Tender released for the construction of NSW Cabramatta Loop Project

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is now calling for tender submissions for the construction of the Cabramatta Loop Project in New South Wales. Along with the call for tenders, ARTC also released the design for the project. 

The Cabramatta Loop Project will be playing a vital role in meeting the future freight demands in Sydney. 

“This transformative Project will help increase the share of freight moved by rail in New South Wales and create up to 220 jobs during the construction phase that is scheduled to start in 2021. 

“The Cabramatta Loop will aid the national supply chain by building upon the benefits of other capacity improvements across the ARTC network, by enabling freight trains up to 1,300 metres in length that are travelling in either direction, to pass each other,” ARTC Group Executive Interstate Network Peter Winder said. 

Companies Downer EDI, Fulton Hogan and John Holland Group have all been shortlisted to design and build the project. 

In addition, the Australian Government has also committed approximately $400 million towards the delivery of the Port Botany Rail Line Duplication and Cabramatta Loop Project. Both of these projects have been identified as vital in enabling more freight to be transported by rail through Port Botany. 

“The increase in rail capacity will create greater reliability for freight customers and improve operational efficiency and flexibility. 

“Rail is playing a critical role in our $110 billion infrastructure plan, which is laying the foundations for economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minsiter for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

Project map (source: Australian Rail Track Corporation)

The Cabramatta Loop Project will include: 

• A new 1.65-kilometre-long rail track adjacent the existing track, with connections to the existing track at the northern and southern ends 
• Realignment of approximately 550 metres of the existing track to make room for the new track 
• Construction of two new brides adjacent the existing rail bridges over Sussex Street and Cabramatta Creek 
• Road reconfiguration at Broomfield Street for a distance of about 680 metres between Sussex and Bridge streets 

The project will also include ancillary works such as upgrades to communication, signalling and power; works to existing retaining and noise walls; drainage work; and the protection/relocation of utilities. 

New signalling installed at various locations along the rail corridor will also be delivered as part of minor works. 

“Australia’s freight flows are set to experience significant growth over the coming decades and demand for further capacity on the Southern Sydney Freight Line is expected by the mid-2020s. 

“This is part of the Australian Government’s investment to increase the safety and efficiency of the national freight network to ensure Australian businesses remain globally competitive and deliver their products to markets in Australia and overseas with more ease,” Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said. 

Mr Winder added that the Cabramatta Loop Project was added to Infrastructure Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List and is “deemed essential for economic, social or environmental reasons”. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Australian Rail Track Corporation (1, 2)