Australia: Government Solicits EOI for Warrnambool and Geelong Upgrades

VLocity train, Victoria, Australia © Philip Mallis (licence)

Michael McCormack, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development in the federal government of Australia and Jacinta Allan, Minister for Public Transport, have solicited Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a multi-million-dollar contract to design and build important aspects of the project to upgrade the Warrnambool and Geelong lines in the state of Victoria.

The contract covers major renovations of Waurn Ponds Station, including a second platform and additional track, and upgrades to the Warrnambool line. The project will enable a fifth daily service and the operation of VLocity trains on the line.

Mr. McCormack said:

“We’re strongly encouraging business, including those in the Geelong and south west regions, to register their interest in carrying out the work. The design and construction work for the upgrades will provide a great opportunity for local contractors and suppliers to get involved, bringing wider benefits for Geelong and south west Victoria.”

Ms Allan said:

“A new crossing loop on the line will make it easier for trains to pass each other, helping services recover more quickly from unexpected delays, and signalling upgrades will help boost reliability. “Upgrades to level crossings along the line will make crossings safer for motorists and train passengers. Work on these is being undertaken by V/Line and is already under way.”

The Geelong Line Upgrade will allow trains to pass each other at this point on the line and enable the extension of more Geelong services to Waurn Ponds.

The project will be overseen by Rail Projects Victoria (RPV). The planning phase, including site investigations for the Warrnambool Line upgrade, has already commenced. Construction is scheduled to start in late 2019 and be completed by late 2020. The Geelong line upgrade should start in 2020, and be completed by 2021. RPV has already initiated the pre-qualification process to identify companies qualified to submit EOI.