Contract won on stage one of $615 million Gawler rail project, SA

The South Australian Government has announced the successful contractor to deliver the first stage of the Gawler Rail Electrification Project.

Lendlease has been selected to design and construct the first stage of the project, which will see the Gawler line electrified between Adelaide and Salisbury.

The work includes installation of overhead wiring, masts and gantries; a new signalling system; an Automatic Train Protection system; and a new fibre optic communications system cable.

“The Gawler line is our most popular train service with patronage increasing by more than 30% in the seven years to 2017 and we want to keep improving that service and growing patronage,” South Australian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said in a statement.

“On average almost 17,000 passengers use Gawler services each weekday and completing the electrification of the entire line will significantly increase capacity, allowing an extra 2400 passengers an hour to use the train in peak periods.”

Lendlease’s NorthHub employment and training facility, utilised on the region’s Northern Connector project, will also be expanded to include the Gawler rail project.

“Its great news that Lendlease will expand its NorthHub initiative to include the Gawler Electrification project, this will ensure we maximise opportunities for South Australian workers and businesses,” Mr. Mullighan said.

Works are expected to commence in the coming weeks, starting with the relocation of power, water, gas, telecommunications and stormwater services along the corridor.

Mr. Mullighan said the second stage of the project is also ready to proceed and just needs a funding commitment from the Federal Government to give it the green light.

The first stage of project is expected to be completed by mid-2020.