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Wednesday, 23rd September 2009

Builders Shortlisted For Hunter Expressway


The RTA has now assessed the bids submitted by the construction companies interested in building the eastern section of the Hunter Expressway and shortlisted the best two.


Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the short-listing was another major milestone in the delivery of this $1.7 billion project which will provide a new east-west connection between Newcastle and the Lower Hunter.


“The RTA has now assessed the proposals received and we’re pleased to announce the two consortia invited to participate in the next stage of the alliance selection process,” said Mr Albanese.


Those asked to participate in the next stage of the selection process are:


Consortium 1: Theiss/Parsons Brinckerhoff/Hyder


Consortium 2: Abigroup/Baulderstone/Hornibrook/Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM)/Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC)


“After a further detailed assessment process the final tender will be awarded to one of these consortiums later this year, with construction expected to start on the 14 kilometre eastern section in early 2010,” said Mr Albanese.


“The Rudd Labor Government is determined to deliver this long overdue road infrastructure as quickly as possible in partnership with Rees Labor Government.”


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


NSW Transport Minister David Campbell said in July the RTA invited interest from the construction industry for the design and construction of the 26 kilometre western section.


“The applications received at that time are currently being assessed by the RTA, with a shortlist to be finalised by December and the tender awarded by mid 2010.”


“In the meantime, the RTA will finalise the necessary property acquisitions and the relocation of utilities.”


 


BACKGROUND


In May 2009 funding was announced for the new $1.7 billion Hunter Expressway between the F3 and the New England Highway west of Branxton.


Mr Albanese said the Federal Government would invest $1.5 billion and the NSW Government would invest $200 million for this important project.


The key features of the project include:



  • 40 kilometres of dual carriageway freeway;

  • 53 bridges at 21 sites, including 840 metres of viaduct;

  • Six grade separated interchanges;

  • 10 kilometres of State and local road adjustments;

  • $20 million of utility adjustments;

  • One kilometre of railway reconstruction, including a new railway bridge.


The new Hunter Expressway will:



  • Cut travel times between Newcastle and the Hunter by 28 minutes;

  • Relieve congestion between Newcastle and the towns of Thornton, Maitland, and Rutherford, with forecast reductions in traffic of 15,000 to 30,000 vehicles per day from their level of 60,000 vehicles now;

  • Support the growing Hunter region, where traffic is forecast to grow around four per cent a year; and

  • Meet the growing freight task of the region, which is forecast to increase 30 per cent in coming years.


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Electorate Office

334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204

Phone: 02 9564 3588

Parliament House Office

Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: 02 6277 7700

Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au

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