The private sector consortium that will partner with the RTA to prepare the site for the new Kempsey Bypass has been selected, clearing the way for work to begin early next year.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the successful consortium of Leighton Contractors, AECOM and Coffey Geotechnics brings with it extensive experience and expertise in delivering large scale road projects.

“The Rudd and Rees Labor governments are working together to deliver this important piece of road infrastructure as quickly as possible,” said Mr Albanese.

“The $618 million project is exactly what our Nation Building for Recovery Strategy is all about. It will create 450 jobs in the short term while building the infrastructure that will underpin our nation’s longer term economic prosperity.

“The 14.5 kilometre Kempsey Bypass is a key part of the Rudd Labor Government’s $3.1 billion commitment to upgrading the Pacific Highway. In fact, no other road in the country is having more money spent on it.”

Today’s announcement is the first of two major contracts that will be awarded, with this one covering the preparation of the site for construction, as well as planning the bridges to be built over the Macleay River and floodplain.

NSW Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport David Borger said he was pleased with how swiftly work was progressing on the project.

“The RTA will now finalise the commercial arrangement and sign a project alliance agreement with the successful consortium,” said Mr Borger.

“In the meantime, the RTA will continue with pre-construction work, including surveys, geotechnical investigations and property acquisitions.

“Once completed in 2014, this new section of the Pacific Highway will deliver safer driving conditions, cut travel times and take up to 2,000 trucks a day off the local streets of Kempsey.”

The second contract – which will be for the design and construction of the bypass – will go to tender early next year.

For more information about the Kempsey Bypass visit the project website www.rta.nsw.gov.au/pacific (click on Kempsey to Eungai) or phone the project information line on 1800 306 004 (toll free).