Pre-qualified contractors are invited to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the construction of what will become the second-highest bridge in Victoria, and will support the Melbourne Airport Rail project.
The new bridge will replace a heritage-listed bridge over the Maribyrnong River Valley, as part of the Maribyrnong River Bridge Package.
The works will include the construction of a new elevated twin track rail crossing of the Maribyrnong River to the west of and immediately adjacent to the existing Albion Viaduct supporting both the Melbourne Airport Rail up and down tracks.
The project will use an Incentivised Target Cost (ITC) procurement model – a collaborative form of the more traditional Design & Construct model.
With a length of around 550m (longer than a lap of the MCG) and an above-water height of around 50m, the new bridge will become the second-highest in the state by narrowly overtaking the existing bridge, second only to the West Gate Bridge at 58m.
The concept design of the new bridge proposes to use slender piers and wide pier spacings to minimise its visual impact, better preserving the structure, sight lines and history of the existing bridge which was built in the 1920s.
The design will also be considerate of the area’s cultural and environmental importance, minimising the overall impacts to the surrounding land.
Interested parties must be registered and meet the pre-qualification requirements in order to fully participate in the procurement process.
Following the release of the Invitation for EOI, pre-qualified parties will be provided access to additional supporting EOI documentation via an Electronic Data Room.
The purpose of the EOI Phase is to select shortlisted respondents to participate in the Request for Proposal Phase who have the proven experience, capability and capacity to deliver the works and who are aligned with Rail Project Victoria’s (RPV) commercial and legal framework.
In their EOI Response, pre-qualified parties will be required to demonstrate relevant experience, their understanding of the project, proposed delivery approach and program, as well as their acceptance of RPV’s terms and conditions.
The following dates apply to the procurement process:
- Date of release of the pre-qualification document: 12 August 2021
- Invitation for EOI release (via www.tenders.vic.gov.au) and supporting EOI documentation (via Electronic Data Room to pre-qualified parties): 14 September 2021
- EOI closing time and date: 5pm 19 October 2021
More information about the Maribyrnong River Bridge Package can be found on the Buying for Victoria website.
