The head design contract for the Southern highlands trains overtaking project in New South Wales, Australia, has been awarded.
The contract was awarded by Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to Lycopodium. The latter is a global, innovative, and value-driven process, engineering, and project delivery group headquartered in Australia.Â
Reportedly, there will be two further key construction contracts. These entail the project’s main development works, set to be awarded in 2023.
Aim for the Southern highlands train overtaking project in New South Wales
The project will deliver overtaking opportunities for trains in the Southern Highlands at Werai. Moreover, the project will deliver overtaking opportunities for trains at Joppa Junction near Goulburn.
This will contribute towards a more efficient movement of passenger rail services as well as freight, especially on the crucial Sydney to Melbourne rail line. Additionally, it will increase flexibility as well as reduce delays that are currently being experienced.
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Currently, the necessary site investigations for the Southern highlands trains overtaking project in New South Wales have already taken place. Moreover, a thorough, as well as a detailed design for the project, is well underway.
ARTC will reportedly continue to consult with both the local communities as well as councils, keeping them up to date with the project’s progress.
Remarks of ARTC’s group executive on the project
The Group Executive of the Australian Rail Track Corporation spoke about the Southern highlands train overtaking project in New South Wales.
Mike Zambelli made an assurance that the project will deliver greater efficiencies, especially for the ARTC rail line. He concluded by revealing that the project will allow trains up to 1,800 meters in length to be overtaken by faster services.
The $46 million project will be funded by the Federal Government.