The ARTC has chosen McConnell Dowell to help build the Inland Rail in Victoria
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) says it has engaged McConnell Dowell to start construction on the first Inland Rail sites in Victoria, awarding a major contract valued at approximately $200 million.
With environmental approvals in place and a civil works contractor appointed, Inland Rail says its construction is set to deliver vital local stimulus and support hundreds of jobs for Victorians.
The contract is expected to support work for more than 170 people directly employed with McConnell Dowell over the life of the project – expected to be complete in 2025.
Construction in the first tranche of Inland Rail works involves upgrades to existing infrastructure:
- Seymour-Avenel Road bridge in Seymour.
- Murray Valley Highway in Barnawartha North.
- Wangaratta Station Precinct, Wangaratta.
- Beaconsfield Parade precinct in Glenrowan.
McConnell Dowell will also deliver corridor wide works as part of the new contract, including signalling works, track slews and overhead utilities works.
The nation-building Inland Rail project continues to take shape, supporting more jobs and economic opportunities in regional communities and improving Australia’s freight network.
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“We’re pleased to have McConnell Dowell on board to begin construction on Inland Rail in Victoria, which is a crucial step for Australia’s largest infrastructure project,” ARTC Victoria and South Australia projects general manager Ed Walker says.
“McConnell Dowell has already carried out initial design and preparatory works at four sites on the existing North East Rail Line to enable Inland Rail double-stacked freight trains to run
“We’ve selected McConnell Dowell based on their experience delivering major projects including multi-million rail, bridges, railway stations and roads both in Australia and New Zealand, and globally.
“The award of this construction contract follows all primary planning and environmental approvals for Inland Rail in Victoria being obtained at the end of September, which means we can get on with delivering Inland Rail.
“ARTC remains committed to meaningful and respectful consultation with the communities in North East Victoria as we continue through delivery activities for these sites.”