The construction company which will design and build the 27 kilometre western section of the new $1.65 billion Hunter Expressway has been selected, clearing the way for construction work to begin early next year.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese today announced the multimillion dollar contract has been awarded to Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd, a company with extensive experience and expertise in delivering major infrastructure projects.

“The Gillard and Keneally Labor governments are working together to deliver this long overdue road as quickly as possible. Indeed only last month I joined the Premier on-site to mark the official start of construction on the new Expressway’s eastern section,” said Mr Albanese.

“This road project – the biggest currently underway anywhere in NSW – is exactly what our Nation Building Program is all about. It will put up to 800 construction workers to work building the modern, well planned infrastructure the community expects and our economy needs.”

The Hunter Expressway is a jointly funded project, with $1.45 billion coming from the Gillard Labor Government and a further $200 million from the Keneally Labor Government.

NSW Roads Minister David Borger said the new Expressway’s western section will include two full interchanges at Kurri Kurri and Branxton as well as two half interchanges at Loxford and Allandale.

“The selection of a preferred builder for the western section is a major milestone in the delivery of this nationally significant project,” said Mr Borger.

“Once completed in 2013, the new road will provide 40km highway connection between Newcastle and the Lower Hunter, taking up to 30,000 vehicles a day off the New England Highway.”

The new four-lane Expressway is being constructed under two contracts, with the 13km eastern section (F3 Freeway to Kurri Kurri) being built under an alliance and the 27km western section (Kurri Kurri to Branxton) under a design and construct contract.

More information about the project can be obtained by calling 1800 001 267 (toll free) or going to www.rta.nsw.gov.au.