Shortlist for USD1.5bn perth rail tunnel announced

The consortia are: JHL JV (John Holland and Leighton Contractors); SI-NRW JV (Salini Impregilo and NRW); Forrestfield Connect (ACCIONA Infrastructure, BAM International and Ferrovial Agroman).

The project will provide new rail services and improved bus networks for the Eastern Suburbs, foothills and surrounding community to the Perth CBD and the full Transperth bus and train network.

The 8.5 kilometre rail extension branches off the Midland Line, just east of Bayswater Station, and will be underground for 8kms in twin bored tunnels. It will feature three stations, Airport West, Consolidated Airport and Forrestfield.

The shortlisted consortia will now be invited to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the project.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the Public Transport Authority (PTA) evaluated five proposals.

"The level of interest in designing and constructing this transformational rail line to Perth's foothills via the Perth Airport has been high," said Nalder.

"The five proposals that were submitted were from leading national and international contractors, but only a maximum of three respondents can progress to the next stage."

The PTA will now issue a formal RFP to the three shortlisted proponents to develop fully costed proposals.

A contract will be awarded to the successful bidder in mid- 2016 with detailed design to begin soon after and construction starting in late 2016.

The first train will operate along the line in 2020.