The private sector consortium that will partner with the RTA to build the eastern section of the Hunter Expressway has been selected, clearing the way for construction work to begin early next year.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the successful consortium – Thiess Pty Ltd, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Hyder Consulting – brings with it extensive experience and expertise in delivering major infrastructure projects.

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

“In fact, this $1.7 billion project is exactly what our Nation Building for Recovery Strategy is all about. It will support up to 800 jobs in the short term while building the infrastructure that will underpin our nation’s longer term economic prosperity.

“Once completed in 2013, the Hunter Expressway will provide a new, faster east-west connection between Newcastle and the Lower Hunter.”

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 both governments were also now in a position to announce the construction companies that have been short listed to build the western section.

“The RTA has assessed the bids received and I can confirm that AbiGroup Contractors, Leighton Contractors/BMD Constructions, and Thiess have been invited to participate in the next stage of the selection process,” said Mr Campbell.

“After a further detailed assessment the final tender will be awarded to one of these construction companies by the middle of next year, with work expected to start on the 26 kilometre western section in late 2010.

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