A new High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) has formally commenced operations in Australia, with the new organisation tasked to deliver the country’s first high-speed rail line.
World-leading advisers will support HSRA in the planning and development of the East Coast High Speed Rail Network, which will connect Sydney, Central Coast and Newcastle.
The network will revolutionise travel on the east coast of Australia, and could allow passengers to travel between major cities at up to 250km/h.
An open tender process sought industry experts with experience in planning and delivering major infrastructure projects such as high-speed rail.
Eight work packages have now been awarded to a range of applicants:
These advisers will now work firstly to deliver the line between Sydney and Newcastle, which will be the first high-speed line in the country.
Sydney to Newcastle is currently the busiest intercity rail line in Australia, with 14.9 million passengers making the 162km journey each year.
The business case will determine important elements of the network, including fleet, station locations, proposed corridor alignment and construction timeframes.
The Federal Government has pledged $500 million AUD towards planning the route, and established the HSRA to conduct the work independently.
HSRA will work with state, territory and local governments on business case development, with the business case expected to be delivered to the Government later this year.
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