground station at Elder Street between Hay and Murray streets, near Parliament House. The estimated cost of the western route was A$140.1{{nbsp}}million. This option required reversing trains at Perth station to retain through-running with the Joondalup line,{{efn|name="Yanchep line"}} necessitating another train costing $18{{nbsp}}million. This was the committee's second-most-preferred route.{{sfn|Perth City Rail Advisory Committee|2002a|pp=42–46, Figure 8}} *The central route runs in a cut-and-cover tunnel along William Street, bending west to connect with the Joondalup line.{{efn|name="Yanchep line"}} There would be two underground stations at William Street, the first near the Esplanade Busport and the second between Murray and Wellington streets, with a pedestrian connection to the existing Perth station. This route differs from the government's proposed route in that the line runs underground south of The Esplanade instead of being elevated. The estimated cost of this option was $139{{nbsp}}million. This was the committee's least preferred route, because of the disruption caused by the cut-and-cover construction.{{sfn|Perth City Rail Advisory Committee|2002a|pp=35–42, Figure 6}} *The eastern route runs in a bored tunnel parallel to Mounts Bay Road and The Esplanade, before bending north to run along Irwin Street, then bending west to reach Perth station. There would be underground stations at the Esplanade Busport and Irwin Street near Hay Street. The estimated cost of this option was $311{{nbsp}}million. This was the committee's preferred route. They also considered a route which involved tunnelling under St Georges Terrace instead of along Mounts Bay Road and The Esplanade; the committee ruled this out for its high cost, risks, and the disruption that constructing a station there would cause to St Georges Terrace.{{sfn|Perth City Rail Advisory Committee|2002a|pp=27–28, Figure 5}}
The state government ruled out the eastern route as it would cost more than twice the other routes.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=City Rail options released |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/City-Rail-options-released-20020314 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=31 October 2023 |date=14 March 2002 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031150910/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/City-Rail-options-released-20020314 |url-status=live }}</ref> The remaining two routes were opened up to public consultation over the following month.<ref>{{cite web |title=Business groups continue to rail against station plan |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Business-groups-continue-to-rail-against-station-plan |website=Business News |access-date=31 October 2023 |date=19 March 2002 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031150911/https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Business-groups-continue-to-rail-against-station-plan |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Casella |first1=Nicolette |title=Rail views are tracked |work=The Sunday Times |date=24 March 2002 |page=28}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Rail options excite strong response |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Rail-options-excite-strong-response-20020325 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=31 October 2023 |date=25 March 2002 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031150911/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Rail-options-excite-strong-response-20020325 |url-status=live }}</ref> The western route was the Perth City Council's preferred route, due to its limited impact on businesses.<ref name="The West Australian 14 March 2002"/> That route would cause disruption to the Mitchell Freeway during its construction<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Drivers face rail chaos |work=The West Australian |date=4 April 2002 |page=3}}</ref> and integrate poorly with the surrounding area.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Rail plan a traffic sewer: expert |work=The West Australian |date=8 April 2002 |page=4}}</ref> In April 2002, the Perth City Rail Advisory Committee was re-established to conduct a more detailed analysis of the two remaining routes,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=State revisits railway options |work=The West Australian |date=19 April 2002 |page=31}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Perth City Rail Advisory Committee to be reformed. |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Perth-City-Rail-Advisory-Committee-to-be-reformed.-20020424 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=31 October 2023 |date=24 April 2002 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031150909/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Perth-City-Rail-Advisory-Committee-to-be-reformed.-20020424 |url-status=live }}</ref> with the central route to be considered as a bored tunnel rather than cut-and-cover.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Favoured route faces problems |work=The West Australian |date=2 April 2002 |page=6}}</ref> An opinion poll published by ''The West Australian'' newspaper found that 39{{nbsp}}per{{nbsp}}cent of respondents supported the central route and 35{{nbsp}}per{{nbsp}}cent of respondents supported the western route.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Opinion split on routes, poll finds |work=The West Australian |date=17 May 2002 |page=34}}</ref> The Perth City Rail Advisory Committee completed its second report in May 2002, which recommended the central route.{{sfn|Perth City Rail Advisory Committee|2002b|pp=i–ii}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Roger |title=New rail line to go under cover |work=The Australian |date=23 May 2002 |page=6}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Rail plan gets thumbs up |work=The West Australian |date=24 May 2002 |page=9}}</ref> State Cabinet endorsed this route in June,<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |first2=Geoff |last2=Gallop |title=City rail decision opens new vision for future of Perth and public transport. |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/City-rail-decision-opens-new-vision-for-future-of-Perth-and-public-transport.-20020610 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=31 October 2023 |date=10 June 2002 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031150912/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/City-rail-decision-opens-new-vision-for-future-of-Perth-and-public-transport.-20020610 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The West Australian 11 June 2002">{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Rivals unite on train link |work=The West Australian |date=11 June 2002 |page=4}}</ref> with Nattrass now in support.<ref name="The West Australian 11 June 2002"/> A master plan for the Mandurah line's direct route was released in August 2002.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |first2=Geoff |last2=Gallop |title=Master Plan shows new line a winner |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Master-Plan-shows-new-line-a-winner-20020813 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=31 October 2023 |date=13 August 2002 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031150909/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Master-Plan-shows-new-line-a-winner-20020813 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=ALP claims win on freeway line |work=The West Australian |date=14 August 2002 |page=4}}</ref>
==Procurement== The construction of the tunnel was known as the City Project, which was designed and constructed as part of Package F of the Southern Suburbs Railway, the name for the Mandurah line during construction.{{sfn|Longhurst|2008|p=309}} Construction was managed by New MetroRail, a division of the Public Transport Authority (PTA).<ref>{{cite web |title=Annual Report 2003–2004 |url=https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/15/annualreports/2004/pdfs/metrorail.pdf |website=Public Transport Authority |access-date=8 November 2025 |date=2004 |pages=20–21 |archive-date=31 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251231114838/https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/15/annualreports/2004/pdfs/metrorail.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Geotechnical testing by Golder Associates occurred between January and March 2003.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Drilling tests begin for new railway |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Drilling-tests-begin-for-new-railway-20030105 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=5 January 2003 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045723/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Drilling-tests-begin-for-new-railway-20030105 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Engineers dig up soil fix on city rail tunnel |work=The West Australian |date=7 January 2003 |page=24}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Drilling tests under Perth indicate favourable conditions for new railway |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Drilling-tests-under-Perth-indicate-favourable-conditions-for-new-railway-20030320 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=20 March 2003 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045724/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Drilling-tests-under-Perth-indicate-favourable-conditions-for-new-railway-20030320 |url-status=live }}</ref> Expressions of interest for Package F were called for in March 2003<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Interest call for inner city rail project |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Interest-call-for-inner-city-rail-project-20030315 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=15 March 2003 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026145254/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Interest-call-for-inner-city-rail-project-20030315 |url-status=live }}</ref> and closed in April 2003. Five consortia submitted expressions of interest for the contract, which was valued at $200{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="Media Statement 15 May 2003">{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Construction, tunnelling and rail experts compete for $580million works on Perth-to-Mandurah section of New MetroRail project |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Construction,-tunnelling-and-rail-experts-compete-for-$580million-works-on-Perth-to-Mandurah-section-of-New-MetroRail-project-20030515 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=15 May 2003 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026145244/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Construction,-tunnelling-and-rail-experts-compete-for-$580million-works-on-Perth-to-Mandurah-section-of-New-MetroRail-project-20030515 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:William Street tunnel entrance viewed from Kings Park 01 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|The southern entrance to the tunnel, including the {{convert|135|m}} of uncovered tunnel, viewed from Kings Park|alt=Tunnel entrance viewed from an elevated position]]
A design change was announced in July 2003: the William Street bridge on the foreshore was now to be demolished. The $1.3{{nbsp}}million cost was to be offset by changes to the project's design, including leaving a {{convert|135|m|adj=on}} section of the tunnel uncovered within the freeway interchange and using natural light and ventilation for Esplanade station. There were concerns the bridge's removal would increase traffic, but Lord Mayor Nattrass supported it because it allowed for a future redevelopment of the foreshore.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Banks |first1=Amanda |title=Rail plan rids city of bridge |work=The West Australian |date=10 April 2003 |page=11}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=William Street traffic bridge to make way for foreshore vision |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/William-Street-traffic-bridge-to-make-way-for-foreshore-vision-20030716 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=16 July 2003 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045721/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/William-Street-traffic-bridge-to-make-way-for-foreshore-vision-20030716 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Banks |first1=Amanda |title=All change at Esplanade: MacTiernan |work=The West Australian |date=17 July 2003 |page=4}}</ref> After lobbying from the Perth City Council,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Poprzeczny |first1=Joseph |title=State Scene – Ball in PCC's court |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/State-Scene-Ball-in-PCC-s-court |website=Business News |access-date=8 August 2024 |date=11 February 2003 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812050543/https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/State-Scene-Ball-in-PCC-s-court |url-status=live }}</ref> consideration was given to lowering the Fremantle line within Northbridge as part of the William Street tunnel's construction. The state government attempted to reach an agreement under which the City of Perth would fund the lowering in exchange for the right to develop the land on top of the railway,<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=New proposal for sinking of the Northbridge railway lines |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/New-proposal-for-sinking-of-the-Northbridge-railway-lines-20030618 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=13 June 2024 |date=18 June 2003 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045721/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/New-proposal-for-sinking-of-the-Northbridge-railway-lines-20030618 |url-status=live }}</ref> but with an estimated cost of $200{{nbsp}}million, it was deemed too expensive.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |last2=Banks |first2=Amanda |title=Northbridge tunnel plan dead: council |work=The West Australian |date=7 April 2004 |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Price tag sinks Milligan Street rail-sinking proposal |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Price-tag-sinks-Milligan-Street-rail-sinking-proposal-20040407 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=13 June 2024 |date=7 April 2004 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045723/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Price-tag-sinks-Milligan-Street-rail-sinking-proposal-20040407 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Of the five consortia, CityConnect (Clough–McConnell Dowell–Obayashi) and Leighton–Kumagai Gumi were shortlisted in May 2003,<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Consortia short-listed for Perth City section of New MetroRail project |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Consortia-short-listed-for-Perth-City-section-of-New-MetroRail-project-20030531 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=31 May 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Firms on track for MetroRail project |work=The West Australian |date=31 May 2003 |page=14}}</ref> and in November 2003 the latter was selected as the preferred proponent.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ball |first1=Yvonne |title=Leighton Kumagai to build Perth underground rail |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/leighton-kumagai-to-build-perth-underground-rail-20031103-jv3gi |website=Australian Financial Review |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=3 November 2003 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045721/https://www.afr.com/politics/leighton-kumagai-to-build-perth-underground-rail-20031103-jv3gi |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Leighton Kumagai appointed preferred proponent for New MetroRail City Project |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Leighton-Kumagai-appointed-preferred-proponent-for-New-MetroRail-City-Project-20031102 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=2 November 2003 |archive-date=21 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121061046/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Leighton-Kumagai-appointed-preferred-proponent-for-New-MetroRail-City-Project-20031102 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The West Australian 3 November 2003"/> The managing director of Clough did not want to agree to the government's requirement that the contractor take all the risk for cost escalation due to unknowns such as soil conditions and heritage buildings.<ref name="The West Australian 3 November 2003">{{cite news |last1=Lam |first1=Minh |title=Clough misses rail tender |work=The West Australian |date=3 November 2003 |page=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Ruth |title=Clough warns of rail risks |work=The West Australian |date=17 October 2003 |page=1}}</ref> The following month, the contract was approved by State Cabinet, the cost rising to about $320{{nbsp}}million, bringing the cost of the Southern Suburbs Railway to $1.059{{nbsp}}billion. This increase prompted shadow transport minister Katie Hodson-Thomas to call for the project to be "reconsidered" and National Party leader Max Trenorden to call for MacTiernan to be stood aside pending a parliamentary review into the project.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Green light for massive rail project |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Green-light-for-massive-rail-project-20031216 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=16 December 2003 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045729/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Green-light-for-massive-rail-project-20031216 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Banks |first1=Amanda |title=Mandurah rail costs up by $100m – and may go higher |work=The West Australian |date=17 December 2003 |pages=1, 10}}</ref> In February 2004, the contract was signed for $324.5{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=City section of New MetroRail Project signed |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/City-section-of-New-MetroRail-Project-signed-20040214 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=14 February 2004 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026145315/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/City-section-of-New-MetroRail-Project-signed-20040214 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Consortium lands $320m WA railway contract |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-02-15/consortium-lands-320m-wa-railway-contract/135906 |website=ABC News |access-date=14 May 2025 |date=15 February 2004 |archive-date=14 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514132627/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-02-15/consortium-lands-320m-wa-railway-contract/135906 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Ben |title=It's underground from here on as railway deal signed, sealed |work=The West Australian |date=16 February 2004 |page=4}}</ref>
Under pressure from the Liberal Party and the Greens, MacTiernan promised in January 2004 to table the contract in Parliament, although Leighton opposed this.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Steve |title=MacTiernan to partly air tunnel deal |work=The West Australian |date=14 January 2004 |page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=MacTiernan vows tunnel deal light |work=The West Australian |date=17 January 2004 |page=66}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Contract details to be tabled in Parliament |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Contract-details-to-be-tabled-in-Parliament-20040116 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=16 January 2004 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045725/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Contract-details-to-be-tabled-in-Parliament-20040116 |url-status=live }}</ref> The contract was controversial due to the previous cost blowout and the financial risks of tunnelling. MacTiernan promised that almost all the risk would be on the contractor as it was a fixed-price contract,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Banks |first1=Amanda |title=City rail contract may be kept under wraps |work=The West Australian |date=10 January 2004 |page=8}}</ref> with the state liable for underground building anchors and the relocation of power and water utilities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Banks |first1=Amanda |title=State to bear tunnel risk |work=The West Australian |date=23 February 2004 |page=7}}</ref> The contract was tabled on 2{{nbsp}}March 2004; MacTiernan said it was the first time a contract for such a construction project had been publicly released.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=William Street tunnel contract details released |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/William-Street-tunnel-contract-details-released-20040302 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=2 March 2004}}</ref> The contract stated that delays beyond October 2006 would incur a penalty of $54,000 per day for the contractor.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Ruth |title=Rail contractors liable for delay |work=The West Australian |date=27 October 2004 |page=4}}</ref> Throughout construction, MacTiernan emphasised that it was a fixed-price contract in response to speculation about cost blowouts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |title=The lost words of MacTiernan's rail rhetoric |work=The West Australian |date=4 May 2006 |page=9}}</ref> In August 2005, the state's Auditor General released a report that said the City Project's contract management had been effective, but that further cost escalations were possible.<ref>{{cite web |title=Auditor General's Report: Performance Examination: Contract Management of the City Rail Project |url=https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/report2005_07.pdf |website=Office of the Auditor General |date=August 2005 |pages=5–6 |access-date=2025-05-02 |archive-date=2025-01-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120185033/https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/report2005_07.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Minister welcomes Auditor-General's support for rail project contract |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Minister-welcomes-Auditor-General%27s-support-for-rail-project-contract-20050831 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=31 August 2005 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045726/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Minister-welcomes-Auditor-General%27s-support-for-rail-project-contract-20050831 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Penn |first1=Simon |title=State warned to plan for more rail project delays |work=The West Australian |date=1 September 2005 |page=13}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Banks |first1=Amanda |title=Auditor unable to see any light at end of rail tunnel |work=The Australian |date=1 September 2005 |page=4}}</ref>
==Construction== {{multiple image | align = right | width = 300 | direction = vertical | image1 = TransperthEsplanadeTrainStationConstruction2 gobeirne (cropped).jpg | alt1 = Construction site with two crawler cranes and sheet piles sticking out of the ground. Excavation of the station box has not begun yet. The city is in the background. | caption1 = Esplanade station in August 2004. Sheet piles are being installed. | image2 = TransperthEsplanadeTrainStationConstruction4 gobeirne (cropped).jpg | alt2 = Construction site with an excavator sitting there. Excavation of the station box has begun. | caption2 = Esplanade station in February 2005. Excavation of the station box has begun. }}
A ceremony was held on 26{{nbsp}}February 2004 for the start of preliminary drilling and surveying, which was the first physical work done for the Southern Suburbs Railway.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Geoff |last1=Gallop |title=Premier signals beginning of Southern Suburbs Railway work |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Premier-signals-beginning-of-Southern-Suburbs-Railway-work-20040226 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=8 August 2024 |date=26 February 2004 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812050549/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Premier-signals-beginning-of-Southern-Suburbs-Railway-work-20040226 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=On track for political hazards |work=The West Australian |date=27 February 2004 |page=18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hickman |first1=Belinda |title=Rail link to cause 'many months' of traffic delays |work=The Australian |date=27 February 2004 |page=5}}</ref> Lane and road closures began in March 2004, starting with William Street, Wellington Street, and the Horseshoe Bridge in March, followed by Barrack Street, Riverside Drive, and The Esplanade in April.<ref>{{cite news |title=Roads to close for tunnel |work=The West Australian |date=18 February 2004 |page=33}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Videnieks |first1=Monica |title=Rail line work start to delay city traffic |work=The West Australian |date=15 March 2004 |page=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Banks |first1=Amanda |title=Trade falls as work starts on rail line – City businesses may seek compensation |work=The West Australian |date=16 March 2004 |page=5}}</ref> Demolition of buildings to make way for William Street station began in April 2004,<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Heritage buildings retained as CBD rail works start |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Heritage-buildings-retained-as-CBD-rail-works-start-20040415 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=15 April 2004 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026145338/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Heritage-buildings-retained-as-CBD-rail-works-start-20040415 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lam |first1=Minh |title=First blows struck for railway station |work=The West Australian |date=16 April 2004 |page=11}}</ref> and the William Street bridge was demolished in August 2004. It was intended that the freeway interchange would be redesigned to be more pedestrian-friendly.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=William St Bridge demolition provides new opportunities for foreshore roads |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/William-St-Bridge-demolition-provides-new-opportunities-for-foreshore-roads-20040822 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=8 August 2024 |date=22 August 2004 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812050540/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/William-St-Bridge-demolition-provides-new-opportunities-for-foreshore-roads-20040822 |url-status=live }}</ref> By October 2004, construction was several weeks behind schedule owing to delays arising from demolition and retaining the heritage-listed Wellington Building at the William Street station site, and equipment problems at the Esplanade station site.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Ruth |title=Double trouble hits city railway tunnel |work=The West Australian |date=23 October 2004 |page=4}}</ref>
By October 2005, the Joondalup line{{efn|name="Yanchep line"}} tracks had been shifted {{convert|6|m}} to the south. Following this, the northern cut-and-cover tunnel within the rail corridor was completed, allowing for the Fremantle line to be shifted north above it, making room for the Roe Street dive structure, which contains the ramp up to the surface, to be built between the two lines.<ref>{{cite web |title=OnTrack: Issue 10 |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202005-10.pdf |website=New MetroRail |page=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828235301/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202005-10.pdf |archive-date=28 August 2007 |date=October 2005}}</ref> During excavation along the foreshore section of the tunnel, six wooden jetty pillars were uncovered,<ref>{{cite news |title=William St jetty pillars unearthed |work=The West Australian |date=26 April 2005 |page=35}}</ref> dating back to before Mounts Bay was reclaimed in the 1950s to build the Narrows Bridge.{{sfn|Hudson-Smith|Grinceri|2007|p=36}} An art installation was planned at the tunnel's southern entrance, made of twenty reused sheet piles, {{convert|24|m}} tall, to be painted on one side and left bare on the other.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Parker |first1=Gareth |title=Alannah's Piles dress up foreshore |work=The West Australian |date=9 March 2006 |page=5}}</ref> This art installation was cancelled in September 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hampson |first1=Katie |title='Alannah's Piles' get the push |work=The West Australian |date=19 September 2007 |page=17}}</ref>
===Tunnelling=== The tunnels were dug by a single tunnel boring machine (TBM) named the ''Sandgroper'', after the endemic insect.<ref name="OnTrack April 2005">{{cite web |title=OnTrack: Issue 8 |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202005-04.pdf |website=New MetroRail |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828210854/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202005-04.pdf |archive-date=28 August 2007 |date=April 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The TBM was launched from Esplanade station, boring north to Roe Street via William Street station, before being transported back to Esplanade station to bore the second tunnel.{{sfn|Sigl|Yamazaki|2007|p=43}} Ground conditions along the alignment varied significantly, ranging from soft estuarine muds near the Swan River to dense cemented sands and stiff to hard clays.{{sfn|Hudson-Smith|Grinceri|2007|p=33}} As the tunnel was dug at a shallow level below buildings on William Street through sandy soil with high groundwater, an earth pressure balance TBM was chosen,{{sfn|Sigl|Yamazaki|2007|p=43}} which provides pressure at the cutter head to minimise ground settlement.{{sfn|Sigl|Yamazaki|2007|p=44}} Although the tunnel's vertical alignment was designed to avoid known ground anchors, which were used in the construction of basements along William Street, the TBM was fitted with three ground anchor detectors to identify any undocumented anchors that could otherwise cause ground settlement. The detectors could also be used to discover abandoned wells, many of which had poorly documented locations. Striking these could damage the TBM and cause ground settlement if they were not backfilled correctly when they were abandoned.{{sfn|Sigl|Yamazaki|2007|pp=46–47}} Knife edge cutters were fitted to the TBM to break through these obstacles.{{sfn|Sigl|Yamazaki|2007|p=48}} Manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Kobe, Japan, the TBM cost $10{{nbsp}}million, was {{convert|60|m}} long, and weighed {{convert|300|tonne}}.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gallop |first1=Geoff |title=Sandgroper ready to provide vital city rail link |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop%20Labor%20Government/Sandgroper-ready-to-provide-vital-city-rail-link-20050918 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=19 April 2025 |date=18 September 2005 |archive-date=2 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502100321/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop%20Labor%20Government/Sandgroper-ready-to-provide-vital-city-rail-link-20050918 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mason |first1=Graham |title=Most boring job winner: Sandgroper from Japan |work=The West Australian |date=19 September 2005 |page=9}}</ref>{{sfn|Higham|2007|p=242}} The TBM arrived in Perth in April 2005<ref name="OnTrack April 2005"/> and was lifted into the Esplanade station box on 14{{nbsp}}August 2005.{{sfn|Longhurst|2008|p=XVII}}
The start of tunnelling was delayed by several weeks because of mechanical problems with the TBM, including problems with jacking rings used to position the TBM and the conveyor belt.<ref name="The West Australian 21 October 2005">{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |last2=Mason |first2=Graham |title=Rail work slows as tunnel bore grinds to a halt |work=The West Australian |date=21 October 2005 |page=12}}</ref><ref name="Media Statement 25 October 2005"/> Tunnelling from Esplanade station began on 25{{nbsp}}October 2005.<!-- Sigl and Yamazaki give a date of 19 October 2005, but that is clearly wrong due to media reports at the time -->{{sfn|Longhurst|2008|p=XVII}}<ref name="Media Statement 25 October 2005">{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Tunnel Boring Machine begins digging under Perth city |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Tunnel-Boring-Machine-begins-digging-under-Perth-city-20051025 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=25 October 2005 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026145859/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Tunnel-Boring-Machine-begins-digging-under-Perth-city-20051025 |url-status=live }}</ref> The TBM was planned to initially bore {{convert|4|m}} per day, increasing to {{convert|10|m}} per day after several weeks, but after one week it had bored just {{convert|3.5|m}}. Progress was slow due to problems with o-rings, which needed to be replaced,<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Curse of the snailrail |work=The West Australian |date=1 November 2005 |page=3}}</ref> and industrial action the following week.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mason |first1=Graham |title=Snail rail advance slowed again |work=The West Australian |date=7 November 2005 |page=9}}</ref> The first tunnel between the Esplanade and William Street stations, spanning {{convert|470|m}}, was intended to be completed before Christmas,<ref name="The West Australian 21 October 2005" /> but by the start of Christmas break, the TBM had bored {{convert|240|m}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Tunnel workers "too exhausted' for early return from holiday |work=The West Australian |date=23 December 2005 |page=1}}</ref> Tunnelling resumed early from the Christmas break to make up for lost time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Rail workers return early to beat backlog |work=The West Australian |date=3 January 2006 |page=4}}</ref> The first phase of tunnelling passed under several buildings, including the heritage-listed Walsh's Building. Grout was injected into the ground underneath buildings above the tunnel's path as part of a compensation grouting program to reduce ground settlement.{{sfn|Mathew|Lehane|2010|pp=65–66}}
The TBM broke through into William Street station on 7{{nbsp}}February 2006.{{sfn|Longhurst|2008|p=XVII}}{{sfn|Sigl|Yamazaki|2007|p=64}}<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Breakthrough! First stage of tunnelling completed |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Breakthrough!-First-stage-of-tunnelling-completed-20060207 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=7 February 2006 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026145856/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Breakthrough!-First-stage-of-tunnelling-completed-20060207 |url-status=live }}</ref> It resumed tunnelling on 4{{nbsp}}May, heading north,{{sfn|Sigl|Yamazaki|2007|p=64}} reaching the Roe Street dive structure on 3{{nbsp}}June<!-- Sigl and Yamazaki give a date of 5 June 2006, but that is clearly wrong due to media reports at the time -->, twelve days ahead of schedule.{{sfn|Longhurst|2008|p=XVII}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Perth to Mandurah rail project hits milestone |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-06-04/perth-to-mandurah-rail-project-hits-milestone/1769264 |website=ABC News |access-date=16 April 2025 |date=4 June 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Tunnel borer breakthrough |work=The Sunday Times |date=4 June 2006 |page=17}}</ref> After being launched from Esplanade station for the second time on 19{{nbsp}}July, the TBM reached William Street station on the night of 30–31{{nbsp}}August.{{sfn|Sigl|Yamazaki|2007|p=64}}<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Second rail tunnel through to William Street |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Second-rail-tunnel-through-to-William-Street-20060831 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=31 August 2006 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026145858/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Second-rail-tunnel-through-to-William-Street-20060831 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was relaunched on 22{{nbsp}}September{{sfn|Sigl|Yamazaki|2007|p=64}} and reached the Roe Street dive structure on 24{{nbsp}}October 2006.{{sfn|Longhurst|2008|p=XVII}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |last2=MacDonald |first2=Kim |title=Delay, cost blowout spoil tunnel party |work=The West Australian |date=25 October 2006 |page=1}}</ref><ref name="Media Statement 27 October 2006">{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Final breakthrough of CBD tunnel achieves engineering feat |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Final-breakthrough-of-CBD-tunnel-achieves-engineering-feat-20061027 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=27 October 2006 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026145913/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Final-breakthrough-of-CBD-tunnel-achieves-engineering-feat-20061027 |url-status=live }}</ref> The section of tunnel underneath Roe Street passes less than {{convert|1|m|ft|0}} below the century-old Claisebrook sewer.{{sfn|Sigl|Yamazaki|2007|pp=59–60}} The maximum distance covered over a 24-hour period was {{convert|19|m}}.{{sfn|Higham|2007|p=242}} Minimal damage to buildings above the tunnel was recorded.{{sfn|Hudson-Smith|Grinceri|2007|p=57}} As no buyer was found for the TBM, it was dismantled and sold for parts.<ref name="The West Australian 8 December 2006">{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |title=Taxpayers face $177m rail claim by Leighton |work=The West Australian |date=8 December 2006 |page=6}}</ref>{{sfn|Higham|2007|p=241}}
===Opening=== In April 2005, MacTiernan revealed that the City Project was not forecast to be complete until December 2006, after the October deadline. This postponed the Mandurah line's planned opening from December 2006 to April 2007. The delays were attributed to the heritage protection works at Perth Underground station, engineering challenges on the foreshore, and industrial disputes.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Revised timetable for New MetroRail |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Revised-timetable-for-New-MetroRail-20050427 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=13 June 2024 |date=27 April 2005 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026145847/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Revised-timetable-for-New-MetroRail-20050427 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Ruth |title=Alannah's train derails |work=The West Australian |date=28 April 2005 |page=5}}</ref> The possibility of further delays caused by the City Project was first revealed by the PTA in December 2005.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Tunnel set to delay Mandurah rail start |work=The West Australian |date=20 December 2005 |page=4}}</ref> In April 2006, MacTiernan announced that the City Project's planned completion had been delayed to April 2007, pushing the Mandurah line's opening to July 2007.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Budget and timetable review of New MetroRail project |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Budget-and-timetable-review-of-New-MetroRail-project-20060412 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=13 June 2024 |date=12 April 2006 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026145838/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Budget-and-timetable-review-of-New-MetroRail-project-20060412 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2007, she announced a further delay, revising the line's opening to October 2007.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spagnolo |first1=Joe |title=Mandurah rail delay likely |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/mandurah-rail-delay-likely-ng-5de1cf72fb61c6ad80c139d3afa69060 |website=PerthNow |access-date=13 June 2024 |date=27 April 2007 |archive-date=20 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120061049/https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/mandurah-rail-delay-likely-ng-5de1cf72fb61c6ad80c139d3afa69060 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The first train ran through the William Street tunnel in August 2007.{{sfn|Longhurst|2008|p=XVII}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Perth to Mandurah railway tests begin |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-08-13/perth-to-mandurah-railway-tests-begin/638370 |website=ABC News |access-date=14 May 2025 |date=13 August 2007 |archive-date=11 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911155518/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-08-13/perth-to-mandurah-railway-tests-begin/638370 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=First train runs on new city railway |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/First-train-runs-on-new-city-railway-20070813 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=13 August 2007}}</ref> The City Project reached practical completion in September 2007 and was handed over to the PTA on 10 September.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=City tunnel project completion announced. |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/City-tunnel-project-completion-announced.-20070908 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=8 September 2007 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026150326/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/City-tunnel-project-completion-announced.-20070908 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=PTA takes over William St, Esplanade stations: MacTiernan |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/PTA-takes-over-William-St-Esplanade-stations-MacTiernan |website=Business News |access-date=15 June 2024 |date=10 September 2007 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045722/https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/PTA-takes-over-William-St-Esplanade-stations-MacTiernan |url-status=live }}</ref> From 7{{nbsp}}to{{nbsp}}14{{nbsp}}October, the Fremantle line was fully closed and the Joondalup line was closed south of Leederville station so that the William Street tunnel's tracks and signalling, electrical, and communications systems could be connected to the rest of the network.{{sfn|Longhurst|2008|p=XVII}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Your Guide to the Shutdown |url=http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/SHUTDOWN/tabid/291/Default.aspx |website=Transperth |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007064049/http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/SHUTDOWN/tabid/291/Default.aspx |archive-date=7 October 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Hobbs |first1=Andrew |title=Commuter chaos: signal failures, rain add to rail woes |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Commuter-chaos-signal-failures-rain-add-to-rail-woes |website=Business News |access-date=24 June 2025 |date=8 October 2007 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=25 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250625054306/https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Commuter-chaos-signal-failures-rain-add-to-rail-woes |url-status=live }}</ref> The William Street tunnel and its two stations opened to the public on 15{{nbsp}}October 2007<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Perth's new underground railway stations ready for action. |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Perth%27s-new-underground-railway-stations-ready-for-action.-20071014 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=14 October 2007 |archive-date=26 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726105743/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Perth%27s-new-underground-railway-stations-ready-for-action.-20071014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Perth CBD's first underground train station in operation |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-10-15/perth-cbds-first-underground-train-station-in/698954 |website=ABC News |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=15 October 2007 |archive-date=22 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722034601/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-10-15/perth-cbds-first-underground-train-station-in/698954 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Laurie |first1=Tiffany |title=Rush-hour commuters take new underground stations in their stride |work=The West Australian |date=16 October 2007 |page=13}}</ref> and the rest of the Mandurah line opened on 23{{nbsp}}December 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mandurah line train makes maiden voyage |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/national/mandurah-line-train-makes-maiden-voyage-20071223-1ipa.html |website=WAtoday |access-date=27 November 2025 |date=23 December 2007 |archive-date=10 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250910030430/https://www.watoday.com.au/national/mandurah-line-train-makes-maiden-voyage-20071223-1ipa.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1500 take first railway trip to Mandurah |url=http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=52023 |website=The West Australian |agency=Australian Associated Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224173908/http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=52023 |archive-date=24 December 2007 |date=23 December 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Perth to Mandurah line takes first passengers |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-12-23/perth-to-mandurah-line-takes-first-passengers/995344 |website=ABC News |access-date=20 April 2025 |date=23 December 2007 |archive-date=2 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502100320/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-12-23/perth-to-mandurah-line-takes-first-passengers/995344 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Multiple image | align = center | direction = horizontal | width = 300 | image1 = Perth-Yard-east-061007.jpg | alt1 = Six parallel tracks viewed from a bridge. The middle two tracks are in a concrete dive structure heading towards a tunnel | caption1 = Perth rail yard facing east towards Perth station and the tunnel. On the left is the Fremantle line, the middle is the tracks leading to the tunnel, and the right is the Joondalup line. | image2 = Perth-Yard-west-061007.jpg | alt2 = Six parallel tracks viewed from a bridge. The middle two tracks terminate and the outer two tracks on either side continue on. | caption2 = Perth rail yard facing west. The photograph was taken on 6 October 2007, two days before the Fremantle and Joondalup lines were shut down for the middle two tracks to be connected. }}
===After opening=== [[File:William Street tunnel and Perth City Link tunnel entrances 01 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|The roof of the William Street tunnel (left) was extended to Milligan Street, in conjunction with the sinking of the Fremantle line (right) in 2012 and 2013|alt=Concrete tunnel portal]]
In 2012 and 2013, the section of the Fremantle line adjacent to the William Street tunnel was lowered into a tunnel for $360{{nbsp}}million as part of the Perth City Link project,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trenwith |first1=Courtney |title=Time capsule commemorates rail line sinking |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/time-capsule-commemorates-rail-line-sinking-20120131-1qqup.html |website=WAtoday |access-date=6 July 2025 |date=31 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Perth and Fremantle train services return to normal after shutdown |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-18/train-services-back-to-normal/4827522 |website=ABC News |access-date=6 July 2025 |date=18 July 2013 |archive-date=4 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104141452/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-18/train-services-back-to-normal/4827522 |url-status=live }}</ref> the new tunnel passing just {{convert|1.2|m|ft|0}} above the William Street tunnel.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Acott |first1=Kent |title=Secrets of high-tech tunnel |url=https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/secrets-of-high-tech-tunnel-ng-ya-352484 |website=The West Australian |access-date=6 July 2025 |date=21 June 2013 |archive-date=6 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250906013547/https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/secrets-of-high-tech-tunnel-ng-ya-352484 |url-status=live }}</ref> In conjunction with this, the roof of the William Street tunnel was extended from Lake Street to Milligan Street, enabling development above the tunnel.{{sfn|Perth City Link Rail Master Plan|2010|p=vii}}<ref name="PerthNow 23 August 2011">{{cite web |last1=Robertson |first1=Katie |title=Rail works force city footbridge closure |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/wa/rail-works-force-city-footbridge-closure-ng-7f29cbd69cdb6eaff059ee8aafa2cb14 |website=PerthNow |access-date=6 July 2025 |date=23 August 2011 |archive-date=6 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250806060415/https://www.perthnow.com.au/wa/rail-works-force-city-footbridge-closure-ng-7f29cbd69cdb6eaff059ee8aafa2cb14 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Industrial action== Starting in November 2004, construction was disrupted by strikes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Rail delay likely as workers walk out |work=The West Australian |date=12 November 2004 |page=11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=$350 gets striking rail workers back |work=The West Australian |date=27 November 2004 |page=10}}</ref> The state government generally took a hands-off approach to the strikes, saying it was a matter between the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) and Leighton–Kumagai Gumi.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=MacTiernan lets rail strike run |work=The West Australian |date=17 November 2004 |page=13}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Barnett calls for action on rail row |work=The West Australian |date=24 November 2004 |page=17}}</ref> Further strikes occurred in January 2005 because of smoke haze,<ref>{{cite news |title=Haze walk-off strife |work=The West Australian |date=22 January 2005 |page=5}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Rail wrangle over haze days off |work=The West Australian |date=25 January 2005 |page=15}}</ref> and April 2005 due to an incident on a Leighton site for another package.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Another 250 workers join strike |work=The West Australian |date=12 April 2005 |page=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Railway workers back after assault dispute |work=The West Australian |date=13 April 2005 |page=4}}</ref> By May 2005, the City Project had lost twenty-eight days to strikes, the most of any Southern Suburbs Railway package.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Ruth |title=Rows put trains back a month |work=The West Australian |date=4 May 2005 |page=13}}</ref> Further strikes occurred in July because of safety issues,<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=CFMEU walks off Mandurah line project |work=The West Australian |date=7 July 2005 |page=4}}</ref> in August for an unknown reason,<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Strike-hit railway builder seeks help |work=The West Australian |date=2 August 2005 |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mason |first1=Graham |last2=MacDonald |first2=Kim |title=Delays to cost rail builder $2m fine |work=The West Australian |date=3 August 2005 |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mason |first1=Graham |title=Unions asked to explain actions |work=The West Australian |date=4 August 2005 |page=15}}</ref> and in October because of workers complaining about excessive overtime.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Penn |first1=Simon |title=Overtime row stops Mandurah line work |work=The West Australian |date=15 October 2005 |page=16}}</ref> In November, a strike that lasted several days paused tunnel boring. After workers failed to follow a return-to-work order given by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission,<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Snail rail workers on strike yet again |work=The West Australian |date=5 November 2005 |page=2}}</ref> Leighton–Kumagai Gumi applied for a strike ban, telling the commission that unscheduled stoppages to tunnelling would change the pressure at the TBM's cutter head, which could cause pipes to burst, buildings to crack, and potholes to appear in roads.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Tunnel strikes "could hit buildings, roads" |work=The West Australian |date=17 November 2005 |page=1}}</ref> In its application, the contractor said that it had lost forty-six days of work to industrial action since July 2004.<ref>{{cite news |title=Libs want strike ban on rail job because of lost time |work=The West Australian |date=22 November 2005 |page=7}}</ref> A strike ban for the remainder of the project was granted in December 2005,<ref>{{cite press release |first1=John |last1=Kobelke |first2=Alannah |last2=MacTiernan |title=State Government calls on all parties to respect Commissioner's order |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/State-Government-calls-on-all-parties-to-respect-Commissioner%27s-order-20051206 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=8 August 2024 |date=6 December 2005 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812050539/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/State-Government-calls-on-all-parties-to-respect-Commissioner%27s-order-20051206 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Union hit by total ban on rail strikes |work=The West Australian |date=7 December 2005 |page=1}}</ref> which the CFMEU said it would disobey.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=CFMEU could defy rail edict |work=The West Australian |date=8 December 2005 |page=35}}</ref>
In February 2006, Leighton filed a writ in the Supreme Court of Western Australia against the CFMEU and its assistant secretary Joe McDonald, for having allegedly "unlawfully interfered in its business and in its relationship with its employees and subcontractors".<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=CFMEU big shot singled out in Leighton writ |work=The West Australian |date=15 February 2006 |page=6}}</ref> Leighton and the CFMEU reached a pre-trial settlement in November 2006; the CFMEU paid Leighton $150,000 plus legal costs and admitted to breaching the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act twenty-nine times.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |last2=Darragh |first2=David |title=Union offers $150,000 for building breaches |work=The West Australian |date=1 November 2006 |page=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Court approves rail settlement |work=The West Australian |date=4 November 2006 |page=13}}</ref> Leighton and the CFMEU reached another out-of-court settlement in July 2009, worth millions of dollars.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Union pays millions for strikes |work=The West Australian |date=18 July 2009 |page=10}}</ref>
Over 400 workers went on strike starting 24{{nbsp}}February 2006, violating the strike ban, in protest against the dismissal of a shop steward for telling other workers to go home without permission from management.<ref>{{cite web |title=Leighton Kumagai seeks interim injunction to halt striking |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Leighton-Kumagai-seeks-interim-injunction-to-halt-striking |website=Business News |access-date=16 June 2024 |date=24 February 2006 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> On 28{{nbsp}}February, they voted to remain on strike until the unfair dismissal claim was heard by the Industrial Relations Commission.<ref name="Business News 28 February 2006"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Burrell |first1=Andrew |title=Rail link workers defy work order |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/rail-link-workers-defy-work-order-20060301-jfuce |website=Australian Financial Review |access-date=16 June 2024 |date=1 March 2006 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> MacTiernan criticised the strike, but said that there was nothing she could do as it was the contractor's responsibility to find a solution;<ref name="Business News 28 February 2006">{{cite web |title=Workers extend strike on Mandurah railway |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Workers-extend-strike-on-Mandurah-railway |website=Business News |access-date=16 June 2024 |date=28 February 2006 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=16 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616042823/https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Workers-extend-strike-on-Mandurah-railway |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Minister urges striking tunnellers to return to work |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Minister-urges-striking-tunnellers-to-return-to-work-20060228 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=16 June 2024 |date=28 February 2006 |archive-date=16 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616042822/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Minister-urges-striking-tunnellers-to-return-to-work-20060228 |url-status=live }}</ref> Leighton and the state opposition disputed MacTiernan's statement.<ref name="AFR 3 March 2006"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Opposition backs call for CFMEU deregistration |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-03-03/opposition-backs-call-for-cfmeu-deregistration/810646 |website=ABC News |access-date=9 August 2024 |date=3 March 2006 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812050540/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-03-03/opposition-backs-call-for-cfmeu-deregistration/810646 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rebel rail workers 'should be sacked' |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Rebel-rail-workers-should-be-sacked |website=Business News |access-date=16 June 2024 |date=7 March 2006 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The Industrial Relations Commission refused to expedite the unfair dismissal hearing while the strike was ongoing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Skulley |first1=Mark |title=Building workers face huge fines |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/infrastructure/building-workers-face-huge-fines-20060306-jfufk |website=Australian Financial Review |access-date=16 June 2024 |date=6 March 2006 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=16 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616042803/https://www.afr.com/companies/infrastructure/building-workers-face-huge-fines-20060306-jfufk |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AFR 3 March 2006">{{cite web |last1=Burrell |first1=Andrew |title=Leighton railroads union into court over dispute |url=https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/leighton-railroads-union-into-court-over-dispute-20060303-jfucm |website=Australian Financial Review |access-date=16 June 2024 |date=3 March 2006 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=16 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616042803/https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/leighton-railroads-union-into-court-over-dispute-20060303-jfucm |url-status=live }}</ref> The strikers voted on 8{{nbsp}}March to return to work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rail workers back on the job |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-03-08/rail-workers-back-on-the-job/813728 |website=ABC News |access-date=9 August 2024 |date=8 March 2006 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812050545/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-03-08/rail-workers-back-on-the-job/813728 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Burrell |first1=Andrew |title=Fines threat to WA rail workers |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/fines-threat-to-wa-rail-workers-20060309-jfp7z |website=Australian Financial Review |access-date=16 June 2024 |date=9 March 2006 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=16 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616042821/https://www.afr.com/politics/fines-threat-to-wa-rail-workers-20060309-jfp7z |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2006, the Australian Building and Construction Commission issued writs against 107{{nbsp}}workers for defying the strike ban in February 2006.<ref>{{cite web |title=Workers face legal battle over WA rail strike |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-07-06/workers-face-legal-battle-over-wa-rail-strike/1794794 |website=ABC News |access-date=8 August 2024 |date=6 July 2006 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812050540/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-07-06/workers-face-legal-battle-over-wa-rail-strike/1794794 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ABCC releases details of rail claim |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/ABCC-releases-details-of-rail-claim |website=Business News |access-date=9 August 2024 |date=6 July 2006 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812050542/https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/ABCC-releases-details-of-rail-claim |url-status=live }}</ref> Because the strike was done against the advice of the CFMEU, the Building and Construction Commission sued the individual workers instead, the first time this had been done under the new Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act, which had been recently passed by the Howard government.<ref name="SMH 6 November 2007"/> The prosecution was described as "unprecedented" by the Australian Institute of Employment Rights, which criticised the act for removing the right to strike.<ref name="AIER">{{cite web |first1=Lisa |last1=Heap |title=The Perth 107: The Right To Strike Contest |url=https://www.aierights.com.au/2006/09/the-perth-107-the-right-to-strike-contest/ |website=Australian Institute of Employment Rights |access-date=9 August 2024 |date=1 September 2006 |archive-date=11 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811222719/https://www.aierights.com.au/2006/09/the-perth-107-the-right-to-strike-contest/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Eighty-seven of the prosecuted workers admitted the strike was illegal in October 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=Workers face $22,000 fines for unlawful strike |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-10-24/workers-face-22000-fines-for-unlawful-strike/708310 |website=ABC News |access-date=9 August 2024 |date=24 October 2007 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812050539/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-10-24/workers-face-22000-fines-for-unlawful-strike/708310 |url-status=live }}</ref> Leighton claimed the strike had cost them more than $1,280,000 and had created safety issues for tunnelling.<ref name="SMH 6 November 2007">{{cite web |title=Workers aware strike was unlawful: court |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/workers-aware-strike-was-unlawful-court-20071106-gdritm.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=16 April 2025 |date=6 November 2007 |archive-date=2 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502100320/https://www.smh.com.au/national/workers-aware-strike-was-unlawful-court-20071106-gdritm.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2007, the Federal Court fined the workers up to $9,000 for striking and $1,000 for ignoring a return-to-work order from the Industrial Relations Commission.<ref>{{cite web |title=Workers fined thousands of dollars over rail strike |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-12-20/workers-fined-thousands-of-dollars-over-rail-strike/2596810 |website=ABC News |access-date=9 August 2024 |date=20 December 2007 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812050542/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-12-20/workers-fined-thousands-of-dollars-over-rail-strike/2596810 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Contract disputes== Throughout 2004 and 2005, the Leighton–Kumagai Gumi joint venture lodged claims totalling $50{{nbsp}}million due to cost overruns. In early 2006, it submitted a claim for an extra $141{{nbsp}}million in cost overruns<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Leighton-Kumagai lodges new claims over city rail project |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Leighton-Kumagai-lodges-new-claims-over-city-rail-project-20060201 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=1 February 2006 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045722/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Leighton-Kumagai-lodges-new-claims-over-city-rail-project-20060201 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |title=Now it's up to $241m |work=The West Australian |date=2 February 2006 |page=1}}</ref><ref name="SMH 2 February 2006">{{cite web |title=Leighton heads for showdown with WA govt |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/leighton-heads-for-showdown-with-wa-govt-20060202-gdmw7o.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=13 June 2024 |date=2 February 2006 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045721/https://www.smh.com.au/business/leighton-heads-for-showdown-with-wa-govt-20060202-gdmw7o.html |url-status=live }}</ref> resulting from unforeseen ground conditions, labour strikes, delays in demolition, and the preservation of heritage buildings. MacTiernan said that the claims were unfounded and that the state government would not pay for the cost overruns.<ref name="SMH 2 February 2006"/><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Minister puts taxpayers first on Southern Suburbs Railway |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Minister-puts-taxpayers-first-on-Southern-Suburbs-Railway-20060128 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=12 June 2024 |date=28 January 2006 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045724/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Minister-puts-taxpayers-first-on-Southern-Suburbs-Railway-20060128 |url-status=live }}</ref> Leighton had initially expected to make an $8{{nbsp}}million profit on the project, which became a $10–15{{nbsp}}million loss.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |title=Leighton's share price dips as dispute bites |work=The West Australian |date=7 February 2006 |page=4}}</ref> Leighton CEO Wal King met with Premier Alan Carpenter in an attempt to reach an agreement.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |title=Premier wades into rail fight |work=The West Australian |date=16 February 2006 |page=10}}</ref> The claims had risen a further $13{{nbsp}}million by March 2006, reaching a total of $204{{nbsp}}million; MacTiernan said that only a small portion of that total would be paid out.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |title=Row over rail blowouts heats up |work=The West Australian |date=8 March 2006 |page=3}}</ref>
Leighton filed a writ in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in April 2006 seeking to be relieved of its contractual obligations due to the PTA's failure to establish insurance for the whole cost of the contract, or alternatively have the practical completion deadline extended until the PTA provided the insurance. By this point, tunnelling had stopped because the joint venture did not want to start the most challenging phase without the proper insurance to cover risks such as cave-ins.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |title=Court action hits rail tunnel work |work=The West Australian |date=29 April 2006 |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rail line contract row reaches court |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-04-29/rail-line-contract-row-reaches-court/1741644 |website=ABC News |access-date=13 June 2024 |date=29 April 2006 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615045721/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-04-29/rail-line-contract-row-reaches-court/1741644 |url-status=live }}</ref> Tunnelling resumed on 8 May after an agreement was reached for the government to cover insurance claims until the Supreme Court determined the appropriate level of insurance.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Kim |title=Rail work resumes after dispute |work=The West Australian |date=9 May 2006 |page=6}}</ref>
The cost overrun claims were divided into several separate Supreme Court writs. The first, filed in June, related to the contract's rise and fall provisions, which specified that an Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) index would be used to calculate the escalating cost of labour and materials. The ABS discontinued the index soon after the contract was signed, so the dispute related to which alternative method should be used.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |title=Leighton sues over rail again |work=The West Australian |date=3 June 2006 |page=4}}</ref> Another writ was filed in June 2006, seeking damages to cover the cost of disposing of contaminated soil and an extension to the practical completion deadline.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |title=Leighton files fourth rail writ |work=The West Australian |date=14 June 2006 |page=6}}</ref> By September 2007, there was another writ, this one for the cost of dewatering.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |title=$1.66b rail bill 'may go higher' |work=The West Australian |date=4 September 2007 |page=1}}</ref>
The trial for the rise and fall provisions dispute started in September 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |title=Rail line blowout 'may get bigger' |work=The West Australian |date=4 September 2007 |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Drummond |first1=Mark |title=D-day for WA's $200m rail fight |work=The West Australian |date=12 September 2007 |page=16}}</ref> In September 2008, the court ruled in favour of Leighton, awarding it about $6{{nbsp}}million in damages.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gibson |first1=Roy |title=Mandurah train cost rises further – Public Transport Authority says court ruling will see Leighton get $6m in cost overruns, not the $35m it claimed |work=The West Australian |date=19 September 2008 |page=3}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MacTiernan welcomes ruling on Perth to Mandurah railway |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-09-19/mactiernan-welcomes-ruling-on-perth-to-mandurah/515276 |website=ABC News |access-date=15 June 2024 |date=19 September 2008}}</ref> All legal action ended with a $43.675{{nbsp}}million settlement in May 2009, bringing the total cost of the City Project to $439.3{{nbsp}}million, excluding legal fees.<ref>{{cite press release |last1=O'Brien |first1=Simon |title=Final cost of Perth-Mandurah line still unknown |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Barnett%20Liberal%20National%20Government/Final-cost-of-Perth-Mandurah-line-still-unknown-20090528 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=16 April 2025 |date=28 May 2009 |archive-date=2 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502100321/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Barnett%20Liberal%20National%20Government/Final-cost-of-Perth-Mandurah-line-still-unknown-20090528 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Perth to Mandurah rail dispute settled |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-05-29/perth-to-mandurah-rail-dispute-settled/1697844 |website=ABC News |access-date=14 June 2024 |date=29 May 2009 |archive-date=18 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918041914/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-05-29/perth-to-mandurah-rail-dispute-settled/1697844 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==See also== * City Rail Link * Cross River Rail * Metro Tunnel * List of tunnels in Australia
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{reflist}}
===Books=== * {{cite book |last1=Higham |first1=Geoffrey |title=Marble Bar to Mandurah: A History of Passenger Rail Services in Western Australia |date=2007 |publisher=Rail Heritage WA |isbn=978-0-9599690-9-2 }} * {{cite book |last1=Longhurst |first1=Derek |title=48 months, 48 minutes: Building the Perth to Mandurah Railway |date=2008 |publisher=Rawlhouse Publishing |isbn=978-0-9587406-8-5 }}
===Reports=== * {{cite web |title=Perth City Link Rail Master Plan: Lowering of the Fremantle Railway in Perth |url=https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/2/docs/PCL/PCL%20-%20Master%20Plan%20-%20Rail%20consolidated%20version%20no%20appendix%20%2020.05.10.pdf |website=Public Transport Authority |access-date=6 July 2025 |date=March 2010 |ref={{harvid|Perth City Link Rail Master Plan|2010}}}} * {{cite web |title=Report of the Perth City Rail Advisory Committee |url=http://www.ministers.wa.gov.au/Feature_stories/railreport.pdf |website=Cabinet of Western Australia |ref={{harvid|Perth City Rail Advisory Committee|2002a}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030329061528/http://www.ministers.wa.gov.au/Feature_stories/railreport.pdf |archive-date=29 March 2003 |date=March 2002}} * {{cite web |title=Final Report of the Perth City Rail Advisory Committee |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/Brouchures/Comentaries%20-%20Reports/Perth%20City%20Rail%20Advisory%20Committee%20Final%20Report%20May%202002.pdf |website=New MetroRail |ref={{harvid|Perth City Rail Advisory Committee|2002b}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829023704/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/Brouchures/Comentaries%20-%20Reports/Perth%20City%20Rail%20Advisory%20Committee%20Final%20Report%20May%202002.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2007 |date=May 2002}} * {{cite web |title=Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/Master%20Plan/PURD%20MP%20-%20200208%20-%20Supplementary.pdf |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829024413/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/Master%20Plan/PURD%20MP%20-%20200208%20-%20Supplementary.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2007 |date=August 2002 |ref={{harvid|Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan|2002}}}}
===Conferences and journal articles=== * {{cite journal |last1=Hudson-Smith |first1=Eric |last2=Grinceri |first2=Michael |title=Ground conditions and building protection for the New MetroRail City Project, Perth |journal=Australian Geomechanics Journal |date=September 2007 |volume=42 |issue=3 |pages=33–58 |url=https://australiangeomechanics.org/admin/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/AGA_2007_42_3_3.pdf}} * {{cite journal |last1=Mathew |first1=Gima M. |last2=Lehane |first2=Barry M. |title=Compensation grouting in Perth CBD and its numerical backanalysis |journal=Australian Geomechanics Journal |date=December 2010 |volume=45 |issue=4 |pages=65–74 |url=https://australiangeomechanics.org/admin/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/45_4_10.pdf}} * {{cite book |first1=Oskar |last1=Sigl |first2=Hiroshi |last2=Yamazaki |chapter=TBM tunnelling |title=Proceedings of the Seminar on New MetroRail City Project Tunnelling and Underground Structures |date=January 2007 |publisher=Engineers Australia |isbn=978-1-925627-28-2 |chapter-url=https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.717623012608116}}
==Further reading== * {{cite magazine |title=All aboard and right on track: Leighton Kumagai's New MetroRail City Project |url=https://ancr.com.au/metrorail.pdf |magazine=Australian National Construction Review |pages=100–145 |date=2006 |issn=1449-7344 |issue=7}}
===Reports=== * {{cite web |title=Report of the Perth City Rail Advisory Committee – Appendices |url=http://www.ministers.wa.gov.au/Feature_stories/railreportappendices.pdf |website=Cabinet of Western Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040106190819/http://www.ministers.wa.gov.au/Feature_stories/railreportappendices.pdf |archive-date=6 January 2004 |date=March 2002}} * {{cite web |title=Final Report of the Perth City Rail Advisory Committee – Appendices |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/Brouchures/Comentaries%20-%20Reports/Perth%20City%20Rail%20Advisory%20Committee%20Final%20Report%20May%202002%20-%20Appendices.pdf |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829021758/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/Brouchures/Comentaries%20-%20Reports/Perth%20City%20Rail%20Advisory%20Committee%20Final%20Report%20May%202002%20-%20Appendices.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2007 |date=May 2002}}
===Conferences and journal articles=== * {{cite journal |last1=Dragovic |first1=Dan |last2=Gardner |first2=Stefania |title=The discontinued index: A danger in rise and fall clauses. |journal=Australian Construction Law Bulletin |date=February 2009 |issue=9 |pages=100–106 |issn=1035-1361}} * {{cite book |title=13th Australian Tunnelling Conference Proceedings 2008 |date=4–7 May 2008 |publisher=The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy |isbn=978-1-61344-226-5 |chapter=Perth City Rail Tunnel Project – Overview, Geotechnical Conditions and Building Protection |first1=E. |last1=Hudson-Smith |first2=M. |last2=Grinceri |pages=39–50}} * {{cite book |last1=Yamazaki |first1=Hiroshi |last2=Sigl |first2=Oskar |last3=Aikawa |first3=Fumihiro |last4=Bhargava |first4=Raghvendra |editor1-last=Almeraris |editor1-first=Gary |editor2-last=Mariucci |editor2-first=Bill |title=2009 Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference Proceedings |date=20 June 2009 |publisher=Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration |isbn=978-0-87335-327-4 |pages=1124–1136 |chapter=EPB Tunnelling through Cohesionless Saturated Ground under Very Shallow Cover – Perth New Metrorail City Project}} * {{cite journal |last1=Zaremba |first1=Natusha L. |last2=Lehane |first2=Barry M. |title=The performance of steel struts in a braced excavation in Perth CBD |journal=Australian Geomechanics Journal |date=September 2007 |volume=42 |issue=3 |pages=121–132 |url=https://australiangeomechanics.org/admin/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/42_3_9.pdf}} * {{cite book |title=Proceedings of the Seminar on New MetroRail City Project Tunnelling and Underground Structures |date=January 2007 |publisher=Engineers Australia |isbn=978-1-925627-28-2 |url=https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.9781925627282}}
==External links== * {{cite web |title=City Project Plan Map |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/Other%20Plans/City%20Project%20Plan%20Map.jpg |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829021935/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/Other%20Plans/City%20Project%20Plan%20Map.jpg |archive-date=29 August 2007 |date=August 2002}} * {{cite web |title=Perth Underground Rail & Elizabeth Quay Station |url=https://www.mpsarch.com.au/perth-underground-rail-elizabeth-quay-station |website=MPS Architects}} * {{cite web |title=LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS PTY LTD -v- PUBLIC TRANSPORT AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA [No 6] [2008] WASC 193 (18 September 2008) |website=AustLII |url=https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/wa/WASC/2008/193.html}}
{{Perth public transport|state=collapsed}}
{{coord missing|Western Australia}}
Category:Mandurah line Category:Yanchep line Category:Railway tunnels in Western Australia Category:Underground commuter rail Category:Tunnels completed in 2007