Bechtel is taking a new role helping Australia realise its high-speed rail ambitions, with the company announced as the High Speed Rail Authority’s Delivery Partner for the Development Phase of the Newcastle to Sydney high speed rail project.
This award reflects Bechtel’s substantial experience in working with customers in Australia to deliver major infrastructure projects, including with Sydney Metro and on Western Sydney Airport, and the company’s deep global rail experience.
According to the High Speed Rail Authority’s Business Case submission, High Speed Rail is expected to play a transformational role by connecting Australia’s major East Coast cities, boosting housing development and unlocking economic opportunity, with projections indicating it could boost the national economy by AU$250 billion over 50 years and create up to 99,000 new jobs.
Dr Richard Freer, Managing Director of Public Infrastructure, Australia at Bechtel, said: “Bechtel is proud to partner with the High Speed Rail Authority to help deliver one of the country’s most significant and forward-looking infrastructure programmes. This award reflects our deep global rail experience and capabilities, coupled with over 70 years of delivering some of the most impactful projects across Australia. We look forward to working closely with the High Speed Rail Authority to help turn the vision of High Speed Rail into reality for Australians.”
Bechtel is Delivery Partner at the new Western Sydney International Airport, where it managed the design and construction of the AU$5.3 billion project, completing it nearly seven months ahead of schedule and on budget. The company is also supporting Perth Airport’s multibillion-dollar expansion programme, working within an integrated team to oversee design and delivery in a complex, live operating environment.
Bechtel has been serving Australian communities and customers for more than 70 years with projects spanning airports, rail, mines, mineral processing facilities, LNG installations, refineries, chemical plants, power stations and telecommunications infrastructure.
