Known as the Beveridge to Albury (B2A) - Tranche 2 section, the contract includes design and preparatory works at Benalla, Euroa, Wandong, Hume Freeway – Tallarook and Seymour, and three sites in Broadford on the existing North East Rail Line to allow for the safe passage of double-stack freight trains.
John Holland will now conduct site investigations and progress design work at each of the sites.
Inland Rail’s appointment of a construction partner for the remaining Victorian sites is on schedule for mid-2024, with construction commencing in early-2025 and project completion in 2027.
Ed Walker, Inland Rail Program Delivery Director B2A said:
“The early commencement works contract for the remaining eight sites in Victoria is an important step forward for Australia’s largest infrastructure project. Inland Rail is getting on with delivering the project.
“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.”
Steve Butcher, John Holland EGM Rail & Transport said:
“This is an exciting project that will transform how goods are moved around Australia.
“We know that expanding the nation’s rail freight network creates safer and less congested roads and minimises carbon emissions. Projects like these also create jobs and allows 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.”
