Aurecon builds strength in rail and mass transit to support increasing investment in rail infrastructure
27 October 2017
Aurecon:
Following the
release of the 2017 Federal Budget, the
Australian Government committed
to a AUD20 billion investment in
rail infrastructure projects,
recognising public transport and freight networks as essential to
improving the lives of Australia’s citizens and boosting productivity in
the country’s cities and regions.
Amidst a drive toward inclusive rail and transport networks that
maximise connectivity and ease of use, Infrastructure Technical
Director, Mikel Alonso, at global engineering and infrastructure
advisory company Aurecon, has moved into the role of Global Service
Leader, Rail and Mass Transit.
This move strengthens Aurecon’s commitment to provide efficient
transport systems across several geographies, especially within rapidly
growing urban areas. Mikel brings a blend of technical and leadership
skills, together with a client-focussed approach.
Based in
Melbourne, Mikel has been at Aurecon for six years and has
accumulated experience in complex rail projects across Europe, Asia,
Australia and
New Zealand.
His significant industry experience in multi-faceted rail and mass
transit projects, planning and delivery, and project management
complements Aurecon’s strong track record of top-notch rail projects.
Examples of these include the
Auckland City Rail Link, Doha Metro Red
Line,
Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel, South Island Line in Hong Kong and the
Level Crossing Removal Programme in Victoria.
“With the number of opportunities and projects in the pipeline, it is
evident that public transport and the rail sector is growing at an
almost unprecedented pace. This growth cannot be approached lightly,
especially since urban rail projects have the capacity to be a
city-shaping tool, providing opportunities to directly improve user
experience through urban regeneration and rail corridor renewal,” says
Mikel.
However, the growing rail industry is not without its challenges. The
industry, in general, has to address and examine a range of concerns
that have a potential impact on the success of the rail plans and
programmes.
“Rail plays a vital part in the productivity of our nation. Ensuring it
integrates with other social and transport infrastructure is a
continuing challenge, knowing that it has been disrupted by emerging
technologies, unprecedented progress in urban environments and changing
expectations of user experience,” says Ben Stapleton, Managing Director
of Infrastructure at Aurecon.
“I’m extremely pleased to have someone of Mikel’s experience and
capabilities on the team. His appointment comes at a pivotal time and
will help us in partnering with clients to construct innovative rail
infrastructure, centred on improving the connectivity of people, places
and goods.”
Mikel has been tasked to lead a global team of rail and mass transit
specialists to deliver smart, efficient and future-proof rail solutions
across passenger and metro networks, light rail and freight, as well as
heavy haul rail.
He believes there are tremendous opportunities in store for Aurecon to
add value to its clients as the rail industry is in such a strong growth
phase.
“There is a real opportunity to better involve key stakeholders and the
community in developing projects through appropriate stakeholder
engagement at every stage of a project, from conception though design,
delivery, and operation, which has become critical to achieve
user-centric outcomes and deliver on time, on budget success of these
large rail projects,” says Mikel.
He inherits the Global Service Leader, Rail and Mass Transit role from
Rowenna Walker, who stepped away from the position to focus on her
position as Client Director, Transport – Qld/NSW, making her responsible
for Client Account Management and work winning within both states.
--ENDS--
Source: Aurecon - www.aurecongroup.com
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