Two EOI’s called for Inland Rail construction

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has opened two seperate expressions of interest for Inland Rail construction.

The first is a construction contract on the Narrabri to North Star section of Inland Rail, and the second is for the supply and delivery of 1.44 million rail sleepers.

ARTC Inland Rail Chief Executive Richard Wankmuller said as work continues on the project, more and more regional communities will benefit economically through job creation and the expansion of local businesses.

“The benefits of Inland Rail will be felt far beyond the route, as businesses come on board to build this essential link in our national supply chain,” Mr. Wankmuller said.

“This once-in-a generation project will complete the backbone of the national freight network by providing a transit time of 24 hours or less for freight trains between Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.”

Mr. Wankmuller said that at the height of construction, there will be 16,000 direct and indirect jobs from the Inland Rail.

“The Parkes to Narromine section of Inland Rail is now 10 months into full construction, and the economic benefits can already been clearly seen in Parkes and surrounding regions,” Mr. Wankmuller said.

“Inland Rail construction is injecting significant dollars into local businesses and the regional economy, with $41.2 million spent so far.”