The first of many local contractors has been awarded work to support the planning phase for the new rail bridge over the Avon River, which will allow the train to travel through Stratford at faster speeds.

Local company, OnePlan Land Development Group, which has an office in Bairnsdale, has been appointed to begin cadastral surveying today and will complete the work over the next two weeks.

The survey will determine where the existing property boundaries are around the bridge site and is a vital part of the planning process.

The Gippsland Line Upgrade is now a program participant with GROW Gippsland to maximise local and social employment and procurement opportunities.

The $530 million upgrade will deliver improved train services to the growing communities of Gippsland and create hundreds of jobs.

Work to select a contractor to build the new rail bridge is also well advanced, with the request for proposal (RFP) phase for shortlisted contractors now open.

Rail Projects Victoria will award the design and construct contract mid-2019 with construction on the bridge targeted to begin in late 2019, with a target completion date of early 2021, subject to planning and environmental approvals.

“Having been told of two different completion dates that were 12 months apart by the State Government, which is overseeing this Federally funded project, it is pleasing to have the confirmation on when construction is set to start and finish,” Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said.

“This works timeline is something I have sought since the announcement of Federal Government funding, which was overseen by Darren Chester as the Minister at the time.

“It is also pleasing to hear local contractors are being engaged in the planning stages, something I always advocate for on local projects.”

Mr Chester championed the project and secured the funding when he was Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. It was the first time the Federal Government had invested directly in rail in Gippsland.

“The Federal Government is providing $86 million toward the $95 million Avon River Bridge replacement,” Mr Chester said.

“This is part of the $504 million Federal Government funding that I announced last year for the Gippsland Rail Line Upgrade, which will also include level crossing upgrades and track duplication works.

“These works will create hundreds of jobs in Gippsland and importantly improve the speed and reliability of train services across Gippsland.”

“As these works continue we are seeing local businesses and companies getting involved, which is another important part of supporting our growing local economy,” Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, said.

The Gippsland Line Upgrade is part of the joint funded $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival program.