The Maldon to Dombarton Rail Link Project has now moved to the next stage with the awarding of contracts to Parsons Brinckerhoff and GHD for engineering, planning and environmental works.
The two companies have now started this initial planning work, which is about working through the safety, design, operational and environmental issues so that the project is at a stage where it can be considered for possible federal funding.
Parsons Brinckerhoff will do the engineering work of investigating design, safety and operational issues involved in completing the rail link.
GHD will investigate the environmental issues in the rail corridor and surrounding areas, which will be critical in securing planning and environmental approvals before any construction could start.
The Federal Government is funding the planning and pre-construction design work for the Maldon to Dombarton Rail Link through the Nation Building Program, having set aside $25.5 million for the purpose.
NSW Minister for Roads and Ports Duncan Gay said the completed freight rail line would connect Port Kembla directly to the main south line at Picton, and include boring one of Australia’s longest rail tunnels.
“What the Maldon to Dombarton Rail Link will involve is laying around 35 kilometres of track with multiple passing loops and new bridges over the Nepean and Cordeaux Rivers.
“Next up for the project is the appointment of a specialist cost planner,” said Mr Gay.