Early works are set to begin on the Beveridge to Albury – Tranche 2 section, which involves work on a number of sites on the existing North East rail line to allow for the safe passage of double-stacked freight trains.
Works will take place at Benalla, Euroa, Wandong, Hume Freeway, Tallarook, Hume Freeway, Seymour, and three sites in Broadford, and will include geotechnical investigations, ground water monitoring and additional surveys, as well as development of key management plans.
Inland Rail has said that its appointment of a construction partner for the remaining Victorian sites is on schedule for mid-2024, with major construction commencing in early-2025 and project completion in 2027.
Inland Rail Program Delivery Director for Beveridge to Albury section Ed Walker said that these works at the remaining eight sites in Victoria were an important step forward for Australia’s largest infrastructure project.
“Inland Rail is getting on with delivering the project,” Mr Walker said.
“We’ve selected John Holland based on their experience delivering major civil and rail projects including Inland Rail Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 last year and the North East Rail Line Upgrade (NERL) in 2021. They are also responsible for delivering Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel Project and Sydney Metro.
“Over the coming weeks local communities will see the John Holland team on Tranche 2 sites carrying out early works for new bridges, track lowers and station modifications.
“Inland Rail will look for every opportunity to involve local people and businesses in the project, to maximise the economic and social benefits for communities along the route.”
John Holland Executive General Manager, Steve Butcher, said that this was an exciting project that would transform how goods were moved around Australia.
“We know that expanding the nation’s rail freight network creates safer and less congested roads and minimises carbon emissions,” Mr Butcher said.
“Projects like these also create jobs and allow us to work with local businesses, leaving a positive legacy for regional communities.
“This builds on our proud and longstanding partnership with ARTC to deliver transformative rail projects across the country, allowing us to leverage our skills and experience in providing end-to-end rail solutions.”
Featured image: A double-stacked freight train. Image credit: Inland Rail.
