January 15 2010

A Laing O'Rourke joint venture team has been awarded a $70 million project to upgrade Auckland's rail network, which is set to be one of New Zealand's most significant and high-profile transport projects.

The HILOR joint venture team of Laing O'Rourke and Hawkins Infrastructure (a New Zealand company) will provide Auckland's rail network with a fully electrified system.

General Manager Rail Rob Boulger said the project was a great win for the company.

"We have a long heritage of rail electrification projects internationally and are delighted to be returning to New Zealand to enhance the Auckland rail system and leave a heritage for the people of Auckland," Rob said.

He said one of the reasons the joint venture team was chosen was because of its ability to provide senior project management staff who could oversee a locally recruited workforce.

"By training local workers, we can ensure a skilled workforce remains in New Zealand, which will benefit the local rail industry," he said.

Works will start early next year and the project is expected to be completed by 2013.