Industry expertise called upon to progress Maldon to Dombarton rail link project, which will improve freight access for Illawarra region
July 22, 2013
Separate tenders for environmental and engineering works on the Maldon to Dombarton rail link will be awarded next month to progress work on the freight project.
The Federal and NSW governments today called for industry expertise to aid the planning of the project.
The Maldon to Dombarton link involves laying 35km of new track, building new bridges over the Nepean and Cordeaux rivers and constructing one of Australia’s longest rail tunnels. Once complete, the line will link Port Kembla to the main south line at Picton directly.
“The successful tenderer for the environmental services contract will prepare an environmental impact assessment outlining the potential impacts of the proposed project, based on ecological, heritage and other field studies that have already been undertaken,” federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says.
“As for the engineering services tender, the successful team will use earlier technical work to develop detailed tunnel, bridge and track designs to be included in a future construction contract.
“It’s fantastic to see work progressing on this important project which will greatly improve freight access for the Illawarra region.”
NSW Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay says the call for environmental and engineering tenders follows the appointment of two other firms earlier this year to carry out pre-construction activities.
“Recently, Whelan’s InSites was appointed to overfly the line with a laser camera to provide an accurate map of the corridor, identifying underground utility services and locating existing track, fauna crossings and adjoining roads,” Gay says.
“Transport specialists WorleyParsons is assisting the project team in reviewing options to improve freight access, so we’re setting ourselves up well to achieve the best possible design for the project.”
