Contracts have been awarded for works to begin on Australia’s largest infrastructure project with components to be built for more than 100 bridges between Woolgoolga and Ballina section of the Pacific Highway section in New South Wales.
Contracts have been secured by:
- Lendlease Engineering – to supply more than 2700 headstocks, planks and abutments to the project
- CPB Contractors – to provide about 800 Super T girders
- Boral Resources – to provide about 60,000 cubic metres of concrete to the project
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said more than 1,700 people were already working on the Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the upgrade.
“This is Australia’s largest regional infrastructure project, delivering thousands of jobs and real economic benefits for businesses throughout the local area, the wider region and the entire state,” Mr Chester said.
“As well as injecting millions into local economies throughout New South Wales, the duplication of the Pacific Highway has also contributed to a halving of fatalities on the highway since the upgrade began.
“The project is also a regional jobs boon, with up to 4,000 workers expected to be directly employed across the Pacific Highway when works ramp up later in 2017.”
New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey, said the tender awards related to precast concrete bridge components.
“Using precast components means most bridges will be able to be built about five to 15 per cent faster than traditional building methods. This more efficient construction method will ensure the upgrades remain on track to open to traffic by 2020,” Mrs Pavey said.
Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, said manufacturing of the bridge components would start almost immediately, ensuring ongoing employment for workers at existing facilities in Macksville and Coffs Harbour.
“We will see more than 100 bridges built between Woolgoolga and Ballina, including major bridges crossing the Clarence and Richmond rivers,” Mr Hogan said.
“A significant proportion of contracts for works on the Pacific Highway are being awarded to north coast businesses, providing subcontracting and supply opportunities for locals and flow through benefits to the local accommodation and hospitality industry.”
