Construction to replace the Avon River Bridge in Stratford, Victoria is one step closer to commencing, with the beginning of the Advanced Tender Notice (ATN) and pre-qualification process for the $95 million project.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack, this announcement is an important step towards giving better train services to Gippsland passengers.
“The new bridge is just part of the work we’re doing on the Gippsland Line Upgrade to give Gippslanders the train services they deserve,” Mr McCormack said.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan added that this project provides a great opportunity to create jobs for the region.
“The design and construction of the new bridge will provide numerous opportunities for local contractors and suppliers to be involved and ensure this investment benefits Gippsland in the long run,” Ms Allan said.
This project is going to be overseen by Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) and it will use the pre-qualification process to identify qualified companies to tender for the replacement bridge project.
Scope of works for the Avon River Bridge replacement project will include earthworks as well as formation and track works that will connect the new bridge to the existing railway.
The Avon River Bridge replacement project is part of the $350 million Gippsland Line Upgrade and it will lift the 10km/h speed limit that is currently imposed on this section of the line in order to improve the reliability of train services and to reduce the overall travel times along the route.
Subject to planning and environmental approvals, construction on the new bridge is expected to commence in 2019 and be completed in early 2021.
The entire Gippsland Line Upgrade is aimed at transforming the line and it is projected to create over 400 jobs. The upgrade will include track duplication, signalling upgrades as well as new stabling and additional platforms that will deliver more frequent and reliable train services for locals.
The Avon River Bridge replacement is part of the jointly funded $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival program, with the Australian and Victorian Governments committing $86 million and $9 million respectively.
If you are interested in getting involved in the ATN and pre-qualification process for the bridge replacement project, you can get more details at Tenders VIC.
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Source: Premier of Victoria, Gippsland Times, Roads & Infrastructure Australia
