Forrestfield-Airport Link call for proposals

• RFPs to design and construct Forrestfield-Airport Link issued to three consortia

• $2b project will open up a new rail corridor to Perth's eastern suburbs  

The State Government's plan to construct the $2 billion Forrestfield-Airport passenger train line has reached another milestone with three consortia invited to participate in a Request for Proposal to design and construct the project.

They are Forrestfield Connect (ACCIONA Infrastructure, BAM International and Ferrovial Agroman), JHL JV (John Holland and Leighton Contractors) and SI-NRW JV (Salini Impregilo and NRW), which were issued with formal request documents.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the 8.5km rail extension would branch off the Midland Line east of Bayswater Station, and would feature three new stations, Airport West (Belmont), Consolidated Airport and Forrestfield Station.

"This project will open up a brand new rail corridor to Perth's rapidly growing eastern suburbs and take thousands of cars off our roads," Mr Nalder said.

Trains will begin operating on the line in 2020, linking the city to the airport and to Forrestfield.

Several hundred representatives from local, national and international companies attended the initial industry briefing in November last year.  From there, five consortia expressed an interest in building this transformational project and that group has been shortlisted to three.

"Once the proposals are submitted to the State Government, evaluation will take place with a view to awarding the contract in mid-2016," the Minister said.

"This is part of the State Government's efforts to provide an integrated transport network so that people can choose their best transport option to reach their destinations."

Detailed design will begin soon after the tender is awarded, and construction will begin in late 2016.  The contractor will be responsible for constructing the twin bored tunnels and three stations as well as associated infrastructure such as car parks and bus layover bays.

Fact File

• Three consortia issued with Request for Proposals, to provide a fully-costed and detailed design for the Forrestfield-Airport Link

• Numerous community information sessions have been held for local residents along the planned route

• Project will include parking for 3,000 cars at Airport West and Forrestfield stations 

Minister's office - 6552 6400