The two-year development phase will inform a government decision to fund the project so construction can start in 2029. Image: Screenshot – HSRA.
The Commonwealth has invited a shortlist of train, rail systems and tunnel construction experts to bid for Phase 1A of the high-speed rail project between Sydney and Newcastle.
The shortlist and invitations come as part of the development phase of the project to build a high-speed rail corridor along Australia’s east coast announced in February.
The $230 million development phase is scheduled to run until early 2028, and is designed to ensure the planned line between the two cities is ready for construction to commence in 2029. Phase 1A of the project is projected to cost about $55 billion, including station infrastructure and rolling stock, and could be operating as early as 2038.
The new trains will be capable of operating at speeds of up to 320 km/h, although will likely be restricted on a large proportion of the first stage due to extensive tunnels required south of the Hawkesbury River and under Sydney’s northern suburbs to Central. It is expected it will take about one hour to travel between Newcastle and Sydney, and about 30 minutes from the Central Coast to either Newcastle or Sydney Central.
The government says three global rail consortiums have been shortlisted for an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process following a competitive process: Alstom/UGL Joint Venture which includes Alstom Transport Australia, and UGL Engineering; the ARC Joint Venture which comprises Siemens Mobility, Siemens Mobility GmbH, and Mott MacDonald Australia; and Hitachi Rail STS Australia.
These three consortiums will compete to design and develop Australia’s first high-speed trains and systems, and have been required to base their work on proven trains and systems already operating successfully around the world, supported by internationally-experienced designers, systems integrators and engineering firms, and adapted to Australian conditions.
Three major construction consortia have also been shortlisted for an ECI for the major earthworks.
These include an Acciona John Holland Joint Venture; the Advanced Alliance Joint Venture comprising Gamuda Engineering, FCC Construction Australia, and Samsung C&T Corporation; and the GoFar Joint Venture comprising CPB Contractors, Ferrovial Construction (Australia), VINCI Construction and Grands Projects Australia.
These groups will compete to develop plans for Area Package 1 which is a section between Berowra and Ourimbah which comprises about 35 km of twin tunnels delivered using tunnel boring machines, construction of the Central Coast High Speed Rail Station at Gosford, and installation of all rail and station systems and other structural and surface infrastructure works.
The High Speed Rail Authority’s (HSRA) ECI process is working to finalise the cost, scope, design and approvals for high-speed rail to ensure it is construction ready, and allow the Australian Government to make an investment decision at the end of the development phase.
If funding is approved, a trains, systems and system integration contract package will include the supply of Australia’s first high-speed trains, the design and delivery of rail systems, the depot and operations control centre, and the integration, testing and commissioning of the Newcastle to Sydney high-speed rail system.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said Australia had a proud history of building trains in-country, and she hoped the project would drive a resurgence in local industry.
“The three proponents we have shortlisted will take globally proven high-speed rolling stock and systems and adapt them for Australian high-speed rail, Australian conditions and Australian passengers,” she said.
“Through this process, the proponents will explore where we can use existing Australian rail manufacturing capability and advanced manufacturing facilities to support local jobs, and train the next generation of skilled Australian workers.
“We know the roads between Newcastle and Sydney are congested, and the existing rail line is reaching capacity. We must invest in new ways to travel between New South Wales’ largest cities. That’s why this careful planning work is getting underway.”
HSRA CEO Tim Parker added, “We’re not starting from scratch – Australia’s high-speed rail will use tried and tested high-speed trains and systems already operating successfully around the world.
“Our partners will work with us to adapt proven technology for Australian conditions, Australian safety requirements and the needs of Australian passengers.
“High-speed rail is about much more than speed,” he added. “We want a reliable, accessible, comfortable and digitally-connected service that transforms the way people travel between Newcastle, the Central Coast and Sydney.
“Bringing the train and systems partners into the project now means we can design the railway around the customer experience from the start.”
