Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) today signed an agreement with Leighton Contractors (LEI) to create the Upper Hunter Valley Alliance which will deliver a $152 million program of works on the Hunter Valley Rail corridor. The program incorporates two works packages designed to increase the coal carrying capacity of the Hunter Valley Rail network. In alliance with ARTC, Leighton Contractors will be commissioned to undertake all civil and track works in accordance with the ARTC 2009 – 2018 Hunter Valley Corridor Capacity Strategy from Singleton to Mus wellbrook (Upper Hunter 1) and Muswellbrook to Werris Creek (Upper Hunter 2). Leighton Contractors will be supported by sub-alliance partners Parsons Brinckerhoff, Coffey Geotechnics and KMH Environmental.
ARTC CEO David Marchant explained that the ongoing upgrade of the Hunter Valley rail corridor is essential if the network is to keep pace with increasing demand for c oal from the region. “Demand for Hunter Valley coal is set to grow exponentially by 2012. The program of works to be undertaken by ARTC and Leighton Contractors is part of ARTC’s strategy to maintain the Hunter Valley rail network ahead of future market demands,” Mr Marchant said. “ARTC is work ing with the Hunter Valley coal industry and the Australian Government to ensure that rail ‘steps up to the plate’ and delivers an efficient connec tion between the Gunnedah Basin and the Newcastle ports. Leighton Contractors General Manager NSW/ACT, Mike Metcalfe, said the announcement reflected the company’s ability to provide comprehensive rail and civil infrastructure solutions to major customers, such as ARTC. “This program is pivotal for the future success of the Hunter Valley and Leighton Contractors is ready to deliver the works efficiently and effectively,” Mr Metcalfe said.
Leighton Contractors is one of Australia’s leading contracting and project development groups with over $9.6 billion work in hand, employing more than 9,000 people across Australia and New Zealand. The company services clients across a range of industries and sectors including resources, construction, telecommunications, energy, infrastructure and facility management.
Tags: Construction, LEI, Leighton, New contract, Rail
