The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has awarded a major contract for the $54.1 million project on the Sydney to Melbourne rail line.
ARTC has awarded the contract to Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure, with early site works to begin mid-August ahead of major works beginning in September.
The project, which is being supported by a $41.56 million contribution by the Federal Government, will deliver overtaking opportunities for trains at Werai in the Southern Highlands, and Joppa Junction near Goulburn.
When completed, the project will allow for more efficient movement of freight and passenger rail services, enabling freight trains up to 1,800 metres in length to be overtaken by faster services on the crucial Sydney to Melbourne rail line.
The scope of works includes signalling construction, testing and commissioning, installation of eight new track crossovers, with civil embankment works and access road improvements to support the works.
Abergeldie was selected to carry out the works following the completion of a competitive tendering process.
Acting Group Executive Operations, ARTC, Clinton Crump, said, “We are pleased to award the construction contract on this project, which will improve efficiency for freight and passenger services along this nationally critical rail corridor.
“At ARTC we’re focused on building a better network, and the Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities project represents our continued commitment to making rail the transport mode of choice.”
The project is due for completion in 2026.
Image: Tymonko Galyna/shutterstock.com
