The New South Wales (NSW) Government has awarded a $340 million construction contract for an elevated ‘skytrain’ section of the region’s North West Rail Link project.
An Impregilo-Salini joint venture will build a 4-kilometre section, including a 270-metre cable-stayed bridge, from Bella Vista to Rouse Hill.
The deal is the second of three main construction contracts that with make up the $8.3 billion project. With the tunnelling contract already awarded, focus will now turn to the third and final phase of the programme, which is expected to be announced by the end of next year.
The OTS contract, for which Network Rail will deliver consulting services, includes building the link’s eight new stations, procuring new rolling stock, completing all the track and signalling work, and operating the completed system.
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said in a statement: “Work is now well underway on Australia’s biggest public transport project – and we have now signed the second of three major contracts being awarded for the North West Rail Link.
“In June, we awarded the $1.15 billion tunnelling contract to build Australia’s longest rail tunnels – 15-kilometre twin tunnels between Bella Vista and Epping.
“The first of four tunnel boring machines will be in the ground before the end of next year – as promised and on schedule. Work is also continuing full-pace at the major tunnelling launch site at Bella Vista, home also of the new Bella Vista station.”
Work is currently underway preparing 16 construction sites along the route of the new line.
