Five bidders have been shortlisted to deliver the fixed infrastructure for the new light rail line through the centre of Newcastle as part of the state government’s revitalisation project for the growing city.
NSW transport minister Andrew Constance announced the following five organisations have been shortlisted to tender for the Fixed Infrastructure Contract to deliver the project:
- CPB Contractors
- Downer EDI Works
- John Holland
- Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction
- McConnell Dowell Constructors
According to the NSW tender registry, EOIs that didn’t progress to the shortlist were from Coleman Rail & Broadspectrum, Bechtel Infrastructure, Hatch BMD Joint Venture, and Lend Lease Construction Australia.
The winning bidder, to be known as the ‘Managing Contractor’ for Newcastle Light Rail, will be announced later this year.
The new light rail line will replace the old heavy rail line between Wickham and the city’s east. The heavy rail line has been shut for almost 18 months.
The 2.7 kilometre light rail track will include six stops: Wickham interchange, Honeysuckle (near Hunter Street TAFE), Civic, Crown Street, Market Street and Pacific Park.
Click to enlarge. Graphic: Transport for NSW, Google.
Constance noted all five shortlisted respondents have either previous or current experience working on light rail construction projects.
“Their interest is an endorsement of our plans to revitalise Newcastle and shows the private sector understands our commitment to progressing this important project,” he said.
“The NSW Government is committed to delivering a world-class light rail system in Newcastle and the five organisations selected have the right experience and expertise to help us to do so.”
Now let’s have the next light rail project in Newcastle be from Belmont to Adamstown via the old Belmont Line corridor – that still exists as a cycle way….