Arcadis and WSP in Joint Venture (AWJV), with support from specialist partners, have been awarded a key package of works to deliver the Business Case for a future High Speed Rail (HSR) network between Sydney and Newcastle.
AWJV will undertake the Technical Advisory, Environment & Sustainability, Community & Stakeholder Engagement Services (TAESCS) package, one of eight packages that will together deliver the Sydney to Newcastle High Speed Rail Business Case. The Business Case is the first step towards the Australian Government’s vision for a future HSR Network connecting Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and regional communities across the east coast of Australia.
The team brings together Arcadis and WSP’s multidisciplinary international and local teams with global HSR experience and will be supported by a range of specialist partners including Ineco, Amberg Engineering, Weston Williamson + Partners, Maynard and SHAC. The team previously delivered technical and business case support for the Sydney to Newcastle Fast Rail project, Sydney Metro City & South West and Sydney Metro West.
The project will be led by a blended team of experts bringing global and regional knowledge. Leading the Design team will be Erik van Jaarsveld, Project Director, from Arcadis, who brings extensive knowledge in the development of complex transport infrastructure with a focus on high speed rail. Darren King, WSP in the UK’s Director of Rail Advisory Services will be Project Director and Sam McWilliam, WSP’s Director of Rail, Maritime & Freight will be Project Manager.
The team will be supported by Marc Starmans, Jason Grocott, Gerhard Schulz and Thulasi Karunakaran (Arcadis) who bring combined international experience from California High Speed Rail, Texas High Speed Rail, High Speed 1 and 2 in the UK and High Speed Rail projects in France, China, Germany and Turkey.
Belinda Virant, Business Area Director for Mobility at Arcadis, said: “High speed rail will be a powerful catalyst for growth, our economy and better access to our regions. This significant project marks the first step towards connecting Australia through the creation of a world-class high speed rail network. In partnership with WSP, we’re looking forward to the opportunity to bring our global expertise, bolstered by our local knowledge to deliver an exceptional outcome for the Australian public.”
Sam McWilliam, WSP, said: “WSP is proud to work with HSRA, Arcadis, and our supporting partners to unlock this generational opportunity. It will boost Australia's economy and productivity, catalyse the sustainable growth of our regional and urban communities, ultimately changing the way we move.”
The HSR network, starting with the link between Sydney and Newcastle, is expected to better connect more regional and urban communities, unlock growth and housing affordability, boost productivity and access to services, and provide sustainable travel alternatives to reduce transport emissions and road congestion.
The Sydney to Newcastle HSR Business Case, includes exploring:
• A new dedicated HSR alignment between Newcastle and Sydney
• New HSR stations within Newcastle, the Central Coast and Sydney
• Improved integrated transport networks connecting with the HSR network
• New HSR trains capable of travelling at speeds exceeding 250 km/hr
• Stabling, maintenance, rail systems and power upgrades
• Future proofing for the broader HSR network connections to Brisbane and Melbourne.
The Australian Government has allocated $78.8 million to deliver the Sydney to Newcastle HSR Business Case as part of $500 million committed to progress planning for the future HSR network. The High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) is expected to present the Business Case to the Australian Government by the end of 2024.
