Port of Melbourne awarded WSP and Seymour Whyte Constructions two key contracts for the construction of new rail infrastructure and the upgrade the existing connections.
The two selected companies will build the infrastructure including a new rail terminal interfacing with the container terminal at Swanson DockEast. The terminal will interface with the Swanson Dock East International Container Terminal and will provide a lower cost transfer of containers between rail and ships.
The infrastructure projects cover the upgrade of the lines, the access, connections and sidings within the port. The modifications are designed to allow longer trains of up to 1,500 metres and to provide operational flexibility for all trains accessing the port.
WSP will provide the design consultancy services, and Seymour Whyte Constructions the early contractor involvement.
The contracts are part of the Port Rail Transformation Project (PRTP) carried out by Port of Melbourne investment of more than AUD 125 million (USD 97.4 million). The project and provides a new operating environment and infrastructure to help move more freight off trucks and onto rai transport to make regional rail supply chains more efficient.
The site investigations are underway this month with construction planned to start in July. The project is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2023.
“Our 30 year Port Development Strategy provides a clear plan to meet and enable sustainable trade growth over the long term. The PRTP is an important part of this plan,” Port of Melbourne CEO, Brendan Bourke said.
The PRTP will offer expanded choice of rail providers, which is expected to deliver increased opportunity for competition and direct cost savings to rail users and will provide standard rail access arrangements across most port rail terminals which provides certainty and transparency of rail access and services. The rail infrastructure will be upgraded and expanded within the Port gate to support the potential for growth in port rail volumes and to increase the rail market share.
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