The facility will support operational management of Aurizon’s coal haulage fleet in the Hunter Valley while providing servicing, routine maintenance and provision of fuel, water and a range of supplies.

The facility will also comprise shunting and temporary stabling areas designed to alleviate local rail network capacity pressures.

Leighton’s scope of work on the project will include construction of the train provisioning facility, a combined maintenance building, signalling and power infrastructure, 26 turnouts and 11km of plain line track works.

Speaking on the contract win, Leighton Holdings CEO Hamish Tyrwhitt said the Group was best positioned to deliver the project due to its experience in the rail infrastructure field.

“The project, which involves civil, track and other expertise, demonstrates the Leighton Group’s diverse skills and its capability in delivering rail transport infrastructure that is vital to the country’s growth,” he said.

Leighton Contractors managing director Craig Laslett agreed with Tyrwhitt, stating the project will both improve operations and supply chain efficiency and deliver wider benefits across the Hunter Valley coal freight network.

“Our team integrates civil, track, electrical and signalling specialists who have extensive experience in the Hunter Valley,” he said.

“The project will also draw on Leighton Contractors’ strong history of delivering rail and mine infrastructure for clients in and servicing the resources sector.”

The train provisioning facility and associated track infrastructure is slated for completion in late 2014.

The combined maintenance facility and remaining track work is expected to conclude in March 2015.