The study will build on the report from the phase 1 study which was delivered by the AECOM-led consortium in August 2011 and identified possible route and station options, high level costs and potential demand forecasts.
The phase 2 study will determine with greater precision the alignment of track and station locations, improve the accuracy of the costs associated with building and operating the network, re-evaluate demand projections, and recommend financing options and possible governance arrangements.
AECOM Program Director, Philip Davies, said the findings from the interim study would be further tested and refined.
“We are delighted to be applying our global high speed rail capability for this landmark study into the potential for high speed rail in Australia,” Mr Davies said.
“The Federal Government has asked for solid evidence to consider the future of high speed rail in Australia. The phase 1 study is the first part of the evidence and now we look forward to delivering the next stage of this blueprint for Australia’s transport future,” he said.
The phase 1 report found a high speed rail network would cost between $61 billion and $108 billion to build, requiring more than 1,600 kilometres of new standard-gauge double track.
Trains on the network would travel up 350km/h and offer journey times such as three hours between Brisbane and Sydney and 40 minutes from Sydney to Newcastle.
The phase 2 study is expected to be completed by late 2012. The consortium comprises KPMG, SKM, ACIL Tasman, Booz & Co, Hyder and Grimshaw Architects.
For more information, please contact:
Trevor Robertson
Head of Communications
Australia & New Zealand
Ph: +61 7 3553 3687