Expressions of interest are now open for contractors to deliver the Western Distributor project, a major road project involving the Monash Freeway Upgrade, a new tunnel under Yarraville, a second river crossing and upgrades to Webb Dock.
The Victorian Government is partnering with Transurban for the project and announced in its 2016-2017 budget that it will fully fund the project.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan and Transurban CEO Scott Charlton announced that a world-class field of international constructors are expected to bid on the $5.5billion Western Distributor, after an extensive market engagement process.
The firms that have been invited to express interest are:
- John Holland and CPB Contractors Joint Venture
- Lend Lease and Bouygues Joint Venture
- Rizzani De Eccher Australia
- Bechtel Infrastructure Australia
- Salini Impregilo S.p.A
All the constructors have a proven track record building freeways, tunnels and landmark bridges in highly urbanised environments and achieving high quality urban design outcomes.
An updated reference design will be developed in response to the ongoing extensive community and stakeholder consultation, and will be released mid-2016 in time for the next stage of the tender process.
The tender process will be completed by the end of 2016, and the design will be assessed through the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process, including with extensive public exhibition and consultation.
Once completed, the Western Distributor’s new tunnel and second river crossing will cut travel time from Geelong and the west by 20 minutes.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said, “The Western Distributor is a fantastic project that will slash travel times from Geelong and the west and create 5,600 new jobs.
“Melbourne’s second river crossing is fully funded, out to market – and we’re getting it done.”
The Western Distributor project includes:
- Widening of the West Gate and Monash Freeways
- The construction of a tunnel under Yarraville and a second river crossing over the Maribyrnong
- The construction of a new elevated road with direct links to CityLink, the Port of Melbourne and the western edge of the CBD
- The longest managed motorway system in Australia from Geelong to Pakenham
- 4.5km of new cycling and pedestrian paths including completion of the Federation Trail
Victorian Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan said, “We’re developing this project in consultation with the local residents and businesses, local councils and industry to deliver the future infrastructure needs of Melbourne.
“We expect that the construction market will bring their experience and innovation to further enhance this important project.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2017 and the project will be completed in 2022.
