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Project

Regional Rail Revival

PROJECT STATUS
Under Procurement
Regional Rail Revival

Announced in the 2017-18 Victorian Budget, the Regional Rail Revival program involves upgrades to every regional passenger rail lines in Victoria. 

The program is being managed by Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) (formerly the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority), and comprises following upgrades: 

  • $714 million plus Shepparton Corridor Upgrade (Stage One completed)
  • $631 million Ballarat Line Upgrade (Completed)
  • $531 million Gippsland Line Upgrade
  • $510 million Warrnambool Line Upgrade (including the Waurn Ponds Station Upgrade), and
  • $235 million North East Rail Line Upgrade, and
  • $176 million Bendigo & Echuca Line Upgrade.

Ballarat Line Upgrade ($518 million)

The Ballarat Line Upgrade involves the upgrade and duplication of the rail line between Ballarat and Melton. Lendlease, Coleman Rail (part of ACCIONA Geotech) and SMEC were announced as the preferred bidder in July 2017 for the alliance contract, with the contract signed in December 2017. Construction was scheduled to be completed in late 2019.

North East Line Upgrade ($235 million)

The North East Line Upgrade involves various track upgrades to enable improved train services and allow VLocity trains to run to Albury/Wodonga. In December 2019, Australian Rail Track Corporation, as the delivery agency of the project, awarded John Holland the main works contract for the project. Rail Projects Victoria is responsible for the delivery of supporting infrastructure upgrades including level crossing and stabling upgrades. 

 

Key Dates

Nov 2021 Construction commencement - Warrnambool Line Upgrade, Stage 2

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Rail Projects Victoria
Procurement note:

The upgrades are being procured in various forms.
Related contracts:
Electronic Train Order (ETO) system (Bendigo to Echucha upgrade)
Successful Tenderer - V/Line and Wabtec

New stations (as part of Bendigo Metro Three)
Successful Tenderer - Symal Infrastructure

Track Upgrades (Bendigo to Echucha Line Upgrade)
Successful Tenderer - John Holland

PROJECT HISTORY

Dec 2017 Registrations of Interest (ROIs) opened for remaining projects under the Regional Rail Revival program.
Sep 2018 Infrastructure Australia (IA) added the Ballarat Line Upgrade to its Infrastructure Priority list as a Priority Project, following its evaluation of the project business case. IA's Project Evaluation Summary noted the Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) as 1.1.
May 2021 Rail Projects Victoria awarded two contracts. One was the contract to deliver the new Electronic Train Order (ETO) system from Bendigo to Swan Hill and Echuca, which has been awarded to V/Line and Wabtec. The second contract was awarded to Symal Infrastructure to deliver three new train stations as part of Bendigo Metro 3.
Jul 2021 The Victorian Government announced John Holland as the successful contractor to deliver the Track Upgrades contract for the Bendigo & Echuca Line Upgrade, with construction expected to commence in September 2021.
Aug 2021 The Federal Government announced the delivery of works previously flagged as part of Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage Three would be brought forward into the scope of the Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage Two. The successful contractors delivering Stage Two – Coleman Rail and KBR, in an Alliance with Rail Projects Victoria and V/Line – will deliver the expanded loop and stabling facility works previously included in the Stage Three scope of works. The signalling and track upgrade works between Seymour and Shepparton as part of Stage Three will be procured separately, subject to planning and environmental approvals.
Sep 2021 The Victorian Government announced Stage Two of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade will commence by the end of 2021.
Aug 2023 The Bendigo to Echuca Line Upgrade was completed.
Estimated Total Cost
(2019)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement | Alliance | Unconfirmed |
Location
Victoria | National |
Resources
Project website
Regional Rail Revival
Infrastructure agency resources
IA Project Evaluation Summary - Ballarat Line Upgrade
Media releases
2017/07/04
2019/12/09
2020/01/29
2021/05/19 (Bendigo to Echucha)
2021/05/19 (Bendigo Metro 3)
2021/07/30
2021/08/14
2021/09/17
2023/08/31
Other
Ballarat Line Upgrade Main Works Alliance Agreement
Major Contract

Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage Three

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage Three

Shepparton Line Upgrade will deliver more frequent and reliable services, and will allow new VLocity trains on the Shepparton Line. The project is being delivered in three stages.

Stage Three scope comprises:

  • signalling upgrades between Seymour and Shepparton, enabling nine weekday return services, and
  • track upgrades between Seymour and Shepparton, enabling speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour.
  • expanded stabling for VLocity trains to support more services
  • a further 1.1km extension of the Murchison East crossing loop to allow a 1200m freight train and two 6-car VLocity trains to pass each other.

The expanded loop and stabling facility works previously included in the Stage Three scope of works were brought into Stage Two following a decision by the Federal Government in August 2021. However, these elements of the project have come back into the scope of the Acciona Rail and KBR delivery alliance.

Key Dates

2021 Construction Commencement

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Victorian Government

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Rail Projects Victoria
Successful Tenderer: Acciona Rail/KBR
Procurement note:

Acciona Rail and KBR are delivering Stage 3 as part of an alliance with Rail Projects Victoria and V/Line.
Related contracts:
Stage One
Successful Tenderer - V/Line (delivery partner)

Stage Two
Successful Tenderer - Joint venture of Coleman Rail and KBR

PROJECT HISTORY

Oct 2020 The Federal Government allocated $320 million for Stage Three.
Nov 2020 The Victorian Government allocated $400 million towards Stage Three. This funding included the $320 million provided by the Federal Government.
May 2021 The 2021-22 Victorian Budget indicated the estimated project completion as fourth quarter of FY2023-24.
Aug 2021 The Federal Government announced the delivery of works previously flagged as part of Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage Three will be brought forward into the scope of the Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage Two. The successful contractors delivering Stage Two – Coleman Rail and KBR, in an Alliance with Rail Projects Victoria and V/Line – will deliver the expanded loop and stabling facility works previously included in the Stage Three scope of works. The signalling and track upgrade works between Seymour and Shepparton as part of Stage Three will be procured separately, subject to planning and environmental approvals.
Oct 2021 Works commence on Stage Three.
Apr 2022 The Victorian Government awarded contracts for the signalling upgrades between Seymour and Shepparton. UGL, SIEMENS and Integrated Rail Engineering Services will design the electronically-operated signalling system and All Systems Contractors will construct the upgrade.
May 2024 The 2024-25 Victorian Budget noted that it was unclear when the project will be completed, citing market constraints and the need to complete signalling design work.
Estimated Total Cost
(2021)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
Victoria | National |
Resources
Media releases
2021/11/10 Works underway
2020/10/06
2020/11/20
2021/08/14
2022/04/19
Project pages
Shepparton Line Upgrade
Major Contract

Warrnambool Line Upgrade

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Warrnambool Line Upgrade

The Warrnambool Line Upgrade will allow for a fifth weekday return service between Warrnambool and Melbourne. The upgrade will also see modern VLocit trains introduced on the line. The project is being delivered in two stages.

The $252 million Stage One includes:

  • a new crossing loop at Boorcan 
  • twelve level crossing upgrades between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool
  • signalling upgrades, and
  • upgrades to Warun Ponds Station.

The $260 million Stage Two will deliver further upgrades to the Warrnambool Rail Line that will complement the works undertaken during Stage One. 

Upgrades in Stage Two includes track works to improve the ride quality, reliability and resilience of the line for passenger and freight rail services.

These works will also assist with the introduction of modern VLocity-class trains onto the Warrnambool Rail Line and maximise the benefits of the new trains for passengers.

Key Dates

Jan 2020 Contract Award - Stage One
Sep 2020 Construction Commencement - Stage One
Sep 2022 EOIs Open - Stage Two
Oct 2022 EOIs Close - Stage Two
Oct 2022 RFT Open - Stage Two
Nov 2022 RFT Close - Stage Two
Nov 2022 Expected Contract Award - Stage Two
Dec 2022 Expected Construction Completion - Stage One
2022 Construction Commencement - Stage Two
Dec 2023 Expected Construction Completion - Stage Two

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Victorian Government

Procurement

Procuring Agency: VicTrack
Successful Tenderer: Stage One - Downer
Procurement note:

The project delivery has been divided between two stages. See Related contracts below for Stage One successful bidder.
Related contracts:
Stage One Main Works
Successful Tenderer - Downer

PROJECT HISTORY

Jan 2020 Downer was awarded the main works contract for Stage One of the project, with construction beginning in September 2020.
Oct 2020 In 2020-21 Budget, Federal Government allocated $208 million in funding for the project.
Nov 2020 In its 2020-21 Budget, the Victorian Government allocated $260 million towards the project. This funding includes $208 million provided by the Federal Government and will be expended within the forward estimates and beyond.
Sep 2022 VicTrack called for Expressions of Interest for an Early Contractor Involvement for Stage Two, closing on 8 October.
Dec 2022 Construction of Stage Two was announced as underway, due for completion at the end of 2023.
Estimated Total Cost
(2020)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement | Unconfirmed |
Location
Victoria | National |
Resources
Government resources
DITRDC Investment Page - Stage One
DITRDC Investment Page - Stage Two
Media releases
2020/01/29
2020/09/21
2020/10/06
2022/12/14
Tender notices
2022/09/08 - ECI Stage Two
Project pages
Warrnambool Line Upgrade
Major Contract

Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage Two

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage Two

Shepparton Line Upgrade will deliver more frequent and reliable services, and will allow new VLocity trains on the Shepparton Line. The project is being delivered in three stages.

The already completed Stage One saw 10 extra train services added between Melbourne and Shepparton weekly. Work included:

  • a stabling upgrade at Shepparton Station, and
  • 29 extra coach services between Shepparton and Seymour.

Stage Two work includes:

  • platform extensions at Mooroopna, Murchison East and Nagambie stations
  • a crossing loop extension near Murchison East
  • 59 level crossing upgrades between Donnybrook and Shepparton
  • stabling to house new VLocity trains
  • a business case to finalise the scope and costs for delivering Stage Three, and
  • the expanded loop and stabling facility works (previously included in the Stage Three scope of works).

Key Dates

Mar 2019 EOIs Open
May 2019 EOIs Close
2020 Contract Award
2020 Construction Commencement

Funding contributions

Victorian Government

The Victorian Government's commitments for Stage One and Two total $356 million.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Rail Projects Victoria
Successful Tenderer: Coleman Rail and KBR, in an Alliance with Rail Projects Victoria and V/Line
Procurement note:

The project was packaged as three stages. See Related Contracts for Stage One and Two construction partners.
Related contracts:
Stage One
Successful Tenderer - V/Line (delivery partner)

PROJECT HISTORY

Oct 2018 Victorian Government announced that V/Line is delivering the Stage One works on behalf of Rail Projects Victoria.
Feb 2019 The Victorian and Federal Governments announced that Expressions of Interest (EOIs) were open for the remaining stages of the upgrade. EOIs were due by 16 May.
Oct 2019 Rail Projects Victoria announced VicConnect, and a Coleman Rail and KBR joint venture for the Shepparton Corridor Upgrade Stage Two.
Sep 2020 The joint venture of Coleman Rail and KBR was named the preferred bidder for Stage Two of the Shepparton Line Upgrade. Construction is expected to begin later in the year, completing in late 2022.
Oct 2020 The Federal Government allocated $320 million in for Stage Three of the project.
Nov 2020 The Victorian Government allocated $400 million towards the project. This funding includes the $320 million provided by the Federal Government and will be expended within the forward estimates and beyond.
May 2021 2021-22 Victorian Budget indicated the estimated construction completion as second quarter of FY2022-23.
Aug 2021 The Federal Government announced the delivery of works previously flagged as part of Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage Three will be brought forward into the scope of the Shepparton Line Upgrade Stage Two. The successful contractors delivering Stage Two – Coleman Rail and KBR, in an Alliance with Rail Projects Victoria and V/Line – will deliver the expanded loop and stabling facility works previously included in the Stage Three scope of works. The signalling and track upgrade works between Seymour and Shepparton as part of Stage Three will be procured separately, subject to planning and environmental approvals.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Victoria | National |
Resources
Media releases
2020/10/06
2020/11/20
2021/08/14
2018/10/23
2020/09/18
Project pages
Shepparton Line Upgrade
Major Contract

Gippsland Line Upgrade

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Gippsland Line Upgrade

The Upgrade comprises two components. Stage One includes:

  •  duplicating track and building a new second platform at Bunyip and Longwarry stations
  •  upgrading 20 level crossing detection devices
  •  extending track duplication near Moe further east towards Traralgon
  •  improving drainage at Morwell River
  •  extending the crossing loop at Morwell
  •  a new second platform at Morwell Station
  •  duplicating nine kilometres of track between Morwell and Traralgon
  •  installing modern rail signalling and building a new second platform at Traralgon Station, and
  •  relocating train stabling at Traralgon.

Signalling upgrades between Bendigo and Eaglehawk to enable Bendigo Metro Stage Two is also procured along with Gippsland Stage One upgrades.

Stage Two of Gippsland Line Upgrade involves the $95 million duplication of the Avon River Bridge.

Key Dates

Dec 2020 Construction Commencement
Jun 2021 Contract Award
Jun 2024 Expected Construction Completion

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Victorian Government

These are funding contributions for main works of Stage One, as per 2021-22 Victorian Budget. The completed Stage Two of the project (Avon Bridge) had a total cost of $86 million.

The 2024-25 Federal Budget allocated an additional $290 million towards the project. It is understood the balance of funding is being provided by the Victorian Government although the value of the funding commitment was not published in the Victorian 2024-25 Budget. 

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Rail Projects Victoria
Successful Tenderer: VicConnect: A consortium comprising UGL Limited, Decmil and Arup
Related contracts:
Stage Two: Avon River Bridge
Successful Tenderer - CPB Contractors

PROJECT HISTORY

Oct 2018 RPV announced that Downer EDI, CPB Contractors, and a Coleman Rail and Decmil Southern joint venture had been shortlisted for Stage 2, signalling the start of the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase of procurement.
Jul 2019 The contract for Stage One was awarded to CPB Contractors in July 2019.
Dec 2020 VicConnect, a consortium comprising UGL Limited, Decmil and Arup, was selected as the preferred contractor for the first stage of the project. Early works are scheduled to begin in early 2021.
Mar 2021 Victorian Government announced that VicConnect consortium has been appointed as to contractor for the main works of the project.
Jun 2021 The Victorian Government announced contract close on the main works contract with VicConnect consortium.
Oct 2022 Major construction works at Bunyip and Longwarry stations were complete with train services reopening to passengers.
Feb 2023 The Victorian Government confirmed that major construction upgrades of all stations, including Morwell and Traralgon, were complete.
Apr 2023 The Traralgon Station overpass opened to the community.
May 2024 The 2024-25 Victorian Budget confirmed the project has a total estimated cost of $563 million, but did not specify any funding profile for the project for FY2024-25 or the forward estimates.
May 2024 The 2024-25 Federal Budget allocated an additional $290 million towards the project.
Estimated Total Cost
(2024)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Alliance |
Location
Victoria | National |
Resources
Infrastructure agency resources
IA Project Evaluation Summary
Media releases
2021/03/16
2020/12/08
2021/06/16
2022/10/31
2023/02/10
2023/04/06
Project pages
Gippsland Line Upgrade
Major Contract

South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication

PROJECT STATUS
Operational
South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication

The South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication is a proposed series of upgrades to the existing rail track, with the goal of enabling more services on the Geelong Line.

The project includes:

  • duplication of eight kilometres of track between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds
  • rebuilding South Geelong and Marshall stations
  • level crossing removals at Fyans Street and Surf Coast Highway
  • signalling upgrades
  • five kilometres of new shared user paths, creating a continuous connection between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds, and
  • development of a business case for further upgrades, including the rail tunnel between Geelong and South Geelong and the line over the Barwon River.

The project is part of the staged upgrade of the Geelong Line, with other minor packages set to upgrade the existing station and to deliver a new train maintenance and stabling facility at Waurn Ponds.

Further, work on Barwon Heads Road Duplication – delivered separately by Major Road Projects Victoria – will remove another level crossing in Marshall. 

Key Dates

Jan 2021 EOIs Open
Mar 2021 EOIs Close
Jun 2022 Contract Award
Jul 2022 Construction Commencement
Aug 2024 Construction Completion
Aug 2024 Operations/Service Commencement

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Victorian Government

 The 2020-21 Victorian Budget allocated $899 million in funding for Stage Two of the project. This included $754 million of Federal funding.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Rail Projects Victoria
Shortlist: CUBG, comprising CPB Contractors, UGL, Beca and GHD, and the Djilang Alliance, comprising McConnell Dowell, Downer, Arup and WSP
Successful Tenderer: The Djilang Alliance, comprising McConnell Dowell, Downer, Arup and WSP
Related contracts:
Stage One - Geelong Line Upgrade
Successful Tenderer - Downer

PROJECT HISTORY

Dec 2016 In FY2016-17 the Victorian and Federal governments allocated funding towards the $4 million South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Planning Project, which developed the business case for the project by examining signalling and asset upgrade options along the rail corridor, including the South Geelong tunnel.
May 2018 In May 2018 the business case for Stage Two was submitted to Infrastructure Australia for consideration.
Aug 2018 Infrastructure Australia released their project evaluation of Waurn Ponds Duplication project Stage 2, finding the project had a Benefit Cost Ratio of 0.6 and therefore did not add the project to its Infrastructure Priority List.
Oct 2018 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for Stage 1One were called for in October 2018.
Jan 2020 On 29 January 2020 Downer were awarded the contract for Stage One.
Oct 2020 The Federal Government's 2020-21 Budget brought forward $605 million into the forward estimates in order to accelerate Stages Two and Three of the project.
Nov 2020 Funding for Stage Three business case was allocated in the 2020-21 along with Victorian Budget's allocation of funding for Stage Two of the project.
Jan 2021 Rail Projects Victoria opened Expressions of Interest for Stage Two, closing on 11 March 2021. As part of the tender process, shortlisted proponents may be expected to include additional scope for a new rail viaduct over Barwon River and Waurn Ponds Creek, and for the replacement of the existing rail bridge over the Barwon River. The EOI documentation confirmed that, alternatively, the successful proponent may be required to prepare an additional scope proposal under the Project Alliance Agreement.
Aug 2021 Rail Projects Victoria shortlisted two consortia to design and construct the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication. The shortlisted bidders were CUBG, comprising CPB Contractors, UGL, Beca and GHD, and the Djilang Alliance, comprising McConnell Dowell, Downer, Arup and WSP. The contract award was expected by mid-2022, with construction expected to start in late 2022 and be completed by late 2024.
Mar 2022 The Djilang Alliance was announced as preferred contractor for the project.
Jun 2022 Rail Projects Victoria awarded the Djilang Alliance the contract to deliver the project.
Aug 2024 The Victorian Government announced main works construction on the project had been completed, with services recommencing on the Geelong Line.
Estimated Total Cost
(2021)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Alliance |
Location
Victoria | National |
Resources
Infrastructure agency resources
Infrastructure Australia Project Evaluation Summary
Media releases
2021/01/27 - EOIs open
2021/08/07 - Designs
2022/03/26 - Preferred contractor
2022/06/30 - Contract award
2024/08/26 - Construction completion
Project pages
South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication
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