NSW Botany Rail Duplication progresses towards construction

New South Wales’ Port Botany rail line duplication project is a step closer to being built, with the tender to design and construct the project released to market and three companies have been shortlisted to submit formal tenders. 

The three shortlisted companies include: 

• CPB Contractors 
• Laing O’Rourke Construction Australia 
• John Holland 

This significant infrastructure project – led by the Australian Rail Trac Corporation (ARTC) – is set to create much-needed local jobs as well as a long-term boost to freight productivity in the region. 

“The Australian Government is fully funding the $400 million Botany Rail duplication and accompanying Cabramatta Loop Project to allow for more freight to be transported by rail through Port Botany to meet Sydney’s future freight demand. 

“The Botany Rail Duplication will upgrade and duplicate the current single freight rail track between Mascot and Botany to increase the capacity of Sydney’s freight rail network while bolstering operational efficiency, flexibility and reliability for freight customers,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

The rail duplication project is anticipated to create up to 400 jobs during its construction phase and will provide a boost to all local businesses that utilise the rail line to get their products to market. 

A wide range of local jobs will be involved in the delivery of this significant infrastructure project – including traffic controllers, track workers, labourers, security, engineers as well as a number of trades such as electricians, formwork carpenters, boiler makers and plant mechanics. 

“We know every single job we support makes a world of difference to that person, their family and the entire community, which is why I am thrilled to see this project launch into the construction phase – with this tender release to market paving the way for works to start next year. 

“This [is] a great example of how our record $100 billion nationwide investment in infrastructure is creating local jobs and driving growth right when it’s needed most,” Minister McCormack said. 

In August of this year, the State Government approved the new detailed plans for both the Botany Rail Duplication and Cabramatta Loop Project. You can read more about it here. 

Botany Rail Duplication map (source: Australian Rail Track Corporation)

The Botany Rail Duplication will include: 

• Track duplication – constructing a new track predominantly within the rail corridor for a distance of about three kilometres 
• Track realignment and upgrading – moving some section of track sideways (slewing) and upgrading some sections of track to improve the alignment of both tracks and minimise impacts to adjoining land uses 
• New crossovers – building new rail crossovers to maintain and improve access at two locations (totalling for new crossovers) 
• Bridge works – constructing new bridge structures at Mill Stream, Southern Cross Drive, O’Riordan Street and Robey Street (adjacent to the existing bridges), and re-constructing the existing bridge structures at Robey Street and O’Riordan Street 
• Embankment/retaining structures – construction of a new embankment and retaining structures adjacent to Qantas Drive between Robey and O’Riordan streets and a new embankment between the Mill Stream and Botany Road bridges 

In addition, the project will also involve ancillary works including bi-directional signalling upgrades, drainage work and protecting/relocating utilities. 

“COVID-19 has demonstrated the essential contribution of Australia’s freight industry and supply chain, driving economic growth and opportunity by getting local goods to markets and keeping shelves stocked. 

“Australia’s freight requirements are set to grow significantly over the coming decades. While this is great news for the industry and the Australian economy, it will place increasing pressure on our roads. 

“I look forward to this transformative project getting underway so that Sydney, New South Wales and our national supply chain can reap the benefits,” Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said. 

The Botany Rail Duplication is due to be completed in late-2024. 

The tender for the delivery of the Cabramatta Loop Project is due to be released to market later this year and is expected to be completed by mid-2023. 

Source:  Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC); Inside Construction; Infrastructure Magazine