Road & rail

Overview

The road and rail sectors are fundamental to Australia's transportation infrastructure, facilitating the movement of people and goods across vast distances. As urbanisation and population growth continue to intensify, the need for efficient and reliable road and rail networks has never been greater. Our extensive experience in these sectors allows us to provide comprehensive legal solutions that address each sector's unique challenges, ensuring the successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects.

Our lawyers have played a pivotal role in some of Australia’s most significant road and rail projects. From the North West Rail Link, Sydney Light Rail, Parramatta Light Rail, and Sydney Metro to the WestConnex motorway, West Gate Tunnel, and Coomera Connector and Airportlink tunnels, our lawyers have provided strategic legal guidance that has helped to shape the nation’s transport infrastructure.

With a deep understanding of the complexities inherent in both the road and rail industries, our team offers specialised legal advice to the private sector, governments, regulators, and other stakeholders. We have a proven track record of advising on high-profile projects, from the construction of major motorways to the development of urban and regional rail networks. Our expertise spans the entire project lifecycle, from planning and financing to construction, dispute resolution, and compliance.

We combine decades of experience in construction and infrastructure, planning and environment, and property development, with a particular focus on transport infrastructure to provide tailored legal advice that meets the specific needs of each project. We provide specialist advice in the following areas:

• Commercial contract drafting and negotiation – We assist with the drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts, including terms and conditions of carriage, logistics contracts, and project agreements. 
• Construction and infrastructure – We advise on all aspects of construction, design, and development for road and rail projects. This includes drafting and reviewing project documentation, such as D&C contracts, O&M contracts, and independent certifier deeds, as well as providing guidance on project structuring and investment.
• Dispute resolution – Disputes are often an unavoidable aspect of major infrastructure projects. We proactively identify potential areas of conflict and work to resolve disputes through various forms of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation. 
• Insurance – Our insurance team offers expertise in handling claims related to public and product liability, property damage, contractual indemnity, and workers' compensation. We also advise on the operation of carriers' terms and conditions, exclusion clauses, and insurance arrangements for transport projects, including both road and rail sectors.
• Planning and environment – Navigating development applications, land acquisition and environmental regulations is critical for the success of any road or rail project. We provide strategic advice on approval pathways, acquiring necessary land rights, ensuring environmental compliance, and managing statutory access rights.
• Restructuring and Insolvency – We provide strategic advice on managing financial distress, securing assets and asset protection, security enforcement, and optimising the recovery process. This covers everything from strategic restructures and workouts to insolvency procedures and navigating complex insolvency legislation. 
• Work Health and Safety (WHS) – Ensuring the safety of workers and the public is a top priority in road and rail projects. Our team provides practical advice on WHS obligations, helping clients to manage risks and comply with relevant safety regulations. 

The market-leading reputation our team has built is based on decades of experience and a deep understanding of the road and rail sectors. We are consistently ranked among the best in respected legal guides, including Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal, and Best Lawyers in Australia.