Two weeks after it was fully funded in the Victorian Budget 2016/17, Melbourne’s second river crossing – the Western Distributor – has been put out to market.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan and Transurban CEO Scott Charlton to announce that a world-class field of international constructors are expected to bid on the $5.5 billion 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 P/L
- Bechtel Infrastructure Australia P/L
- 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- year in time for the next stage of the tender process.
The tender process will be complete by the end of 2016, and the design will be thoroughly assessed through the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process, including with extensive public exhibition and consultation.
The Western Distributor’s new tunnel and long overdue second river crossing will cut travel time from Geelong and the west by 20 minutes. It will slash congestion, boost the Victorian economy and create 5,600 new jobs.
The Andrews Labor Government fully funded the Western Distributor, after the Turnbull Government refused to partner on this vital project, and continued to sell Victorians short.
This comes after the Labor Government fully funded and released the Metro Tunnel project to the market – two massive road and rail projects that are the centrepieces of a new Victorian construction jobs boom.
The Western Distributor EOI closes at 5pm on 26 May. Construction will start in late 2017 and the project will be completed in 2022.
Quotes attributable to the Premier Daniel Andrews
“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.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan
“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.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020