Capability Statement
Prepared for Prepared for Viterra
May 2026
Introduction General
Thank you for the opportunity to present this brief capability statement which details a cross-section of our skills and experience, and showcases a selection of our recent projects.
About Us (typically use first)
For over 65 years customers have been coming to McConnell Dowell with complex projects that require innovative solutions. That's why we're known as the Creative Construction company.
From remote resources and energy projects to city-shaping infrastructure, we've built thousands of quality assets and facilities.
Engineering-led, our expertise has grown steadily to span building, civil, electrical, fabrication, marine, mechanical, pipelines, rail, tunnel and underground construction..
Our Approach (typically use 2nd or 3rd)
We approach every project with a focus on creativity and certainty - seeking the right blend of innovation and safe, proven approaches so we can exceed our customers' expectations.
We also understand that construction today is as much about community and sustainability as it is about concrete and steel. Our unwavering objective and commitment is to deliver what we promise to our customers, while protecting and enhancing our people, the community and the environment.
SA Intro (typically use 4th to 8th)
We completed our first project in South Australia over 40 years ago, and have since built a reputation for safety, quality and collaboration.
We've delivered numerous high profile and complex road and rail bridge projects, along with a number of general civil, water, pipeline and marine infrastructure projects. Highlights include the Adelaide desalination plant and pipeline, Riverbank Precinct Bridge, O-Bahn City Access Project, Seaford Rail Extension, Regency Road to Pym Street Upgrade, and the recently completed Ovingham Level Crossing Removal.
Tram Grade Separation Projects
Easing traffic congestion in Adelaide
As part of an Alliance with our customer, Department for Infrastructure and Transport, CPB Contractors, and designers Mott MacDonald, Arup and Aurecon, we are delivering the Tram Grade Separation Projects in Adelaide, South Australia.
Jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, the projects involve the removal of multiple level crossings along the Glenelg tram line.
Fast Facts
- Removal of mutiple level crossings
- Intersection upgrades
- Part of the broader North-South Corridor T2D project
Port Dock Railway Line Project
Improving connectivity into Port Adelaide for locals and tourists.
The Public Transport Projects (PTP) Alliance comprising of ourselves, Arup and Mott MacDonald (design), together with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (customer) delivered the Port Dock Railway Line Project.
The Alliance's scope of work included:
Fast Facts
- One kilometre rail line
- New train station and bus exchange
- Upgrades to pedestrian and cycle facilities
Rail Services
Supporting network operators and projects across Australia
Our rail services team is equipped with specialist plant including tampers, regulators, flash butt welders, and track and resleepering machines. They deliver renewals, upgrade and repairs for a range of rail network owners and operators across Australia.
Some of our current and recent rail services contracts include:
City South Tram Line Replacement
Improved connectivity and service reliability in Adelaide CBD
The City South Tram Line Replacement project was part of a program of public transport projects across metropolitan Adelaide delivered by the Public Transport Projects Alliance (PTPA).
The PTPA brought together ourselves, Arup and Mott MacDonald (design), and the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (customer) to deliver value-for-money public transport solutions that improve liveability and connectivity for South Australians.
Fast Facts
- 600 m of dual tram track removed and reconstructed
- 2,242 lineal metres of rail installed, 153 aluminotheric welds
- Construction of 2 new Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant tram stops
- Single occupation of only 17 days
- $7m injected into state economy from using local suppliers and subcontractors
Inland Rail Victoria
Delivering part of Australia’s largest rail freight project
We delivered the first tranche of the Inland Rail project in Victoria - the Beveridge to Albury (B2A) package. The overall Inland Rail project will enable double-stacked freight trains to operate between Brisbane and Melbourne.
Our contract encompassed four 'rail enhancement' sites located in central and northern Victoria, as well as some corridor wide works. The enhancement site works included bridge replacements at Glenrowan, Wangaratta and Seymour; transformation of Wangaratta Station; and track lowering. Corridor wide scope included signalling works, track slews and overhead utilities.
Fast Facts
- Site investigations, detailed design
- Track enhancements at four sites - bridges, underpasses
- Corridor-wide track slews and signalling works
Murray Basin Rail Upgrade - Stage 2
In joint venture we constructed Stage 2 of the Murray Basin Rail Project. The Federal and State Government funded project opened up new rail transportation pathways from the north of Victoria to the ports in the south, improving freight logisitics and taking trucks off rural roads.
The project involved upgrading 87 km and standardising 400 km of rail track that services the Murray Basin region including restoring the track condition to its underlying track class and speed rating.
Fast Facts
- 500 km of rail regauged
- 30,000 tonnes of ballast placed
- 80,000 timber sleepers replaced
- 37 turnouts removed
- 21 active level corssings and 250 gravel crossings installed
- $16 million invested in regional economies
Safety
We never compromise on safety.
We foster our 'Home Without Harm' safety culture through robust processes, effective systems, and by recognising and rewarding safe behaviours.
Our Site Safety Managers are always on our project leadership teams, ensuring safety is prioritised in all site activities. Every team member has clear safety responsibilities, aimed at protecting themselves, their colleagues, and the community.
We're also leading our industry in the adoption of new safety technologies, like virtual reality plant simulators and AI-enabled blind spot elimination. Check out the case studies below for more information.
Underpinning it all are our Safety Golden Rules. Built on our long-term collective knowledge and learnings, they are specifically targeted at preventing fatalities and serious injuries.
Environmental
We understand the impact construction can have on our natural ecologies and we're constantly seeking ways to minimise our footprint and restore and improve the natural environment and biodiversity around our works.
We've embraced the circular economy, renewed local ecologies, reconnected habitats, and lowered energy use across our projects in line with our {tip title="Carbon Reduction Roadmap" content="
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We set energy and waste reduction targets on every project and are committed to making our environmental footprint as small as possible, as showcased in the recent case studies below.
Closing Text - General, with video, no contacts
Summary
Thank you for taking an interest in McConnell Dowell's skills, capabilities and approach. Additional information is available on our website, including additional project case studies.
Contacts
