McIver Station Pedestrian Crossing to Close Permanently Over Safety Concerns
A notorious pedestrian level crossing at McIver Station in Perth will be permanently closed from Monday, March 30, 2026, after authorities cited ongoing safety concerns and a significant rise in dangerous and illegal behavior. The decision comes as part of efforts to enhance public safety and reduce risks associated with railway operations.
Location and Impact on Railway Services
The crossing, situated at the western end of platforms two and three, intersects major railway lines that carry the Airport, Armadale, Midland, and Thornlie-Cockburn services. This critical location has been a focal point for safety issues, particularly during peak hours and major events.
During peak times, the crossing is shut for up to 46 minutes of every hour, leading to prolonged waiting periods for pedestrians. Additionally, it is closed at least an hour before and after major events at Optus Stadium, exacerbating congestion and user frustration in the area.
Reasons for Closure and Alternative Options
The Public Transport Authority stated that the frequent delays have contributed to an increase in unsafe and illegal behavior, prompting the decision to prioritize the permanent closure of the crossing. As an alternative, pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross via the underpass at the eastern end of the station.
More crossing options are being considered as part of the planned redevelopment of Royal Perth Hospital, aiming to provide safer and more efficient access for commuters in the future.
Preparation and Ongoing Works
Preparation works have already been completed, including the removal of an old garden bed and the installation of an additional SmartRider validator. Once the crossing is closed, further works will continue, such as:
- Additional line marking and directional signs
- Removal of lighting and signalling equipment at the crossing
- Installation of a staff booth at the western end of platforms two and three
These works are expected to be completed by the end of the year, with security measures significantly enhanced. CCTV coverage has more than doubled, increasing from 19 to 44 cameras to monitor the area effectively.
Public Reaction and Safety Incidents
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from members of the social media Transperth Comment Group. Some users expressed support, with one commenter noting, "Drivers are over the morons that insist on crossing when the gates are closed." Others highlighted the limited vehicle use in the area, suggesting that closing the crossing "makes a lot of sense" given reduced traffic on Moore Street in recent years.
However, some users raised concerns about the system itself, claiming that gates were sometimes triggered by stationary trains. One person questioned, "Surely the trigger to close the gate should only be once the train starts moving?" Another commuter recalled a near-miss incident where a train driver was left shaken after a pedestrian attempted to cross despite closed gates, leading to a driver change at Claisebrook Station.
Overall, the closure aims to address safety risks and improve the efficiency of railway operations, with ongoing works and alternative routes planned to mitigate any inconvenience to the public.
