John Holland will handle the Beveridge to Albury (B2A) Tranche 2 section, covering Benalla, Euroa, Wandong, Hume Fwy – Tallarook, Seymour and three sites in Broadford.
The $470 million contract includes replacing bridges and lowering tracks to ensure double-stacked freight trains can safely travel from Brisbane to Melbourne.
Euroa and Benalla railway stations will get major upgrades, such as new platforms, pedestrian underpasses and more parking, enhancing safety and accessibility for passengers.
Planning for B2A Tranche 2 starts now, with construction beginning in early 2025 and expected completion by 2027.
Inland Rail chief executive Nick Miller said this was a major step forward for the Inland Rail project in Victoria with all 12 sites now under contract.
“Tranche 1 sites at Glenrowan, Wangaratta, Seymour are progressing well and Barnawartha North is completed,” he said.
“John Holland is currently carrying out early works and site investigations before kicking off Tranche 2 construction early in the new year.
“Inland Rail is keen to involve local people and businesses in the project and to maximise the economic and social benefits for communities along the route.”
John Holland was chosen for its expertise in major rail projects, including the Inland Rail Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 and the North East Rail Line Upgrade.
John Holland executive general manager for rail and transport Steve Butcher said this project strengthened the company’s partnership with Inland Rail.
“We want to prioritise local jobs and industry when construction kicks off next year to ensure we’ve got the best possible representation of the regional communities we’re building in,” he said.
“We look forward to working closely with these local communities to deliver this transformational project, which will support the future reliability of Australia’s freight network."
Inland Rail plans to transform goods movement across Australia, first connecting Beveridge to Narromine, NSW, by 2027, and later extending to Ebenezer, Queensland.
In Victoria, work will take place at 12 sites between Beveridge and Albury to ensure the safe passage of double-stacked freight trains.
Since the project’s inception, Inland Rail has invested over $80 million in regional Victoria, engaging 264 local businesses and employing over 1120 people.
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