The first stage in the modernisation of Adelaide's rail network has been announced by the Australian Minister for Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, who used the 2011 return of the Federal Parliament to announce an initial A$10m project development contract had been awarded to Laing O’Rourke. The award marks Laing O'Rourke's first ever project in South Australia.

In a joint press release with the South Australian Minister for Transport, Patrick Conlon, the two Governments described the project as one that will deliver long lasting benefits to Adelaide's transport network. Mr Albanese praised Laing O'Rourke's delivery capabilities, highlighting our 30 years experience designing and constructing electrified rail systems nationally and worldwide. The modernisation scheme will improve over 100 kilometres of track across the metropolitan area from Gawler to Seaford, and Adelaide to Outer Harbor.

Mr Albanese said: "The Adelaide rail electrification project will deliver long lasting benefits for the Adelaide transport network: modernising the lines, benefiting the environment and enhancing lifestyle in Adelaide - it is also delivering jobs and bringing international companies to SA."

Mr Conlon added that having Laing O'Rourke on board would be massive vote of confidence to their investment in public transport and boost the local economy significantly. The first electrified services will run on the new Seaford rail line in 2013 and on the Noarlunga and Gawler lines later that year, with electrification of the Outer Harbor line to be complete in 2015. This latest contract award means Laing O'Rourke's Rail business is now working on commuter rail projects in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and the New Zealand city of Auckland. It has also recently been shortlisted for a major commuter rail project in Perth, and previously completed the electrification of Brisbane's city network.