John Holland, in an alliance with GHD and the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), has been awarded the tender to construct the $250 million Maitland to Whittingham Third Road Alliance project. The project will involve the construction of a 42.8 km third track from Maitland to Whittingham.

The project will be divided into two stages. The construct only stage one Minimbah to Whittingham works will involve the construction of approximately 10.8 km of new track, civil, road and bridge works. Signalling works will also be coordinated with this package.

The stage two contract includes the design and construction of a third track adjacent to the existing mainline between Maitland and Minimbah. Also included in the package are design, documentation, surveying and services relocation work.

The Maitland to Whittingham Third Road Alliance project is part of a major infrastructure program coordinated through ARTC. The program is designed to boost Australia's export capacity in the resources sector. Major construction works on the project will commence in mid-2009, with both projects expected to be completed by March 2012.