The Andrews Labor Government’s plan to nearly double capacity on Melbourne’s busiest rail line has taken another major step forward with the shortlisted bidders for the Cranbourne Pakenham package of level crossing removals announced today.
The successful bidders are: Excelerate, a consortium including John Holland, Kellogg Brown and Root, McConnell Dowell Constructors and Jacobs; and another consortium which includes Lend Lease Engineering, Leighton Contractors, Aurecon Australia and Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia.
The package will remove all nine level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong, rebuild four stations at Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Clayton and Hughesdale, and roll out significant power and signalling upgrades.
It’s part of the Labor Government’s multi-billion dollar Level Crossing Removal Project, which will eliminate 50 of Victoria’s worst level crossings, reducing road congestion, improving safety and creating space to run more trains.
Acting Premier, James Merlino and Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan visited Hughesdale Station to make the announcement and talk to locals at a pop-up information session – one of many being held along the corridor to provide information about the level crossing removals and what they mean for residents and commuters.
As part of the process, each proponent will be required to demonstrate adherence to significant local content targets, including the use of local steel, and a workforce comprising of 10 per cent apprentice-based employees.
Last week, the Labor Government invited expressions of interest for the design, construction and maintenance of 37 next generation high-capacity trains for the Cranbourne Pakenham line.
Together with the level crossing removals, the new trains will boost capacity on the Cranbourne Pakenham line by up to 42 per cent every day – accommodating an extra 11,000 passengers in the morning peak.
The works are also critical to the Victorian economy and local jobs, improving access to some of Victoria’s most important economic centres in Melbourne’s south east and supporting thousands of local jobs.
The Request for Proposal for the Cranbourne Pakenham package of level crossing removals is expected in coming weeks. Construction will begin in 2016, and all nine level crossing removals will be completed by 2018.
Quotes attributable to Acting Premier, James Merlino
“These nine level crossings are crippling local roads, slowing down trains and putting lives at risk. They’ve got to go – and we’re getting on with it.”
“Announcing the shortlist brings us closer to starting work and getting rid of these congested death traps on our busiest rail line once and for all.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport and Employment, Jacinta Allan
“Removing every level crossing on our busiest line is critical for our train system and our economy – unlocking major economic centres in the south east and supporting thousands of local jobs.”
“Together with 37 new high capacity trains, this package of level crossing removals will nearly double capacity on the Cranbourne Pakenham Line, creating space for an extra 11,000 passengers in the morning peak every day.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020