Traffic jams are something generally experienced on roads, but growing populations are resulting in similar congestion on our rail corridors. With passenger numbers doubling in Melbourne’s West in the last decade, delays had become frustratingly common.
The solution? New dedicated tracks for regional trains woven through the metropolitan system. This separation of regional and metropolitan services allows major regional cities of Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat their own dedicated tracks. Increased capacity and reliability on both regional and domestic services contributes to more sustainable living on Melbourne’s western fringe.
The Regional Rail Link Project’s enormous size meant it needed to be divided into six work packages. AECOM worked as lead designer within a design & construct contract on two work packages, and as joint lead designer within an alliance partnership for a third work package. We helped deliver rail, structural, electrical, signalling and civil infrastructure solutions, as well as geotechnical, waterway modelling and environmental management services.
The project has provided:
- Two new platforms at Southern Cross Station
- A new rail bridge
- Two new train stations
- A complete rebuild of an existing station
- Upgrades to two existing stations
- Removal of two level crossings
Best of all, this $4.5B project is ahead of schedule and $900m under budget.
Awards: IPA’s Infrastructure Project of the Year 2014.