ARTC awards $250m contract for third Hunter rail

The Maitland to Whittingham Third Road Alliance project is part of a major infrastructure program coordinated through ARTC. The program is designed to boost Australia’s coal export capacity. Major construction will start in mid 2009, and expected to be finished by March 2012.

Divided into two stages to accelerate delivery, stage one from Minimbah to Whittingham will involve building about 10.8km of new track, civil, road and bridge works. Signalling will also be coordinated with this package.

The comprehensive stage two contract, from Maitland to Minimbah, includes the design and construction of a third track adjacent to the existing mainline. Also included are design, documentation, surveying and services relocation work. The 32km of new track will directly connect with the stage one works.

Full scope of work for the complete project includes:

•  Design and documentation from concept to construction and commissioning;

•    Comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including a review of existing data, detailed site investigations, analysis of ground conditions and subsequent reporting with construction recommendations;

•    Site surveying;

•    Environmental assessment and planning approvals;

 •    Property acquisition; and

 •    Earthworks and construction.