The Forrestfield-Airport Link project reached another milestone with an official industry briefing provided to potential proponents this week in Perth, Western Australia.
West Australian Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the briefing to more than 200 attendees was the first step in a process to select a private sector proponent to design and construct the $A2 billion rail line to Perth’s eastern suburbs via the Perth Airport.
The Forrestfield-Airport Link will create a 20 minute journey for commuters from Perth’s eastern suburbs to the city and will feature three new stations, Airport West (Belmont), Consolidated Airport and Forrestfield.
It will branch off the existing Midland line near Bayswater and run underground for 8 km in twin-bored tunnels beneath the Swan River and Perth Airport.
Mr Nalder said the briefing covered the project overview, geotechnical and tunnelling aspects as well as the contract and procurement timeframe.
“This is an exceptional project to open up Perth’s eastern suburbs to a new major public transport corridor.
“The briefing will equip potential proponents with information to decide if they will bid to design and construct this landmark public transport project. Industry stakeholders will also be asked their views on the project and procurement process,” Mr Nalder said.
The project is already looking to the next stage, with expressions of interest (EOI) set to commence in early 2015.
“The next major milestone is the start of the EOI period early next year, with the contract to be awarded in mid-2016 and the first trains expected to operate in 2020,” Mr Nalder said.