Menindee & Darnick Design and Construct EOI/Market Briefing

⁠⁠⁠BACKGROUND: Expression of Interest (EOI) for Menindee & Darnick Loop Design and Construct upcoming projects.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORKS:

ARTC’s Infrastructure Projects are seeking expressions of interest under the Network Investment Program to undertake the design and construction of the Menindee and Darnick passing loops.

The Network Investment Program (NIP) Horizon 1 has been developed in consultation with industry stakeholders to ensure it addresses the real-world needs of customers and stakeholders across the supply chain.

This project, “Extension to Existing Crossing Loops”, herein referred to as “The Project”, is a priority for delivery in Horizon 1 (0-5 years) due to the benefit expected in improving ARTC network performance for our customers and the national supply chain. The project includes the commissioning of two new loops at priority locations, 

• Site 1 - Menindee (Approximate kms from 1009 to 1011km) 

• Site 2- Darnick (Approximate kms 884 to 886km) 

The project includes the construction of new loops to enable the efficient passage of slower trains and those travelling in opposite directions. The crossing loops will accommodate 1,800m trains between Parkes to Broken Hill NSW. In Cab Activation of Points (ICAPs), or equivalent automated control system infrastructure will also be introduced on crossing loops, enabling more seamless and remote-controlled train movements. 

Site 1 Menindee

The existing Menindee Yard is located within the township and comprises a 1145m Loop Line and a Goods Siding. The existing configuration and the proposed new loop are shown in Figure 2 and 3 below. In summary the project scope of works for Menindee requires the following,

• New 1800m passing loop (Approximate kms from 1009 to 1011km) 

• Upgrade of existing level crossing (Menindee-Broken Hill Road) 

• Removal of existing Frame from existing loop, install catchpoints and Buffer stop to convert into siding 

• Removal of level crossing (Caravan Park Road)

Site 2 - Darnick 

The existing Darnick Yard comprises a Main Line, a Loop Line with insufficient standing length for 1,800m freight trains, and an Up Siding accessed via ground-framecontrolled turnouts. The existing configuration and the proposed new loop is shown in Figure 3 below. In summary includes the following, 

• New 1800m passing loop (Approximate kms 884 to 886km) 

• Removal of existing turnouts from existing loop

The scope of works includes all activities associated with the design, construction and commissioning of the two crossing loops as per ARTC requirements and hand back to ARTC Operations. Major deliverables include, but are not limited to the following : 

• All associated project management, planning, safety, safe working and resourcing costs necessary to successfully complete the project 

• All detail design and site investigations necessary for construction, inclusive of temporary works

• Procurement of all materials and associated resources required to complete the project, except for the following 

• 110m Rail Legs (ARTC to supply and deliver, contractor to unload and store on site)

• Heavy duty concrete sleepers – Located at Narromine (ARTC to supply, contractor to manage delivery to site)

• ICAPS units (ARTC to supply, contractor to manage delivery on site)

• Construction and commissioning of the new crossing loops, including site establishment, track, civil, signalling disciplines and all associated works

• Project close-out activities including operational readiness requirements

Market Briefing: Monday 13 July 2026, 11:00am NSW AEST. See Invitation letter for registration details.

REGISTRATION: EOI documents must be obtained after registration 

ENQUIRIES: EOI enquiries should be directed via the online forum

SUBMISSIONS: Completed responses must be submitted via the electronic tender box. This EOI uses one (1) tender box as follows: EOI-07844-00 This EOI is not compulsory, this does not preclude contractors from submitting a tender response when tender is released at a later stage. 

Respondents will receive a Successful Submission Receipt timed and dated upon completion.