Media Release
- ARTC calls for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to deliver project
- Upcoming industry briefing to engage local rail construction experts
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The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has formally asked for Expressions of Interest to deliver Stage 3 of the upgrade to the Port Botany rail line, ARTC CEO John Fullerton announced today.
ARTC is delivering the upgrade to the dedicated metropolitan freight line with $75 million of Australian Government funding under the Government’s Infrastructure and Investment program.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) asks for suitably qualified contractors to deliver the track and civil construction work to enhance the Port Botany rail line, including upgrading sections of the network with new, heavier, concrete sleepers, upgraded ballast condition, drainage and heavier rail.
“We all know how critical Port Botany is to the NSW economy and one of the most effective ways we can improve the port’s efficiency and productivity is by enhancing the rail network and pushing more of the freight task in-and-out of the port on to rail,” Mr Fullerton said.
“This project will allow more efficient trains to access the Port, further improve the line’s reliability and productivity and prepare it for future growth.
“Everyone wins if we increase rail’s share of the Port’s freight task.
“Already we are seeing the benefits of stages 1 and 2 to upgrade the Port Botany freight line with new import/export freight and regional freight now accessing Port Botany as a result,” said Mr Fullerton.
“Stage 3 will not only improve the rail line’s reliability, but improve access and connectivity between the Port and the broader Sydney rail freight network, including the future Moorebank Intermodal Terminal.”
The project will upgrade final segments of the Port Botany rail line to interstate main line track condition allowing heavier axle loads and much more efficient trains to operate in and out of Port Botany – vital to the import/export future of Sydney, NSW and the country.
“Nearly 40 per cent of export containers are sourced outside of Sydney and this is freight suited to a rail journey, yet only 14 per cent of Port Botany freight travels by rail. By delivering projects like this we are strengthening rail’s claim for more of the freight task,” Mr Fullerton said.
The program of works is expected to take three years and ARTC will engage the Australian rail industry to assist in the construction delivery of the project.
After the release of the EOI, an industry briefing session will be advertised to allow for potential construction proponents to learn more about the project, its intent, challenges, indicative timeframes and priority elements, so they can get preliminary planning underway and submit strong EOI responses.
Local construction industry members with experience and capable of delivering this work are encouraged to submit a response to the EOI.
Construction is anticipated to commence in September 2015.
ENDS
Media Contact: Bas Bolyn, ARTC, 0477 340 658