Derby day train disruption for southern footy fans

Footy fans south of Cockburn are being urged to plan ahead because three train stations will close for works on Sunday — Western derby day.

The Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles will clash at Domain Stadium at 2.40pm.

But from 7pm on Friday until 8pm on Sunday, Mandurah, Warnbro and Rockingham train stations will be closed.

Public Transport Authority spokesman David Hynes said the closure was scheduled last month at the request of the City of Mandurah to install a pedestrian footbridge.

“Because we seek to minimise disruption to our passengers, we then scheduled some PTA rail works along the same section of line at the same time,” he said.

“Last week, the City of Mandurah cancelled their works but this was insufficient notice for us.”

“Significant planning and preparation had already been undertaken.”

Falcon resident Marilyn Thomas said she couldn’t believe the PTA would plan rail works during the sold-out match.

“It feels like there’s a lack of consultation somewhere along the line,” she said.

“I would’ve thought the PTA would have been more aware of what’s happening.”

She said the closures would make it difficult for anyone south of Cockburn to get to the game.

“It’s pointless trying to drive up there because of the traffic,” she said.

“It will be equally horrendous if everyone from Mandurah, Rockingham and Warnbro are trying to catch the train from Cockburn.”

Mr Hynes said closing the stations would have little impact on commuters because the match was an Eagles home game and more Dockers fans used the Mandurah line than Eagles fans.

“We know our Mandurah Line passengers well, we know the majority of them disembark at stations before Rockingham,” he said. “Sunday’s match is an Eagles home game, so there will be less passengers on the Mandurah Line than a Dockers home game.

The PTA has organised more buses a boosted rail replacement service to run between Mandurah and Cockburn on Sunday.

Night time closures between Mandurah and Cockburn stations will continue until Thursday 23.