The $4.3 billion Regional Rail Link project has reached another major milestone with the appointment of Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR) and Arup to complete the final planning and geotechnical work before construction starts in 2010.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky announced the successful tender today.

“Today’s announcement shows that significant progress is being made on what will be the largest improvement to Victoria’s rail network since construction of the City Loop,” Mr Albanese said.

“The Rudd and Brumby Labor Governments are working together on this nation-building project to create jobs during the current global recession by building the infrastructure we need for the future.

“Initial works at platforms 15 and 16 of Southern Cross Station began in August as the first step in delivering this project as quickly as possible, with major construction along the route scheduled to start next year.”

The Regional Rail Link project is being jointly funded by the Rudd Labor Government ($3.2 billion) and the Brumby Labor Government ($1.1 billion).

Ms Kosky said at least 2800 direct jobs will be created through the construction of the project.

“Today signals a major milestone for the $4.3 billion Regional Rail Link project,” Ms Kosky said.

“We received tenders from a number of multinational engineering firms and are pleased to be working with a joint venture the calibre of KBR and Arup, bringing substantial global expertise to the project.

“Regional Rail Link was Victoria’s highest priority project for action submitted to the Infrastructure Australia and will improve reliability for Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo V/Line services and free up capacity for more trains on the Werribee, Craigieburn and Sunbury (Sydenham) suburban lines.

“Together with the Rudd Labor Government we are making major investments to improve Victoria’s metropolitan and regional rail networks to add more services across the network.”