THREE construction companies have been shortlisted to build the Melbourne Airport to Bulla Road section of the CityLink Tulla Widening project.
Lend Lease, Fulton Hogan and Leighton Contractors will now submit a formal bid for the contract, expected to be announced in late-2015.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the project was an important contribution to the Victorian economy.
“This is a major project that will provide a quicker, safer journey for all Victorians, including those who live along the freeway corridor,” Mr Truss said.
“Increasing the capacity of this major transport corridor will make sure it can meet growing freight demand and support the future growth of commercial and residential areas.
“The upgrade of the 8km section from Melbourne Airport to Bulla Road will include new traffic lanes, and improvements to key interchanges including Mickleham Road, Gladstone Park and English Street, Essendon Fields.
“A freeway management system will also be installed, including ramp signalling and variable messaging signs, to better manage traffic flow.”
Victorian Minister for Roads, Road Safety and Ports Luke Donnellan said the Australian and Victorian governments were partnering to deliver a more efficient nation transport network.
“We’re getting on with projects that will relieve traffic congestion for motorists who use the Tullamarine Freeway to travel between the airport and the CBD,” Mr Donnellan said.
“We are creating local jobs and boosting the Victorian economy as the CityLink Tulla Widening project will create 1400 direct and indirect jobs during the peak year of construction.
“On average, drivers will save 16 minutes in the morning peak and 17 minutes in the afternoon peak.
“Once complete, the project will reduce congestion and provide road users with a smoother and more reliable journey.”
The $1.28 billion CityLink Tulla Widening project, funded by the Commonwealth Government, Victorian Government and Transurban, will upgrade one of Melbourne’s busiest road corridors.
The Australian Government is contributing $200 million towards the Tullamarine Freeway widening between Melbourne Airport and Melrose Drive.
Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd has already been appointed to construct the section from Bulla Road to Power Street.
Construction on the project is expected to commence in early-2016 and is expected to be complete in 2018.
Reviewed 19 August 2020