The NSW Government has called for tenders to begin test drilling along the proposed route for the North West Rail Link, Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian announced earlier this month.
The test drilling, to be conducted by geotechnical experts, will give the North West Rail Link project team critical information about below-ground conditions including rock type and density.
“We are getting on with the job of delivering the North West Rail Link, and the geotechnical drilling tender is another important step in the project,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We expect geotechnical drilling to begin by the end of the year, in line with the O’Farrell Government’s commitment to start work on the project as soon as possible.
“The geotechnical information is needed to determine the best methods of tunnelling technologies which will be used to build the 23-kilometre rail link – including 15 kilometres between Epping and Kellyville which will be in a tunnel.
“The tunnelling for the project will be the longest rail tunnelling project ever undertaken in Sydney.
“Although much of the tunnelling route is expected to be within Hawkesbury sandstone – an ideal tunnelling medium – a detailed geological review is essential before any major works can commence.”
Other tenders to be issued are for:
- Master planning and urban design
- Scheduling and planning support
- Integrated transport and land use services
- Legal services
Ms Berejiklian said the master planning and urban design tender seeks applicants with world-class experience in the design of railway stations and their precincts.
“This tenderer will help create functional and coordinated designs to ensure the stations along the North West Rail Link complement their surrounds and support the successful operation of the local precincts,” she said.
“Community and local government input into the process will be a key part of this work, with local precinct planning activities to be undertaken around all station locations.
“The soon-to-be established North West Rail Link Community Information Centre at Castle Hill will play a key role in ensuring the public is fully informed and has a say.”
The transport and land use tenderer will ensure public transport opportunities are maximised and there is a coordinated approach to both rail and bus transport across Sydney’s North West.
The tenders called close on 4 July.
“The O’Farrell Government will continue to do the work needed to deliver the booming North West the rail link it deserves, after being ignored by Labor for 16 years,” Ms Berejiklian said.
