Contract signed for new Melbourne freeway

The East West Connect consortium, comprising Capella Capital, Lend Lease, Bouygues Construction Australia, Acciona, John Laing and QIC, has won the AU$ 6.78 million (US$ 5.9 billion) public private partnership (PPP) contract for a new 6.6 km freeway link in northern Melbourne, Australia.

The project, called East West Link (Stage 1), is the first phase in a major scheme to improve road networks in the Melbourne region. Among the major elements of this initial phase are three interchanges to connect the project with existing roads as well as a future connection to the port, twin 4.4 km three-lane tunnels, access roads, an exit ramp and the upgrading of other roads.

Dr Denis Napthine, premier of the State Government of Victoria, said, “Across the nation people are sick to death of congestion, they are tired of the gridlock, and they expect their governments to do something about it. That’s why I was pleased to sign the contract that will deliver a much needed, congestion busting infrastructure project.”

The consortium will finance, design and construct the road, and go on to operate it for a 25 years following the five-year construction phase. The design and construction will be carried out by a joint venture between Bouygues, Lend Lease and Acciona, with each of the contractors have an equal third share in that aspect of the work. The project is expected to generate 3,700 jobs with construction due for completion in 2019.

A video including an outline of the project and drive-through simulation is available here.