The selection process to find the best design and construction team to build the Moreton Bay Rail Link has reached the next stage, with the tenderers shortlisted from four to two.
Letters of offer for this final stage of the competitive tendering process have been sent to Salini Bielby Winslow Joint Venture and Thiess Contractors.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson and Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said the two remaining tenderers that have been short-listed to further develop their design and construction solutions for the project are companies with national and international credentials.
“It is essential that whoever is finally chosen to build this important piece of infrastructure project for the South East Corner has the best team and the technical capabilities behind them to see this project through to its completion,” said Mr Albanese.
“Construction of this long awaited, often promised rail line to the Redcliffe Peninsula is part of an unprecedented Federal investment in public transport nationwide. Indeed, this Labor Government is spending more than all our predecessors since Federation combined.”
Mr Emerson said tackling the many design aspects of this large and complex project had been the focus of the four tenderers through the latter part of 2012.
“I commend the four teams who have spent an enormous amount of creative energy and invested their considerable expertise in coming up with solutions for the Moreton Bay Rail Link,” he said.
“The two shortlisted teams will now work independently to finalise the key features and layout of the dual track line, bridges and associated road and precinct works.
“Six new rail stations will be built at Kallangur, Murrumba Downs, Mango Hill, Mango Hill East, Rothwell and Kippa-Ring.
“The project also includes a train stabling facility at Kippa-Ring.”
Mr Sutherland said the Moreton Bay Rail Link was a significant project for one of Australia’s fastest growing urban areas.
“This is crucial infrastructure that will serve the region’s booming population for decades to come and drive additional investment,” he said.
Once agreed, they will work independently to develop their designs to a higher level of detail and plan the best methods for constructing the rail link.
They will submit their tenders including cost proposals in May 2013.
The Moreton Bay Rail Link is a $1.147 billion project which has being jointly funded with the Australian Government providing $742 million, the Queensland Government $300 million and land and the Moreton Bay Regional Council $105 million.
The Queensland Government will also fund cost over runs and services along the completed line.