Tenders called for priority Tasmanian freight rail works
02 October 2017
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Tenders called to deliver culvert repairs and replacement and bridgeworks on Tasmania’s rail network
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Upgrades to ensure freight can be delivered safely and on time across the state
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Works funded under the $119.6 million Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation program
Two requests for
tender were
released today for the repair and replacement of
bridges and culverts on
the
Tasmanian rail network, to help ensure the longevity and efficiency
of the state’s freight
rail operations.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said
the requests for tender were part of the Australian and Tasmanian
Governments’ joint $119.6 million investment in the Tasmanian Freight
Rail Revitalisation program.
“The Freight Rail Revitalisation program will upgrade priority sections
of the Tasmanian rail network over four years to mid-2019,” Mr Chester
said.
“This investment will further underpin Tasmanian rail’s capacity to
deliver freight safely and on time, supporting businesses across the
state and the entire Tasmanian economy.”
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Rene Hidding said the bridgework
was expected to begin in January 2018 and would focus on extending the
life of some of the most critical bridges in TasRail’s network by
strengthening them.
“These jointly-funded works are greatly improving the reliability of our
rail network, which can be seen by the huge improvement in derailments
over the past couple of years,” Mr Hidding said.
“TasRail has so far rolled-out construction contracts totalling $80.9
million, the majority awarded to local companies, which are in turn
supporting local sub-contractors and local suppliers of goods and
services. These bridge replacements and repairs will continue to improve
the reliability of rail for the benefit of customers and the Tasmanian
economy.’’
The project will also include the reconstruction of the Elizabeth Bridge
at Campbell Town on the South Line, which is scheduled to occur during
the Easter 2018 holidays.
The repairs and replacement of key culverts are scheduled to begin in
November 2017, while the bridgework is expected to start in January
2018. Overall completion of the Freight Rail Revitalisation program is
expected in mid-2019.
TasRail applies the State Government’s Buy Local Policy and tenderers
are required to demonstrate their support of Tasmanian industry and
businesses. Further details of the requests for tender are available at
www.tasrail.com.au. The Australian and Tasmanian governments have each
committed $59.8 million to jointly fund the Freight Rail Revitalisation
program.
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Source: Tasmanian Government - www.premier.tas.gov.au
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