Rail Projects Victoria, a division of the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority, is inviting pre-qualified contractors to submit their expressions of interest for the Maribyrnong River Bridge Package – the third works package under the Melbourne Airport Rail project to go to market.
The Maribyrnong River Bridge Package surrounds the construction of a new rail bridge over the Maribyrnong River, complementing the existing heritage-listed rail bridge built in the 1920s.
The works package will primarily comprise of the construction of a new elevated twin track rail crossing of the Maribyrnong River to the West of and immediately adjacent to the existing Albion Viaduct supporting both the Melbourne Airport Rail up and down tracks.
With a length of around 550 metres and an above-water height of around 50 metres, the new bridge will become the second-highest in Victoria by narrowly overtaking the existing bridge, second only to the West Gate Bridge at 58 metres.
The concept design of the new bridge proposes to use slender piers and wide pier spacings to minimise its visual impact, better preserving the structure, sight lines and history of the existing bridge which was built in the 1920s.
The design will also be considerate of the area’s cultural and environmental importance, minimising the overall impacts to the surrounding land.
The Melbourne Airport Rail will take travellers into the CBD in less than 30 minutes and will connect Victoria’s regional and metropolitan rail networks to the airport. Construction for the project is expected to begin in 2022 with the rail line to open to passengers in 2029 subject to planning and approvals.
The project is being delivered in three works packages, with the early-works package including important utility relocation and protection works already gone through an Advanced Tender Notice in July 2021. This package of works has now progressed to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage.
The second package of works focusses on doubling the size of Sunshine Station, building a section of elevated rail between Sunshine and the Albion-Jacana corridor, and delivering improvements around Albion Station. Expressions of Interest process for this package concluded in July 2021.
The third package, which is the Maribyrnong River Bridge Package had an Advanced Tender Notice issued in August 2021. Deadline for submitting EOI for the third package will close at 5 pm 19 October 2021.
More information about the Maribyrnong River Bridge Package can be found on the Buying for Victoria website.
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- On the horizon: Melbourne Airport Rail
- First look of Melbourne Airport Rail released for the public
- Sunshine Station to become transport superhub for Melbourne Airport Rail