The Victorian government has committed to fund stage three of the Shepparton Line upgrade, which will enable VLocity trains to run nine return services a day between Melbourne and northern Victoria. Read more
Turnouts and bridges focus of upgrade work during Hunter Valley Network shutdown
During a three-day shutdown, upgrades to turnouts and bridges in the Hunter Valley Coal Network have been taking place. Read more
Upgrades to critical link in Melbourne network
The historic Flinders Street viaduct is undergoing critical repairs to ensure the over 100-year old rail bridge can continue to support rail traffic.
Services returning to Auckland lines after shutdowns for major repairs
Work on restoring Auckland’s rail network has taken a major step forward, with weekday services returning to all lines. Read more
North East Rail Line upgrade finished ahead of schedule
Work on the North East Rail Line will be complete in mid-2021, well ahead of their original completion date. Read more
Work begins on Sydney Metro West
Early works have begun on Sydney Metro West, with site preparation works at the site of the future Bays Station underway. Read more
Local groups back rail for Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2
Local government and business groups in Parramatta have backed rail as the transport mode of choice for Parramatta Light Rail Stage Two.
Three consortiums move to RFP stage for Gowrie to Kagaru PPP
Three consortiums have progressed to the request for proposal stage for the Gowrie to Kagaru Public Private Partnership (PPP).
The successful consortium will win the contract to build the 6.2km tunnel through the Toowoomba Range, connecting Inland Rail to the Brisbane outskirts, as well as 121.8km of above-ground track, said Inland Rail CEO Richard Wankmuller. Read more
First tracks laid for Parramatta Light Rail in Westmead
Tracklaying has begun on the Parramatta Light Rail project with the first tracks laid at Hawkesbury Road in Westmead.
The bedding in of the 18 metre lengths of grooved rail marks a major milestone for the project, where early works have been underway for months preparing the route and identifying utilities ahead of construction.
4 kilometres of track laid on Forrestfield-Airport Link
Work is rapidly progressing on the preparation of the Forrestfield-Airport Link to run trains by late 2021.
Tracklaying works have already put in place four kilometres of track through the twin tunnels.
The future stations for the line are also coming into shape, with the high eaves over Airport Central Station recently installed.
Connecting the station atrium to the platform is the longest uninterrupted escalator in the southern hemisphere, with stretches to 35 metres long and 15 metres high.
To date, 5.7km of skeleton track has been put down, and 3.9km of track completed for the 8.5km line.
Australian contractor Martinus Rail will use over 2,400 tonnes of Australian-made steel in the project, where it has employed more than 100 local workers.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said the project, which connects the existing rail network at Bayswater with the eastern foothills via Perth’s airport, has already provided many opportunities for local businesses.
“The Forrestfield Airport Link construction employs hundreds of local workers and provides opportunities for local businesses and subcontractors,” he said.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said that with major breakthroughs so far, it will not be long until commuters are using the new line.
“We’ve reached several milestones this year with the completion of tunnelling and the start of track laying,” she said.
“The stations are almost completed and it is exciting to think trains will be running on this line in late 2021.”
Martinus CEO and managing director Treaven Martinus said that with this project under their belt, Martinus will be looking to scale up for further projects.
“Currently, we have very skilled and experienced track and overhead wiring teams in WA but our vision has always been to expand the team to encompass civil and signalling capabilities,” said Martinus.
“There are many projects coming online and we are excited about what that means for us, the opportunities it provides for our teams, local businesses, and subcontractors.”