The Port of Melbourne’s Port Rail Transformation Project (PRTP) is progressing, with the awarding of two key contracts for new rail infrastructure at the port.
WSP and Seymour Whyte Constructions have been engaged to develop new rail infrastructure at the port, including a new rail terminal interfacing with the container terminal at Swanson Dock East. WSP will provide the design consultancy services, and Seymour Whyte Constructions the early contractor involvement.
The $125 million PRTP project will help to make rail transport more competitive, cut the high cost of the ‘last mile’ and reduce truck congestion at the port gate – a big win for Victorian exporters delivering goods to the Port of Melbourne.
It will also allow importers to use rail to efficiently move containers to distribution centres around Melbourne. The works will include a new rail terminal interfacing with the container terminal at East Swanson Dock.
Improving rail access to the port is a legislated condition of the Port of Melbourne lease.
Site investigations will be underway in March 2021 with construction planned to commence in July. The project is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2023.
The Port of Melbourne is also ensuring that the port supply chain is operating as efficiently as possible by adapting land use at the port to alleviate the backlog in empty shipping containers across the supply chain resulting from strong and sustained import volumes.
Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, said the project will deliver a boost to Victoria’s economy – improving efficiency for local exporters and cutting the high cost of the ‘last mile’.
“We will closely monitor the progress of this project and continue to work with the sector to improve rail freight in Victoria,” Minister Horne said.
Port of Melbourne CEO, Brendan Bourke, said as Australia’s largest container and general cargo port, it’s critical that the Port of Melbourne maintains a long term investment view so that it can continue to meet the freight needs of Victoria and south-east Australia.
“We are excited to be working with WSP and Seymour Whyte Constructions on the development of the PRTP,” Mr Bourke said.