A joint venture of SMEC and Arup (SAJV) has won the Technical and Engineering Advisory contract for an improved rail freight corridor between Melbourne and Brisbane – Inland Rail.
SAJV will provide a team of subject matter experts who will significantly bolster the resources of ARTC's Inland Rail team in the delivery of approximately 1,700km of new and upgraded track.
“It’s not often you get an opportunity to lead such a talented team on a strategically important and significant piece of national transport infrastructure. With the freight load increasing in Australia, we need sustainable, smart and safe solutions that reduce the demand on roads and congestion in and out of our cities.
“I am sure that the unique set of people on our team will be just as motivated and excited as I am to contribute to a project that will make a real difference. That drive, and the combined strength in depth of our two organisations seems to me to be an unrivalled combination. Simon O’Hana, SAJV Project Director
The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, announced a series of appointments for the Inland Rail project with reference to Infrastructure Australia naming Inland Rail as a priority initiative.
“Now, almost 100 years after the Trans-Australian Railway was completed, it is time to join our nation from north to south and build the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail. It is time to address eastern Australia’s freight challenge.
“Inland Rail is a game-changer for Australia as it is being designed to provide a dedicated Melbourne to Brisbane freight link that is reliable and provides a less than 24 hour transit time at an attractive price, enabling the market to move goods when the market wants.
“Inland Rail will boost regional economic growth and drive national productivity as it will connect key production areas in Queensland, NSW and Victoria with export ports in Brisbane and Melbourne, with linkages to Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. The Hon. Darren Chester, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport