Downer EDI Limited (Downer) has signed a contract with Transport for NSW to be the Managing Contractor for the Newcastle Light Rail project.

 

Under the contract, Downer will work with Transport for NSW to design, construct and commission 2.7 km of light rail track, six light rail stops, a stabling and maintenance facility, road works and associated precinct works. The track will run from the new transport interchange at Wickham to Pacific Park.

 

The contract is scheduled to be completed in 2019.

The Chief Executive Officer of Downer, Grant Fenn, said Downer was delighted to have been selected to deliver this important project for Transport for NSW and the people of Newcastle.

“Downer has a long and proud history in Newcastle with our current operations based at sites including Cardiff, Kooragang Island, Port Waratah, Hexham, Teralba and Mt Thorley,” Mr Fenn said. “We provide customers in the Hunter region with a diverse range of services across sectors including road, rail, mining, utilities, technology and communications and engineering, construction and maintenance.

 

“Downer works closely with Transport for NSW and we look forward to helping them deliver this signature project for Newcastle and to contribute to the revitalisation of the State’s second largest city.”

 

The Newcastle Light Rail is a key part of the Newcastle Urban Transformation and Transport Program which has been established to deliver the NSW Government’s commitment to revitalise the city. The program aims to bring people back to the city centre by strengthening connections between the city and the waterfront, creating employment opportunities, providing more public space and amenity, and delivering better transport.