AECOM has been selected as the Independent Certifier for the design and construction of The Wave – Stage 1, a major rail transportation project in Queensland, Australia. The company will undertake this role in a joint venture with Bureau Veritas for the next six years. This project is a critical component of the Queensland Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, reducing road congestion, and supporting population growth.

The joint venture will certify the design and construction of a new dual-track rail line extending from Beerwah to Caloundra. This scope includes the certification of new and upgraded stations along the line. The primary objective of this work is to ensure the project meets its safety, operational, and regulatory objectives, providing confidence to the Queensland Government and future users.

Mark McManamny, chief executive of AECOM’s Australia and New Zealand region, emphasized the transformative nature of the project for South East Queensland. He stated that the rail line will connect eastern communities of the Sunshine Coast to the passenger rail network, simplifying travel for thousands of residents. McManamny highlighted that the role of Independent Certifier is focused on ensuring the infrastructure meets the standards expected to serve the region for generations.

AECOM brings multidisciplinary expertise in rail, transport, and major infrastructure to the project. The company cites a proven track record of delivering Independent Assurance on complex projects in Australia, including the Melbourne Metro Tunnel, Sydney Metro Brownfields, and the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace.

Russell Jackson, interim chief executive of AECOM’s global Transportation business, noted the company's continued success in securing roles on major transportation opportunities. He attributed this success to decades-long investment in local teams and technical knowledge. Jackson expressed pride in supporting government priorities for transportation modernization and capacity upgrades, particularly in preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Games.

Beyond the Olympic Games, The Wave project is expected to strengthen regional connectivity across the Sunshine Coast. It aims to improve access to employment hubs, social infrastructure, and tourist destinations throughout the region, contributing to long-term infrastructure development.

AECOM has been selected as the Lead Designer by Capital Crossing Constructors for the replacement of the Alexandra Bridge in Ottawa, a major infrastructure initiative connecting Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec. The project will replace the existing Alexandra Bridge with a modern crossing designed to support long-term mobility, connectivity, and accessibility for all users in the National Capital Region. This selection highlights AECOM's role in advancing critical infrastructure in the nation's capital.

The company will provide a full range of integrated services during the project’s development phase, including environmental services, bridge architecture, structural and civil engineering, traffic management design, utility coordination, and public consultation support. The project will also be delivered using building information modeling (BIM) and fully digital project delivery tools to ensure precision and efficiency.

Project Partnership

AECOM will partner with Capital Crossing Constructors, a joint venture comprising Webuild Civil Works Inc., Samsung C&T Ontario 1 Inc., and Green Infrastructure Partners Inc. The integrated team will help advance the planning and design of this critical infrastructure replacement. Working closely with the Government of Canada, the team will develop a technical solution aligned with the Government’s objectives for sustainability, resilience, constructability, and effective stakeholder engagement.

Strategic Impact

"Our selection for this landmark project reflects the strength of AECOM’s multidisciplinary capabilities and our collaborative approach to delivering complex infrastructure solutions," said Richard Barrett, chief executive of AECOM’s Canada region. "As a Canadian team, we are proud to contribute to a transformative project in the nation’s capital that will support regional connectivity and create long-lasting value for communities on both sides of the Ottawa River."

Key Project Details