LendLease has been awarded the contract to build the first stage of the $615 million Gawler Electrification project in South Australia.
“The Gawler line is our most popular train service with patronage increasing by more than 30% in the seven years to 2017 and we want to keep improving that service and growing patronage.
“On average almost 17,000 passengers use Gawler services each weekday and completing the electrification of the entire line will significantly increase capacity, allowing an extra 2,400 passengers an hour to use the train in peak periods,” Transport and infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said.
Stage one of the project will electrify the Gawler line between Adelaide and Salisbury, with works to include:
- Installation of the overhead wiring system including masts and gantries
- Installation of a new signalling system
- Installation of an Automatic Train Protection system
- Installation of a new fibre optic communications system cable
- Service relocations, vegetation trimming and removal and other works necessary to enable the electrification to proceed
Construction is set to commence in the coming weeks on the Gawler Electrification project – which will deliver much faster, safer, more reliable and more comfortable rail services for all commuters. Works will start with the relocation of water, power, gas, telecommunications and stormwater services along the rail corridor.
LendLease will be utilising its NorthHub employment and training facility for this development, ensuring that local workers as well as businesses can benefit the most from this project.
“This project will support 135 jobs a year during construction and we want to make sure that local businesses and workers gain the greatest benefit from this investment.
“Its great news that LendLease will expand its NorthHub initiative to include the Gawler Electrification project, this will ensure we maximise opportunities for South Australian workers and businesses,” Mr Mullighan said.
Minister Mullighan added that stage two of the project – from Salisbury to Gawler – is also ready to proceed and it just needs funding commitment from the Australian Government to begin works.
“Even with the contract signed and works to commence within weeks, a funding commitment by the Federal Coalition would allow us to extend the contract to deliver the entire project from Adelaide to Gawler and would support an extra 95 jobs a year during construction,” Mr Mullighan said.
The Gawler Electrification project is expected to be completed by mid-2020.
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Source: Premier of South Australia
