The federal government and the Australian Rail Track Corporation are calling for registrations of interest for the Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail project.
This ROI for the 107-kilometre section is the first opportunity for construction companies to get involved in the Inland Rail project.
The process will lead to the selection of a shortlist of companies that will be invited to submit a formal Expression of Interest for the project. Companies will be evaluated according to criteria including industry experience, suitability for the project, and their demonstrated ability to carry out this kind of work.
Federal infrastructure and transport minister Darren Chester called Inland Rail a once-in-a-generation opportunity for construction businesses and suppliers.
“The Parkes to Narromine project is a major priority within the Inland Rail project and construction is expected to start early next year,” the minister said.
“The work will involve upgrading the existing rail corridor including the construction of a new 5.3-kilometre connection in a greenfield corridor.”
Work will involve preparing the line for the double-stacked 1.8-kilometre-long trains that will travel on the Inland Rail, through upgrades to the track, track formation and culverts.
Moreover, three new crossing loops are to be constructed at Goonumbla, Peak Hill, and Timjelly, and a new 5.3-kilometre-long rail connection to the Broken Hill line west of Parkes.
There is also be ancillary works for flood immunity of the line, along with improvements to stormwater and drainage, and upgrades to existing fencing of the rail corridor.
Simon Thomas, ARTC programme delivery director for Inland Rail, said that further opportunities would be made available as Inland Rail progressed.
“We will be following a rigorous process to appoint the right construction partners and suppliers for the each of the thirteen Inland Rail sections,” Mr Thomas said.
Interested companies have been invited to submit their Registration of Interest (ROI) document via the TenderLink website: tenderlink.com/inlandrail/.
Closing date for submissions is September 22, 2017.
How about some interest from ARTC, Sydney trains and politicians to remove the freight and coal off Newcastle city suburban lines??
Will be more interested when the Queensland sections get up and going. Of course, NIMBYs and SOBBYs will throw a tanty…..
Hi All,
If the Sidings are to B 3,600 Metres in Future Operations, It would B Cheaper to Build Now to save on Costs in the Future. When these Sidings need to B Expanded. I hope that the Queensland Sections are Better Thought Out to allow for,Trains to run on a Complete Standard Gauge System then having to compete with N G Trains on a Dual Gauge Rail Line.