Leighton looks set for Sydney motorway upgrade
13 October 2009
Leighton Contractors has been selected by toll road investor Transurban Group as the preferred contractor for the AU$ 550 million (US$ 500 million) upgrade of the Hills M2 motorway in northwest Sydney, Australia.
The contract includes environmental planning, design and construction work on the scheme, although it is still subject to environmental approvals.
Designed to reduce congestion at peak times, the project will involve widening the motorway from two to three lanes in each direction. This includes a section through a twin tunnel, as well as the construction of new access ramps and the installation of traffic management and control systems.
Leighton Contractors' Construction Division general manager for New South Wales/ Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT), Mike Metcalfe said, "Our selection as preferred constrictor is the culmination of more than 12 months work with Trasurban scooping the Hills M2 upgrade, and cements our leadership in major roads infrastructure in NSW."
The company plans to start work straight away on the environmental approval process and detailed design. Work on-site is expected to get underway late next year following environmental approvals and financial close on the project's funding. Completion is expected two years later.
