PRODUCED BY INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIPS AUSTRALIA
Project

Inland Rail Freight Corridor

PROJECT STATUS
Detailed Planning
Inland Rail Freight Corridor

The Inland Rail project would see the creation of a 1,700-kilometre Melbourne to Brisbane freight rail corridor along Australia's east coast – bypassing the congested Sydney network and the circuitous north coast line via Australia's four richest farming regions in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. This would include approximately 1,200 kilometres of major upgrades and enhancements, and 500 kilometres of new track.

The project is being overseen by the Commonwealth-owned Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). ARTC has split Inland rail into 13 sections, with one in Victoria, seven in New South Wales and five in Queensland. These are:

  • Tottenham to Albury
  • Albury to Illabo
  • Illabo to Stockinbingal
  • Stockinbingal to Parkes
  • Parkes to Narromine
  • Narromine to Narrabri
  • Narrabri to North Star
  • North Star to New South Wales/Queensland Border
  • New South Wales/Queensland Border to Gowrie
  • Gowrie to Helidon
  • Helidon to Calvert
  • Calvert to Kagaru, and
  • Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton.

The delivery of the three sections from Gowrie to Kagaru has been announced as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Package. The delivery of Narrabri to North Star section has been split into two phases.

Key Dates

2018 Construction Commencement
2031 Expected Construction Completion

Funding contributions

Federal Government

2013–14 Federal Budget made an initial grant funding allocation of $300 million for pre-construction activities.

Financing

;
Equity Finance: Federal Government

The 2016-17 Federal Budget allocated $594 million to ARTC for the purchase of land corridors. The 2017-18 Federal Budget made an $8.4 billion equity injection into the ARTC for the delivery of Inland Rail. An additional equity investment of up to $5.5 billion in 2020-21 Federal Budget brings the total investment to $14.5 billion.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation
Related contracts:
Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes - Reference Design
Successful Tenderer - WSP

Entire Project – Management Office Services
Successful Tenderer - Turner & Townsend and SNC-Lavalin

Entire Project – Transaction Management Services
Successful Tenderer - RPS, Flagstaff Consulting, TSA Management, and MBB Group

Illabo to Acacia Ridge sections – Rail Signalling Design
Successful Tenderer - Arcadis

North Star to Kagaru sections – Design
Successful Tenderer - The Future Freight Joint Venture comprising AECOM and Aurecon

Parkes to Narromine – Main Works
Successful Tenderer - INLink Joint Venture comprising Fulton Hogan and BMD Constructions

PROJECT HISTORY

2013 The Inland Rail Implementation Group (IRIG) was formed.
2013 2013–14 Federal Budget allocated $300 million in grant funding for pre-construction activities of the project.
2015 Inland Rail Implementation Group Report and associated program Business Case was released. These documents outlined a 10 year delivery schedule for Inland Rail and endorsed a ‘base case’ corridor (refined from the 2010 Alignment Study).
2016 Infrastructure Australia assessed the Inland Rail Business Case and rated the project as a Priority Project.
2016 The 2016-17 Federal Budget allocated $594 million for the purchase of land corridors.
2017 The 2017-18 Federal Budget announced that $8.4 billion in equity over seven years is to be invested into the ARTC for the delivery of Inland Rail. Under the measure, the ARTC will leverage greater debt and enter into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the Toowoomba (Gowrie) to Kagaru sections.
2018 The Federal Government signed bilateral agreements with the Victorian and NSW governments providing consent for ARTC to deliver the sections of Inland Rail in each state and a commitment to negotiate a new long term lease with ARTC.
Jun 2018 The Future Freight Joint Venture comprising AECOM and Aurecon was awarded five design contracts for the Inland Rail project. The contracts awarded include design work on the Gowrie to Kagaru PPP, Border to Gowrie, and North Star to Border sections of the project.
Oct 2018 Parkes to Narromine construction contract was awarded to INLink Joint Venture comprising Fulton Hogan and BMD Constructions. While the exact value was undisclosed, the contract was valued at more than $300 million.
Dec 2018 Construction started on the Parkes to Narromine section of the program.
Mar 2019 Procurement on the Toowoomba to Kagaru PPP started in March 2019.
Jun 2019 ARTC appointed Turner & Townsend and SNC-Lavalin to provide Programme Management Office (PMO) services across the entire Inland Rail project.
Oct 2019 Industry briefings were held in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Nov 2019 The Federal Government signed a bilateral agreement with the Queensland Government to deliver the Queensland sections of the project. The agreement will also see joint development of business cases for passenger rail services from Salisbury to Beaudesert, Brisbane to Toowoomba and a dedicated rail freight line to the Port of Brisbane.
Jun 2020 The Federal Government announced that Federal planning approvals for Inland Rail projects will be fast-tracked under a bilateral model between the Federal and State Governments, reducing the approval times by up to 50 per cent.
Sep 2020 Parkes to Narromine section of the project was completed.
Sep 2020 ARTC appointed a partnership comprising RPS, Flagstaff Consulting, TSA Management, and MBB Group to provide transaction management services across the entire Inland Rail program.
Sep 2020 ARTC opened Registrations of Interest (ROI) for the Rail Corridor Package, closing on 13 October 2020. ARTC is seeking a single contractor to undertake works across 561 kilometres of the corridor, across the Narromine to Narrabri, North Star to NSW/Queensland Border, and NSW/Queensland Border to Gowrie sections.
Dec 2020 The Federal Government announced an additional equity investment of up to $5.5 billion to the Australian Rail Track Corporation for the delivery of the Inland Rail project, bringing total investment to $14.5 billion. The additional equity will enable an expansion of the scope of the project, including additional culverts, viaducts, bridges, level crossings, embankments and tunnel diameters.
Feb 2021 The Australian Rail Track Corporation awarded a contract worth more than $30 million to Arcadis for signalling design and the delivery of rail safety systems for the Inland Rail project, north of Illabo in New South Wales, through to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton in Queensland.
Jun 2021 The ARTC sought tenders for a Support Services Panel, with tenders closing on 23 June 2021. The Panel covers a broad range of disciplines for an initial term of three years from August 2021.
Jun 2021 The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP), released along with 2021-22 Queensland Budget, indicated the bulk of business case development work for a future intermodal terminal in Brisbane, to service Inland Rail Freight Corridor, will occur in FY2021-22, with the business case to be finalised by FY2022-23. The $10 million funding for the business case is provided by the Federal Government.
Sep 2021 The ARTC started announcing preferred proponents for revised civil works packages, informed by market engagement undertaken in 2020. Some of the new works packages combined more than one geographic section of Inland Rail while others were aligned with the existing geographic sections in whole or part.
Mar 2022 The ARTC appointed WSP to six Support Services Panel categories, including Engineering and Technical, Safety, Stakeholder Engagement, Communications, Organisational Development and Change, and Training.
Oct 2022 The Federal Government has appointed Dr Kerry Schott AO to lead an independent review into the delivery and implementation of the Inland Rail project. The review is expected to be completed by early 2023. The Terms of Reference for the review include assessing Australian Rail Track Corporation's (ARTC) governance and delivery approaches, reviewing the processes for selecting Inland Rail routes, and assess the projects Scope, Schedule, and Cost.
Apr 2023 The Federal Government released the independent review into Inland Rail and its response to it. The Review found that the program's estimated total cost had increased from $14.8 billion to $31.4 billion, and the estimated completion date had been delayed from 2026 to 2030-31.
Estimated Total Cost
(2023)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Confirmed PPP | Traditional Procurement | Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales | Queensland | Victoria | National |
Resources
Project website
Inland Rail (ARTC)
Inland Rail (Federal Government)
Government resources
Procurement industry briefing
Media releases
2018/02/09
2018/05/04
2019/06/25
2019/11/29
2020/06/15
2020/11/09
2020/12/16
2021/02/26
2022/10/07
2023/04/06
Other
2023/04/06 - Independent Review of Inland Rail
Project pages
ARTC
Project contact information

1800 732 761
inlandrailenquiries@artc.com.au
Major Contract

Rail Corridor Program - Narromine to Gowrie

PROJECT STATUS
Awarded
Rail Corridor Program - Narromine to Gowrie

The Rail Corridor Program covers approximately 570 km of above ground work for Inland Rail sections between Narromine and Gowrie. The contract will see the delivery of rail, ballast, concrete sleepers and level crossings. 

Stages of the Inland Rail program covered by the Rail Corridor Program are: 

  • Narromine to Narrabri
  • Narrabri to North Star Phase Two
  • North Star to NSW/Queensland Border, and
  • Border to Gowrie

Key Dates

Dec 2021 Preferred Bidder Selection

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation
Successful Tenderer: Martinus Rail - Preferred Bidder

PROJECT HISTORY

Dec 2021 Australian Rail Track Corporation appointed Martinus Rail as preferred bidder.
Estimated Total Cost
(2021)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources
Media releases
2021/12/07 (Martinus Rail)
2021/12/07 (DITRD)
Major Contract

Inland Rail - North Star to NSW-Queensland Border

PROJECT STATUS
Awarded
Inland Rail - North Star to NSW-Queensland Border

The North Star to NSW-Queensland Border (NS2B) section of Inland Rail connects North Star in New South Wales to the Queensland Rail South Western System on the NSW-Queensland border.

The preferred corridor runs along the non-operational rail corridor towards Boggabilla, crossing the Macintyre River before joining the Queensland Rail South West Rail Line. According to summary findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS), the project comprises:

  • 12 kilometres of new track within existing, non-operational raill corridor
  • circa 27 kilometres of new track within greenfield rail corridor
  • one crossing loop
  • 10 new bridges
  • a 1,800 metre viaduct over the Macintyre River and Whalan Creek
  • work on new and existing level crossings
  • earth, drainage and road works, and
  • ancillary infrastructure upgrades.

Key Dates

Sep 2021 Preferred Bidder Selection
Jun 2022 Expected Construction Commencement
Jul 2025 Expected Construction Completion

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Successful Tenderer: Freight Connect consortium comprising Laing O’Rourke and FKG Group
Related contracts:
Engineering Consultant - Feasibility Design
Successful Tenderer - Future Freight Joint Venture comprising AECOM and Aurecon

PROJECT HISTORY

Apr 2017 ARTC lodged a State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) application for the project.
Jun 2018 The Future Freight Joint Venture comprising AECOM and Aurecon was awarded the contract for the design work on NS2B.
Aug 2018 The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) were initially issued.
Mar 2020 The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment reissued SEARs for the project section. The updated SEARs were issued as a result of a request by the ARTC for expansion of the original scope to include offsite burrow sites to access fill material.
Aug 2020 The ARTC provided the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. The EIS will be on public exhibition from 26 August until 6 October 2020.
Sep 2020 The ARTC opened Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for the Rail Corridor Package, closing on 13 October 2020. ARTC sought a single contractor to undertake works across 561 kilometres of the corridor, across the Narromine to Narrabri, North Star to NSW-Queensland Border, and NSW-Queensland Border to Gowrie sections. Two Request for Proposal (RFP) rounds are to follow the ROI process, with the award of a ‘Collaborative Framework Agreement' to be finalised in the second quarter of 2021.
Sep 2021 The ARTC appointed a consortium comprising Laing O’Rourke and FKG Group for the 'Central Civil Works Package', covering the Narrabri to North Star Phase Two section, North Star to NSW-Queensland Border section, and a portion of works within the NSW-Queensland Border to Gowrie section. Total package was estimated to be $1.2 billion. Contract close was expected in 2022, following planning and environmental approvals.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
New South Wales | Queensland | National |
Resources
Government resources
Project map
EIS summary findings
Media releases
2018/06/15
2021/09/20
2021/09/21
Project pages
North Star to NSW-Queensland Border (ARTC)
Major Contract

Inland Rail - Narromine to Narrabri

PROJECT STATUS
Awarded
Inland Rail - Narromine to Narrabri

The Narromine to Narrabri (N2N) section is the longest and most significant greenfield project within the Inland Rail Freight Corridor. According to summary findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment, the project comprises:

  • around 306 kilometres of new track
  • support infrastructure able to accomodate 1,800 metre double-stacked trains
  • new rail connections with existing rail lines
  • seven crossing loops
  • 58 new bridges
  • 14 new viaducts
  • 51 new public level crossings
  • 630 culvert banks
  • road realignments, and
  • ancilliary works such as realignments and utility relocations.

 

Key Dates

Sep 2020 ROIs Open
Sep 2021 Preferred Bidder Selection
2022 Expected Contract Award
Jul 2024 Expected Construction Commencement
2027 Expected Construction Completion

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Successful Tenderer: ACACPB JV comprising ACCIONA and CPB Contractors
Procurement note:

The section currently intended to be procured under a collaborative contract such as an alliance.
Related contracts:
Engineering Consultant - Feasibility Design
Successful Tenderer - JacobsGHD IR Joint Venture comprising Jacobs and GHD

PROJECT HISTORY

Nov 2017 The recommended alignment from the east of Narromine to the east of Narrabri was confirmed. The preferred corridor will be taken forward through the NSW Government's planning and approval process, which will lead to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for this project.
Jul 2020 ARTC awarded a $13.5 million contract to Jacobs GHD IR Joint Venture comprising Jacobs and GHD for feasibility design work for the N2N section.
Sep 2020 The ARTC opened Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for the Rail Corridor Package, closing on 13 October 2020. ARTC sought a single contractor to undertake works across 561 kilometres of the corridor, across the Narromine to Narrabri, North Star to NSW-Queensland Border, and NSW-Queensland Border to Gowrie sections. Two Request for Proposal (RFP) rounds are to follow the ROI process, with the award of a ‘Collaborative Framework Agreement' to be finalised in the second quarter of 2021.
Dec 2020 ARTC lodged the Narromine to Narrabri Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with the NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE), for a public exhibition period from 8 December 2020 until 7 February 2021.
Sep 2021 The ARTC appointed a 50-50 joint venture between ACCIONA and CPB Contractors for the 'Southern Civil Works Package', covering the Narromine to Narrabri section. Contract close was expected in 2022, following planning and environmental approvals.
Aug 2022 The project’s Preferred Infrastructure and Amendment Report was put on public exhibition from 31 August until 22 September.
Feb 2023 The NSW Minister for Planning granted the Narromine to Narrabri section the final consents needed for development.
Feb 2024 The Federal Government through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water granted environmental approvals for the project under the EPBC Act 1999. Further amendments were required to the design of the project, as well as additional land acquisitions, before construction could commence.
Estimated Total Cost
(2021)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
New South Wales | National |
Resources
Government resources
EIS summary findings
Exhibition Notice
Media releases
2024/02/5 - DCCEEW Approval
2020/12/08
2018/07/02
2021/09/20
2021/09/21
Project pages
Narromine to Narrabri (ARTC)
Major Contract

Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star - Phase One

PROJECT STATUS
Operational
Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star - Phase One

The Narrabri to North Star (N2NS) section of Inland Rail will upgrade approximately 185 kilometres of existing rail corridor and construct 1.7 kilometres of new track near Moree, New South Wales. The project is being delivered in two phases.

Phase One of the Narrabri to North Star section is one of the most advanced sections of Inland Rail, and will comprise:

  • upgrade of approximately 171 kilometres of track between Narrabri and North Star via Moree
  • constructing five new crossing loops
  • upgrading, relocating or consolidating almost 80 level crossings and five pedestrian crossings 
  • installing 220 rail culverts
  • installing 98 road culverts and irrigation crossings
  • relocating power and telecommunications utilities, and
  • minor changes to track alignments at Bellata, Gurley and Moree Stations.

Key Dates

Oct 2019 EOIs Open
Dec 2019 RFP Open
Nov 2020 Contract Award
Apr 2021 Construction Commencement
Oct 2023 Construction Completion

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Shortlist: Three shortlisted bidders were Lendlease, RailFirst Joint Venture between Downer EDI and Seymour Whyte, and Trans4m Rail Joint Venture between Rhomberg Rail Australia, BGC Contracting and SEE Civil.
Successful Tenderer: Trans4m Rail Joint Venture comprising John Holland and SEE Civil.
Related contracts:
Engineering Consultant - Detailed Design
Successful Tenderer - WSP Australia and Mott MacDonald

PROJECT HISTORY

Nov 2017 The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for N2NS was released for public exhibition on 15 November and submissions closed on 15 December 2017.
Nov 2017 A Joint Venture comprising WSP and Mott MacDonald was awarded the contracts for detailed designs for Narrabri to North Star and Parkes to Narromine sections of Inland Rail Project.
Oct 2019 Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the major works were called, comprising works within the existing ARTC rail corridor. EOIs closed on 1 November.
Dec 2019 ARTC announced a shortlist of three contractors for the project: Lendlease, RailFirst Joint Venture comprising Downer EDI and Seymour Whyte, and Trans4m Rail Joint Venture comprising Rhomberg Rail Australia, BGC Contracting and SEE Civil.
Dec 2019 The EIS was put on public exhibition again in December 2019, with submissions due by 31 January 2020.
Feb 2020 The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment requested that Inland Rail provide a response to submissions made to the Environmental Impact Statement.
May 2020 The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment received the responses to submissions made to the EIS, and noted assessment of the planning application is under way.
Jul 2020 The planning assessment for the project was fast-tracked under the NSW Government's Planning System Acceleration Program, with a decision to be made by 14 August 2020.
Aug 2020 The NSW Government granted planning approval for Phase one.
Nov 2020 ARTC awarded the $693 million contract to Trans4m Rail Joint Venture comprising John Holland and SEE Civil.
Apr 2021 Major works commenced on the project.
Nov 2022 The 83-kilometre line between Narrabri and Moree has opened for operation. The final works north of Camurra are expected to be complete in the coming months.
Oct 2023 Inland Rail announced the Narrabri to North Star Phase was completed.
Estimated Total Cost
(2020)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
New South Wales | National |
Resources
Government resources
Environmental Impact Statement documents
Project map
Media releases
2021/04/19
2020/11/09
2019/12/03
2019/10/11
2017/11/23
2022/11/25
2023/10/12
Project pages
Narrabri to North Star – Phase One (ARTC)
Major Contract

Inland Rail - Stockinbingal to Parkes

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Inland Rail - Stockinbingal to Parkes

The Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) section is an enhancement project on specific sites along the 173 kilometres of existing rail corridor from Stockinbingal to Parkes.

The scope of works includes:

  • replacing the Lachlan River rail bridge in Forbes
  • increasing the vertical clearance under the Wyndham Avenue Bridge in Forbes
  • a new crossing loop north of Daroobalgie Road
  • modifying Forbes Railway Station, and
  • upgrades to existing crossing loops, structures and utilities along the line.

Key Dates

May 2021 ROIs Open
Jul 2021 EOIs Open
Sep 2021 RFP Open
Jul 2022 Shortlist Announced
Jul 2023 Contract Award
Jan 2024 Construction Commencement
2025 Expected Construction Completion

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Shortlist: John Holland, the FreightConnect Consortium led by Laing O’Rourke, and Martinus Rail.
Successful Tenderer: Martinus Rail
Procurement note:

In October 2020, the ARTC announced it would pursue a joint procurement process for the Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes packages to generate project efficiencies enabled by their geographic proximity and status as brownfield enhancement packages.
Related contracts:
Engineering Consultant - Reference and Detailed Designs
Successful Tenderer - WSP Australia

PROJECT HISTORY

Oct 2017 At an industry briefing, ARTC indicated I2S will be delivered through multiple Design & Construct and/or Construct-Only contracts, with procurement to begin in late-2021. The four packages included in the strategy were Daroobalgie Loop, Lachlan River Bridge, Wyndham Avenue Bridge, and Track slews at five loops/sidings at Wirrinya, Forbes, Bribbaree, Caragabal, and Red Bend.
Nov 2017 ARTC began survey work and inspections as part of the feasibility design work. The design work forms the basis for environmental approvals and submissions process.
Oct 2020 WSP Australia was appointed to undertake the reference design and accompanying primary approvals documentation for the Stockinbingal to Parkes and Albury to Illabo sections of Inland Rail. The two sections were packaged together for efficiency given their similarities.
May 2021 The ARTC invited Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for the three sections of Inland Rail from Albury to Parkes, with the intention of awarding a single Design & Construct contract for Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes sections. Expression of Interest (EOI) phase was expected to begin in July 2021.
Jul 2022 The ARTC shortlisted shortlisted three bidders for the Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes stages of the Inland Rail.
Jul 2023 The ARTC awarded a $404 million Design and Construct contract to Martinus Rail for the 185-kilometre Albury to Illabo and 170-kilometre Stockinbingal to Parkes sections of the Inland Rail Freight Corridor project.
Jan 2024 Construction commenced on the project.
Estimated Total Cost
(2023)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
New South Wales | National |
Resources
Government resources
Project map
Project fact sheet
Community briefing - December 2020
Industry briefing - October 2019
Media releases
2020/10/23
2022/07/06
2023/07/04
Tender notices
2021/05/14
Project pages
Stockinbingal to Parkes (ARTC)
Major Contract

Inland Rail - Tottenham to Albury

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Inland Rail - Tottenham to Albury

The Tottenham to Albury (T2A) section is the only section of the Inland Rail Freight Corridor traversing Victoria. The project comprises the upgrade of existing structures along 305 kilometres of existing rail corridor – the North East Rail Line (NERL) – between metropolitan Melbourne and the Victoria-NSW border at Albury, to enable the operation of double-stacked freight trains.

Due to its scale and complexity, this project is broken into two stages:

  • Stage One: Beveridge to Albury
  • Stage Two: Metropolitan Melbourne (south of Beveridge)

Stage One of the project comprises enhancements of 12 sites along the North East Rail Line from Beveridge to Albury. The sites are:

  • Broadford-Wandong Road bridge, Wandong
  • Hamilton Street bridge, Broadford
  • Short Street bridge, Broadford
  • Marchbanks Road bridge, Broadford
  • Hume Highway bridge, Tallarook
  • Seymour-Avenel Road bridge, Seymour
  • Hume Highway bridge, Seymour
  • Anderson Street bridge, Euroa
  • Benalla Station Approach Road, Benalla
  • Beaconsfield Parade bridge, Glenrowan
  • Wangaratta Station Precinct, Wangaratta
  • Murray Valley Highway, Barnawartha North

Work at the sites comprise of:

  • track lowering
  • replacing existing bridges with taller ones
  • removing footbridges
  • building a pedestrian underpass
  • track slews
  • relocating or raising signal gantries, and
  • modifying or relocating overhead power poles.

As of March 2021, Stage Two of the project, Metropolitan Melbourne – south of Beveridge, was on hold while an investigation was carried to determine the location, configuration and timing of a new intermodal terminal in Melbourne. The new terminal is a complementary development to Inland Rail, funded and delivered externally to the ARTC.

T2A project development has been undertaken with consideration to the separate $235 million North East Line Upgrade, undertaken by ARTC through the Victorian Government's Regional Rail Revival program. ARTC shares the T2A rail corridor with V/Line passenger train operations, the Sydney-Melbourne XPT and suburban Melbourne trains.

Key Dates

Jun 2020 EOIs Open
Jul 2020 EOIs Close
Oct 2022 Contract Award: Beveridge to Albury section - Tranche One
Mar 2023 Construction Commencement
Dec 2025 Expected Construction Completion

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Shortlist: Beveridge to Albury section - Tranche Two: CPB Contractors, John Holland and McConnell Dowell
Successful Tenderer: Beveridge to Albury section - Tranche One: McConnell Dowell
Procurement note:

The Stage One main works procurement aims to shortlist dual Early Contractor Involvement contractors by August 2020, and select a Design and Construct contractor by early 2021.

PROJECT HISTORY

Mar 2018 The Victorian and Federal Governments signed a bilateral agreement for the project, which includes commitments to negotiate a new long-term lease with ARTC, and for the Victorian Government to accommodate any changes to the NERL required for Inland Rail.
Jun 2020 The ARTC opened Expressions of Interest for Stage One main works of the project. With EOIs closing on 13 July 2020, the procurement aims to shortlist dual Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contractors by August 2020, and select a Design and Construct contractor by early 2021.
Aug 2020 The Victorian Minister for Planning confirmed the project does not require assessment through an Environment Effects Statement (EES). The ARTC was required to follow conditions including the completion and acceptance of an environment report and environmental management framework, in consultation with the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
Oct 2022 McConnell Dowell has been awarded the contract for Stage One of T2A works. Work is expected to be completed by 2025.
Aug 2023 Inland Rail shortlisted CPB Contractors, John Holland and McConnell Dowell to deliver Tranche Two of the Beveridge to Albury section. The preferred contractor will be announced mid-2024, with works commencing by 2025.
Nov 2023 Designs were released for the new Euroa station were released for public consultation, closing in December. The proposed designs include a vehicle underpass to replace the Anderson Street Bridge.
Mar 2024 The Victorian Government announced the opening of the new Beaconsfield Parade bridge in Glenrowan, enabling greater clearance for double-stacked freight trains below.
Estimated Total Cost
(2022)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Victoria | National |
Resources
Government resources
Project update – Nov 2020
Project map
Media releases
2020/06/08
2021/02/26
2022/10/31
2023/08/08 (Tranche Two Shortlist)
2023/11/08
2024/03/01
Project pages
Tottenham to Albury (ARTC)
Major Contract

Inland Rail - Toowoomba to Gladstone

PROJECT STATUS
Prospective
Inland Rail - Toowoomba to Gladstone

The Federal Government is currently investigating the potential to extend the Inland Rail project from Toowoomba to the Port of Gladstone. The Port of Gladstone is located approximately 550 kilometres north of Toowoomba.

PROJECT HISTORY

Sep 2021 The Federal Government provided up to $10 million to develop a business case.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
Queensland |
Resources
Media releases
2021/09/03
Major Contract

Inland Rail - Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton

PROJECT STATUS
Detailed Planning
Inland Rail - Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton

The Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton (K2ARB) section comprises enhancements and commisioning of dual gauge operations along 49 kilometres of the existing Sydney to Brisbane Rail Corridor – that ARTC leases from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) – to enable double stacked trains.

Works will involve:

  • lowering five rail under road bridges at Beaudesert Road, Learoyd Road, Johnson Road, Middle Road and Pub Lane
  • constructing two new crossing loops at Larapinta (near Forestdaleand) and Kagaru
  • extending two crossing loops at Greenbank and Bromelton, and
  • links to the Port of Brisbane via the existing rail lines at Acacia Ridge and Bromelton.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)

PROJECT HISTORY

Dec 2020 ARTC conducted community information sessions for the project.
Apr 2021 The Queensland Office of the Coordinator General announced the project would not be declared a 'coordinated project', meaning an EIS is not required. In a Statement of Reasons the Coordinator-General notes the commitments in a bilateral agreement between the Federal and Queensland Governments on Inland Rail could necessitate further changes to the purpose and scope of the project. Inland Rail was expected to work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to determine the approvals pathway for the project and identify if additional investigations were required.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Queensland | National |
Resources
Government resources
Project map
Queensland Office of the Coordinator-General - Statement of Reasons (April 2021)
Media releases
2021/02/15
Project pages
Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton (ARTC)
Major Contract

Inland Rail - NSW-Queensland Border to Gowrie

PROJECT STATUS
Awarded
Inland Rail - NSW-Queensland Border to Gowrie

The NSW-Queensland Border to Gowrie (B2G) section of the Inland Rail Freight Corridor involves the construction and upgrading of approximately 216 kilometres of single-track railway from the New South Wales-Queensland border, near Yelarbon, to Gowrie Junction, north west of Toowoomba in Queensland.

According to summary findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment, the project comprises:

  • circa 138 kilometres of new dual gauge track
  • upgrading over 71 kilometres of existing track
  • 43 public level crossings
  • signalling infrastructure
  • five crossing loops
  • support infrastructure able to accomodate 1,800 metre double-stacked trains
  • over 30 bridges
  • three road over rail bridges, and
  • 12 stock route interfaces.

The Queensland Department of State Development indicates the B2G section will require an investment of $1.4 billion.

Key Dates

Sep 2021 Preferred Bidder Selection
Jun 2022 Expected Construction Commencement
Dec 2024 Expected Construction Completion

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Successful Tenderer: A consortium comprising Laing O’Rourke and FKG Group were awarded the civil works from NSW-Queensland Border to Whetstone in Queensland. A joint venture comprising Bielby Holdings, JF Hull Holdings, and QH&M Birt were awarded the work from Whetstone to Gowrie.
Related contracts:
Engineering Consultant - Feasibility Design
Successful Tenderer - JacobsGHD IR Joint Venture comprising Jacobs and GHD

Northern Civil Works Program
Successful Tenderer - BHQ Joint Venture comprising Bielby, JF Hull, and QH&M Birt

PROJECT HISTORY

Mar 2018 The Queensland Coordinator General declared the B2G section a 'Coordinated Project', triggering the requirement for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be prepared. The project will now progress to the design phase including the development of the EIS.
May 2018 The draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the EIS were issued by the Queensland Coordinator General in May 2018, with public consultation open until 18 June. The final ToR was released on 16 November 2018.
Jun 2018 The Future Freight Joint Venture comprising AECOM and Aurecon was awarded the contract for the design work on the Border to Gowrie section of the project.
Nov 2018 A preliminary Condamine floodplain crossing solution was released by ARTC for public consultation. The preliminary solution proposed the use of raised embankments and bridges to cross the floodplain east of the Gore Highway.
Sep 2019 The proposed alignment within the corridor was released for public consultation.
Sep 2020 The ARTC opened Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for the Rail Corridor Package, closing on 13 October 2020. ARTC sought a single contractor to undertake works across 561 kilometres of the corridor, across the Narromine to Narrabri, North Star to NSW-Queensland Border, and NSW-Queensland Border to Gowrie sections. Two Request for Proposal (RFP) rounds are to follow the ROI process, with the award of a ‘Collaborative Framework Agreement' to be finalised in the second quarter of 2021.
Sep 2021 The ARTC announced it has entered into a collaborative framework agreement with the BHQ Joint Venture, comprising Bielby, JF Hull, and QH&M Birt, for the 'Northern Civil Works Program', that comprised 162 kilometres of civil works on the section, including 24 kilometres of existing track. Contract close was expected in 2022, following planning and environmental approvals.
Sep 2021 The ARTC appointed a consortium comprising Laing O’Rourke and FKG Group for the 'Central Civil Works Package', covering the Narrabri to North Star Phase Two section, North Star to NSW-Queensland Border section, and a 47 kilometre span from NSW-Queensland Border to Whetstone within the NSW-Queensland Border to Gowrie section. Total package was estimated to be $1.2 billion. Contract close was expected in 2022, following planning and environmental approvals.
Jan 2022 The Queensland Coordinator-General evaluated the draft Environmental Impact Statement and has requested additional information. The revised draft EIS and additional information is due 1 February 2023.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Queensland | National |
Resources
Government resources
EIS summary findings
Project map
Project fact sheet
Media releases
2018/06/15
2018/11/07
2019/11/29
2021/09/03
2021/09/03
2021/09/20
2021/09/21
2022/01/31
Project pages
NSW-Queensland Border to Gowrie (ARTC)
Major Contract

Inland Rail - Illabo to Stockinbingal

PROJECT STATUS
Under Procurement
Inland Rail - Illabo to Stockinbingal

The Illabo to Stockinbingal (I2S) section of the Inland Rail project is proposed to comprise:

  • 39 kilometres of new, greenfield track between Illabo and Stockinbingal, including: 
    • single track standard gauge
    • eight new bridges at watercourses, two road overbridges and one grade separated (road-over-rail) at Burley Griffin Way
    • a crossing loop and associated maintenance siding
    • new level crossings and alterations of existing level crossings
    • stock crossings
    • a drainage diversion
  • installation and upgrade of drainage culverts
  • upgrades to ~3 kilometres of existing track to the Main South Line at Illabo, and the Stockinbingal to Parkes Line at Stockinbingal
  • construction of ~1.7 kilometres of new track to maintain the existing connection of the Lake Cargelligo rail line
  • realignment of a 1.4-kilometre section of the Burley Griffin Way to provide a road-over-rail bridge at Stockinbingal
  • realignment of Ironbong Road to allow for safe sight lines at the new active level crossing, and
  • a workforce accommodation camp. 

Key Dates

May 2021 ROIs Open
Sep 2021 EOIs Open
Mar 2022 RFP Open
Dec 2022 Expected Contract Award
2024 Expected Construction Commencement
2026 Expected Construction Completion

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Related contracts:
Engineering Consultant - Reference Designs
Successful Tenderer - WSP and Mott MacDonald

PROJECT HISTORY

Apr 2018 WSP and Mott MacDonald were awarded the feasibility and design work contract.
Jun 2018 ARTC lodged a State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) application for Illabo to Stockinbingal with the NSW Government.
Sep 2018 The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment declared the project as State Significant Infrastructure and issued a Secretary’s Environmental Requirements (SEARs) to prepare Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Nov 2020 ARTC noted land acquisition and Environmental Impact Statement lodgement are expected in second half of 2021.
May 2021 The ARTC invited Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for the three sections of Inland Rail from Albury to Parkes, with the intention of awarding a separate Design & Construct contract for Illabo to Stockinbingal section. Expression of Interest (EOI) phase was expected to begin in September 2021.
Sep 2022 The NSW Department of Planning and Environment released the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Illabo to Stockinbingal Inland Rail section for public consultation, closing 26 October.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
New South Wales | National |
Resources
Government resources
NSW Planning Portal Project Page
Project map
Media releases
2018/04/20
2022/09/06
Tender notices
2021/05/14
Project pages
Illabo to Stockinbingal (ARTC)
Major Contract

Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star - Phase Two

PROJECT STATUS
Awarded
Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star - Phase Two

The Narrabri to North Star (N2NS) section of Inland Rail will upgrade approximately 185 kilometres of existing rail corridor and construct approximately two kilometres of new track near Moree, New South Wales. The project is being delivered in two phases.

According to the Environmental Impact Statement, Phase Two of the Narrabri to North Star section includes:

  • upgrading 11.8 kilometres of track
  • 1,100 new drainage culverts
  • construction of 1.6 kilomtres of new track and formation to bypass the Camurra hairpin
  • relocation and upgrade of nine level crossings and modification to Gwydirfield Road, The Rocks Road, and Backpally Road
  • demolition and reconstruction of eight bridges at Mehi River, Gwydir River, Skinners Creek, Duffys creek and four unnamed watercourses, and
  • ancillary works.

Key Dates

Sep 2021 Preferred Bidder Selection
Jul 2024 Expected Construction Commencement
Dec 2026 Expected Construction Completion

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Successful Tenderer: Freight Connect comprising Laing O’Rourke and FKG Group
Related contracts:
Engineering Consultant - Detailed Design
Successful Tenderer - WSP Australia and Mott MacDonald

PROJECT HISTORY

Nov 2017 A Joint Venture comprising WSP Mott MacDonald was awarded contracts for detailed designs for Narrabri to North Star and Parkes to Narromine sections of Inland Rail Project.
Oct 2020 The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment issued the Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements for Phase two of the Narrabri to North Star section, covering the SP2 contract for works around Moree. This informs the Environmental Impact Statement.
Sep 2021 The ARTC appointed a consortium comprising Laing O’Rourke and FKG Group for the 'Central Civil Works Package', covering the Narrabri to North Star Phase Two section, North Star to NSW-Queensland Border section, and a portion of works within the NSW-Queensland Border to Gowrie section. Total package was estimated to be $1.2 billion. Contract close was expected in 2022, following planning and environmental approvals.
Sep 2022 The NSW Department of Planning and Environment placed the Environmental Impact Statement for the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 Inland Rail section on public exhibition, closing 2 November.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement | Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales | National |
Resources
Government resources
NSW Planning Portal Project Page
Project map
Phase Two Scoping Report
Media releases
2017/11/23
2021/09/20
2021/09/21
2022/09/22
Project pages
Narrabri to North Star – Phase Two (ARTC)
Major Contract

Inland Rail - Gowrie to Kagaru sections PPP

PROJECT STATUS
Awarded
Inland Rail - Gowrie to Kagaru sections PPP

The 2017-18 Federal Budget announced that the 128 kilometre stretch of the Inland Rail Freight Corridor between Gowrie and Kagaru would be delivered through a Public Private Partnership (PPP).

Considered the most technically complex of the 13 sections within the Inland Rail Freight Corridor, the Gowrie to Kagaru project consists of the following three sections:

  • 28 kilometre Gowrie to Helidon (G2H) section
  • 47 kilometre Helidon to Calvert (H2C) section, and
  • 53 kilometre Calvert to Kagaru (C2K) section.

In total, the scope of the Gowrie to Kagaru PPP comprises:

  • 128 kilometres of new dual gauge track
  • eight kilometres of tunnels, including a 6.2-kilometre tunnel through the Toowoomba Ranges
  • 25 level crossings
  • 10 road over rail separations
  • 21 viaducts totalling 5.7 kilometres in length
  • 37 river bridges, including 20 totalling between Helidon and Calvert, and
  • 11 crossing loops.

Key Dates

Oct 2018 ROIs Open
Mar 2019 EOIs Open
Nov 2020 RFP Open
Jun 2021 RFP Close
Mar 2022 Preferred Bidder Selection
2022 Expected Construction Commencement
2025 Expected Construction Completion

Financing

The project is being procured as a PPP, with the successful consortium to oversee the design, construction, finance and maintenance under a 25-year availability based contract.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Shortlist: Three shortlisted bidders were Capstone – a consortium comprising CPB Contractors, Ghella, UGL, DIF and Pacific Partnerships, G2Konnect – a consortium comprising ACCIONA, Ferrovial, Cintra and Macquarie, and Regionerate Rail – a consortium comprising Clough, GS Engineering and Construction, Webuild, Lendlease Services and Plenary Group.
Successful Tenderer: Regionerate Rail consortium, comprising Plenary Group, Webuild, Clough, GS Engineering and Construction, and Service Stream.
Adviser (Govt): BDO
Related contracts:
Engineering Consultant - Detailed Design
Successful Tenderer - The Future Freight Joint Venture, comprising Aurecon and AECOM

Engineering Consultant - Feasibility Design
Successful Tenderer - The Future Freight Joint Venture, comprising Aurecon and AECOM

Engineering Consultant - Geotechnical Surveys
Successful Tenderer - Golder Associates

Probity Advisor
Successful Tenderer - BDO

PROJECT HISTORY

2017 The Federal Government in its 2017-18 Budget announced that the Gowrie to Kagaru sections of the project are to be delivered through a Public Private Partnership (PPP). Under this delivery arrangement, the PPP contractor are expected to design, build, finance and maintain this stretch of the railway over a long-term concession period of approximately 15 to 30 years. ARTC anticipates the PPP structure will be an 'availability charge' type arrangement. The PPP will have a maintenance concession period of up to 25 years.
2017 The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Terms of References (ToR) for the G2H, H2C and C2K sections were released separately by the Queensland Government Department of State Development (DSD) in August, October and December respectively. Project information provided to DSD as part of these processes states the combined investment required for the PPP is roughly $3.6 billion.
Feb 2018 The Future Freight Joint Venture, comprising Aurecon and AECOM, was awarded the feasibility design contract for the project.
Jun 2018 The Future Freight Joint Venture was also awarded the contract for the detailed design work for the project.
Oct 2018 The ARTC called for Registrations of Interest (ROI) for the project.
Nov 2018 A contract for the geotechnical surveying of the tunnel route was awarded to Golder Associates.
Mar 2019 The ARTC called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the project, closing on 14 May 2019. A Request for Proposal is due by the end of 2020.
Nov 2020 The ARTC confirmed the procurement process had entered the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase. The three bidders invited to submit proposals were Capstone – a consortium comprising CPB Contractors, Ghella, UGL, DIF and Pacific Partnerships, G2Konnect – a consortium comprising ACCIONA, Ferrovial, Cintra and Macquarie, and Regionerate Rail – a consortium comprising Clough, GS Engineering and Construction, Webuild, Lendlease Services and Plenary Group.
Dec 2020 Draft EIS for C2K section of the project was put opened for public consultation, closing on March 2021.
Mar 2021 The ARTC held an information session for the local suppliers on the delivery of the PPP package. The three shortlisted bidders for the PPP package also provided briefings during the event.
Aug 2021 The ARTC released the draft EIS for the Gowrie to Helidon (G2H) section of the project, closing on 25 October. The project has an estimated total cost of $1.4 billion.
Mar 2022 The ARTC announced the Regionerate Rail consortium, comprising Plenary Group, Webuild, Clough, GS Engineering and Construction, and Service Stream, as the preferred bidder for the project. The consortium will oversee the design, construction, finance and maintenance of the Gowrie to Kagaru section under a 25-year availability based contract.
Jan 2023 The Federal Government released the Delivery of Inland Rail: An Independent Review report which recommended negotiations commence with Regionerate Rail to change its scope to exclude double-stacking on the final section to Kagaru, and with a view to limiting costs and restructuring payment arrangements, including considering alternative contract arrangements to a PPP. The Federal Government agreed in full to the Review's recommendation.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Confirmed PPP |
Location
Queensland | National |
Resources
Infrastructure agency resources
EIS web page for G2H section (DSD)
EIS web page for H2C section (DSD)
EIS web page for C2K section (DSD)
Government resources
EOI document
Gowrie to Kagaru PPP fact sheet
ROI document
Media releases
2018/02/09
2018/06/15
2018/10/04
2019/03/29
2020/11/10
2021/03/09
2022/03/22 - ARTC
2022/03/22 - Plenary Group
2022/03/22 - Webuild
Other
The Delivery of Inland Rail: An Independent Review 01/2023
Project pages
Gowrie to Kagaru PPP (ARTC)
Gowrie to Helidon (ARTC)
Helidon to Calvert (ARTC)
Calvert to Kagaru (ARTC)
Major Contract

Inland Rail - Albury to Illabo

PROJECT STATUS
Awarded
Inland Rail - Albury to Illabo

The Albury to Illabo (A2I) section comprises upgrades along 185 kilometres of existing rail corridor between Albury at the Victoria-NSW Border to Illabo in regional New South Wales to service 1,800 metre long double-stacked trains.

The scope of work includes:

  • modifications to approximately 44 km of track across 14 sites, comprising:
    • realignment of track within the rail corridor at 14 sites, and
    • lowering of track up to 1.6 m at three sites  
  • changes to bridges and culverts at sites to accommodate vertical clearances and track realignment as follows:
    • replacement of two road bridges and adjustments to adjoining intersections
    • replacement of three pedestrian bridges
    • demolition of two redundant pedestrian bridges
    • modifications to four rail bridges, and
  • ancillary works, including:
    • adjustments to nine level crossings
    • modifications to drainage and road infrastructure
    • signalling infrastructure
    • fencing
    • signage, and
    • services and utilities.

Key Dates

May 2021 ROIs Open
Jul 2021 EOIs Open
Sep 2021 RFP Open
Jul 2022 Shortlist Announced
Jul 2023 Contract Award

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Shortlist: John Holland, the FreightConnect Consortium led by Laing O’Rourke, and Martinus Rail.
Successful Tenderer: Martinus Rail
Procurement note:

In October 2020, the ARTC announced it would pursue a joint procurement process for the Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes packages to generate project efficiencies enabled by their geographic proximity and status as brownfield enhancement packages.
Related contracts:
Engineering Consultant - Reference Designs
Successful Tenderer - WSP Australia

PROJECT HISTORY

Oct 2019 At an industry briefings, ARTC indicated Albury to Illabo would be delivered under multiple Design & Construct or Construct only contracts.
Oct 2020 The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment issued the Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements for the project. The Environmental Impact Statement for the project will now be developed.
Nov 2020 WSP Australia was appointed to undertake the reference design and accompanying primary approvals documentation for the Albury to Illabo and the Stockinbingal to Parkes sections of Inland Rail. The two sections were packaged together for efficiency given their similarities.
Dec 2020 ARTC announced the completion of seasonal spring biodiversity surveys at a number of locations along the Albury to Illabo alignment. This informs the early reference design and primary approvals for the project. ARTC also announced that WSP, the engineering consultant, is reviewing each of the enhancement sites to begin additional geotechnical, heritage and fauna surveying, starting in early 2021.
May 2021 The ARTC invited Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for the three sections of Inland Rail from Albury to Parkes, with the intention of awarding a single Design & Construct contract for Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes sections. Expression of Interest (EOI) phase was expected to begin in July 2021.
Jul 2022 The ARTC shortlisted shortlisted three bidders for the Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes stages of the Inland Rail.
Aug 2022 The Environmental Impact Statement for the project was placed on public exhibition, closing on 14 September 2022.
Nov 2022 The ARTC announced early works have commenced on the Inland Rail between Albury and Illabo.
Jul 2023 The ARTC awarded a $404 million Design and Construct contract to Martinus Rail for the 185-kilometre Albury to Illabo and 170-kilometre Stockinbingal to Parkes sections of the Inland Rail Freight Corridor project.
Estimated Total Cost
(2023)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
New South Wales | National |
Resources
Government resources
NSW Planning Portal State Significant Infrastructure project page
Project map
Fact sheet
Notice of Exhibition
Media releases
2020/12/10
2020/11/27
2022/07/06
2022/08/17
2022/11/28
2023/07/04
Tender notices
2021/05/14
Project pages
Albury to Illabo (ARTC)
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