The Australian Rail Track Corporation's (ARTC) Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities project is progressing with the first contract awarded on the project.
The head design contract has been awarded to engineering consultants Lycopodium. Two further key construction contracts, for early works and main construction, are anticipated to be awarded in 2023.
The $41.6 million Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities project, funded by the Australian Government, will deliver overtaking opportunities for trains at Werai in the Southern Highlands, and Joppa Junction near Goulburn.
When completed, the project will allow for more efficient movement of freight and passenger rail services, increasing flexibility, reducing delays and congestion on the ARTC network, particularly for freight and passenger services on the crucial Sydney to Melbourne rail line.
Two Review of Environmental Factors (REF) assessments, which identify and assess the environmental impacts of the project at the Werai and the Joppa Junction sites respectively, are currently on public exhibition until Wednesday 2nd November 2022.
Subject to approvals, the project construction is expected to start in early 2023 and be completed by late 2024.
ARTC Group Executive Major Construction Projects Mike Zambelli said:
"We are pleased to award the head design contract on this project, which will improve efficiency freight and passenger rail services on our network.
"Site investigations have taken place and detailed design is underway. ARTC will continue to consult with councils and local communities to keep them up to date on the project's progress.
"The two locations will each provide two 'double crossovers' approximately 2km apart, to allow trains of up to 1800m in length to be overtaken by faster services."
