Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, and South Australian Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Patrick Conlon, today announced that two major contracts have been awarded for pre-construction work on the Seaford Rail Extension.

The contracts have been awarded to engineering firm KBR to undertake the necessary planning, design and environmental assessment work, as well as the engineering firm URS to undertake geotechnical investigations.

Mr Albanese said the awarding of these contracts just months after the project was announced was a demonstration of our commitment to deliver it as quickly as possible.

“This project is what the Rudd Labor Government’s Nation Building for Recovery strategy is all about. It will put Australians to work building the infrastructure vital to our nation’s long term economic prosperity.”

“In particular, the $291 million extension of the rail line to Seaford will significantly improve public transport services to Adelaide’s rapidly growing southern suburbs.”

The extension of the dual track rail line from Noarlunga to Seaford will include:

• Stations and a bus/train interchange at the Seaford rail terminus, as well as Park and Ride facilities at Seaford Meadows;


• A new 1.2 kilometre elevated bridge over the Onkaparinga River and River Road as well as a rail bridge over Old Honeypot Road;


• Three new road bridges over the track at Goldsmith Drive, Seaford Road and Lynton Terrace;


• New accesses and footbridges for cyclists and pedestrians; and


• Landscaping and urban design features at selected locations.

Mr Conlon said the work to be undertaken by KBR and URS over the next five months will define the preferred route alignment, scope of the project and engage the local community in the design process.

“We want the local community to have input into all aspects of this project from the location and functionality of the stations to the design and route of the cycle and pedestrian paths,” said Mr Conlon.

Construction of the extension is expected to start mid 2010 with electric train services to be operating in 2013, in line with the completion of electrification of the Noarlunga line.