Interest call for inner city rail project

15/3/03
Expressions of Interest have been called for the design and construction of most of the works associated with the $200million inner city rail project.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today said expressions of interest (EOIs) were being advertised today in The West Australian, The Weekend Australian and The Financial Review newspapers.

"The project covers the section of the Perth to Mandurah railway between the Narrows Bridge and Perth Central Station and its connection with the existing northern suburbs railway," the Minister said.
"Particularly, the city project includes 1.6km of tunnels and new underground station platforms at The Esplanade and William Street.
"This project is part of the Gallop Government's plan to double Perth's passenger rail networkphase of the Perth Urban Rail Development Project (PURD)."
Ms MacTiernan said the contract was a relationship-based 'design and construct' with a single contractor responsible for design and construction of all project elements as well as long-term maintenance of key items such as underground structures and ventilation.
"The contract model was developed from a detailed risk evaluation process that has been supported by extensive research and industry consultation," the Minister said.
"It has been presented to industry and has been very well received with strong interest both nationally and from overseas."
Ms MacTiernan said three senior rail project managers had recently visited Singapore, Hong Kong and Europe to examine tunnel boring and contracting methods.
"Many of these countries have had vast experience with the excavation of a variety of landscapes and the building of complex tunnels," she said.
"When the managers returned home, they reconfirmed the feasibility of the Perth project and the soundness of our contracting approach."
The Minister said the Government realised that the tunnel boring and construction works would be in close proximity to a variety of modern and heritage buildings and landmarks.
"Some of these include the old Palace Hotel, Wesley Church and the Horseshoe Bridge as well as amenities like sewers and drains," she said.
"We will be scrutinising the applicants very closely, not only to make sure that they can do the job properly, but that they take planning and aesthetic considerations into account."
The EOI phase closes on April 16 after which two proponents will be selected to prepare detailed bids. The preferred proponent will be selected later this year with construction work expected to start early next year.
The project completion date is July 2006 in time for the start of train services to Rockingham and Waikiki at the end of that year.
Minister's office: 9213 6400