The government contracts include design planning, and identifying associated safety/ environmental issues.

Tenders close on October 19, with winning bidders for both announced by the end of the year. A specialist cost planner will be appointed once construction timetables are finalised.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the works would help get the project shovel ready.

“As with any new, major piece of infrastructure, we need to make sure that we get the planning right from the very beginning,” Albanese said.

“What’s more, the investigations to be completed by the specialist consultants will be vital to securing the necessary planning and environmental approvals.

“Our aim is to have all these pre-construction activities wrapped up in time for the project to be considered for possible inclusion in our next multibillion dollar road and rail construction program due to start in mid-2014.”

The project will see 35km of standard gauge track laid to connect Port Kembla with the Main North South Line via Dombarton.

It will also include two passing loops, new bridges over the Nepean and Cordeaux Rivers, and one of Australia’s longest tunnels.

This article first appeared in ILN's sister publication ConstructionIndustryNews.net.