UGL Regional Linx has secured a 10-year contract to operate and maintain the Country Regional Network (CRN) in Regional NSW, with its administrative base established in Orange.
The CRN network comprises:
- 2,386km of operational passenger and freight rail lines
- 3,139km of non-operational lines
- 27,000ha of land and infrastructure
- 1,312 level crossings (300 active)
- 1,200 property assets, including 356 heritage sites
- 600 rail lines under bridges and 384 road overbridges
- 996 km of branch line track used mainly to haul grain.
Operating on behalf of its client, Transport for NSW, UGLRL is responsible for operations such as rail infrastructure maintenance, including implementing a new signaling system. It will also manage assets and properties, as well as ensure safety, access, performance and environmental management.
UGLRL has committed to at least 80% regional employment on the CRN and has listed more than 20 work packages on its ICN Gateway page.
The packages range from signaling support and rollingstock maintenance to roadworks and demountable buildings.
The company will employ about 75 people in its head office in Kite Street, Orange and will maintain major depots at Bathurst, Dubbo, and West Wyalong, and satellite depots in Queanbeyan, Narrabri and Tamworth.
In a Media Release published on the UGL Regional Linx website, UGLRL, CEO, John Pistak praised the “monumental effort” by everyone involved to bring the team together.
“The moment has arrived for us to take up the reins for the next 10 years for the people of NSW,” he said.
“The size of the CRN alone leaves us in no doubt we have a hugely important job ahead of us, but we know the highly professional team we have put together is more than up for the task,” Mr Pistak said.