Two requests for tender have been released by TasRail for the repair and replacement of bridges and culverts across the Tasmanian rail network.
Part of the joint federal and Tasmanian state governments’ $119.6 million infrastructure investment in the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation program, the requests for tender aim at ensuring the longevity and efficiency of rail freight operations in the state.
“The Freight Rail Revitalisation program will upgrade priority sections of the Tasmanian rail network over four years to mid-2019,” federal transport and infrastructure Darren Chester said.
“This investment will further underpin Tasmanian rail’s capacity to deliver freight safely and on time, supporting businesses across the state and the entire Tasmanian economy.”
Works on the repairs and replacement of culverts is scheduled to begin in November 2017. The water-flow capacity of culverts is to be reassessed, while culverts that are identified as maintenance liabilities will be reconstructed or replaced using modern construction materials.
Bridgeworks will involve strengthening the structures of key bridges on the network, along with the reconstruction of the Elizabeth Bridge at Campbell Town on the South Line.
According to state infrastructure minister Rene Hidding, the bridgeworks will commence in in January 2018.
“These jointly-funded works are greatly improving the reliability of our rail network, which can be seen by the huge improvement in derailments over the past couple of years,” Hidding said.
“TasRail has so far rolled-out construction contracts totalling $80.9 million, the majority awarded to local companies, which are in turn supporting local sub-contractors and local suppliers of goods and services. These bridge replacements and repairs will continue to improve the reliability of rail for the benefit of customers and the Tasmanian economy.’’
The state government’s Buy Local Policy applies the TasRail tenders, and thus tenderers will have to demonstrate support for Tasmanian industry and businesses.
The request for tender for the culverts work will close on October 6, while the bridgeworks request will close on October 20.