Six consortiums have signalled their intention to bid for the multi-billion dollar contract to build the twin 15.5km tunnels between Bella Vista and Epping on Sydney’s North West Rail Link, following calls for expressions of interest. The joint venture parties which have lodged expressions of interest are:
- Baulderstone Bouyges North West Rail Joint Venture: Baulderstone Pty Ltd/Bouyges Travaux Publics
- China Rail 15th Group Australia Pty Ltd
- Civilinc: Acciona Infrastructure Australia Pty Ltd/Ferrovial Agroman (Australia) Pty Ltd/Ghella Pty Ltd
- OHL Impregilo: Obrascon Huarte Lain SA (OHL)/Impregilo S.p.A
- RapidLink: Obayashi Corporation/McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust)/Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction
- Thiess John Holland Dragados: Thiess Pty Ltd/John Holland Pty Ltd/ Dragados Australia Pty Ltd;
“This is an outstanding result and a strong sign of the high level of interest in this project,” said Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian.
“The companies involved are from across Australia and around the world, including Spain, the USA, France, the UK, South Africa, China, Italy and Japan.
“The next step will be the official calling for tenders in October this year to build the twin tunnels, which will be the longest and deepest rail tunnels in Australia.
“The project is on schedule for tunnel boring machines to be in the ground in 2014.”
Following the call for tenders to build the tunnels, a contract is expected to be awarded in the second half of next year.
There will be three major contracts for the North West Rail Link project:
- Tunnelling
- Surface construction works
- Rail systems, trains and operations.
The tender process for the two remaining contracts is expected to start later this year.
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