WA government to start work on two new rail lines

More than a billion dollars worth of work is about be put out to tender in WA, with the state government preparing to start work on two new rail lines.

The Thornlie to Cockburn Link and the Yanchep rail extension projects are worth a combined value of $1.056 billion.

Construction is on track to begin next year with the state government putting $356 million towards the build and the federal government $700 million.

WA Premier Mark McGowan says the projects will be tendered as a single contract.

"Collectively, these two projects will generate more than 3000 jobs for WA. Combining the two projects into one main contract should generate significant savings for WA taxpayers,” he said.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti says construction companies will be briefed on the project this month before its opened up for tender.

The government is hoping to have both lines up and running by 2021.

"We have developed plans to ensure this investment creates places where people can live the lifestyle they choose and still have the option to access jobs, schools, the CBD and other facilities like the airport and Stadium," Ms Safioti said.

Once the Thornlie Cockburn link is finished it will connect the Mandurah and Armadale lines.

While the Yanchep extension will see 14km of rail added to the Joondalup line.