Two consortia have been shortlisted to design and construct Western Australia‘s $852 million Bunbury Outer Ring Road project.
The shortlisted consortia are the Forrest Alliance, comprised of CPB Contractors, Carey MC, Densford Civil, GHD and BG&E, and Southwest Connex, comprised of Acciona, NRW Contracting, MACA Civil, AECOM and Aurecon.
Western Australian Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said she expects an alliance contract to be awarded before the end of the year, with construction set to begin in 2021, subject to environmental and heritage approvals.
“Main Roads WA will also be calling for early tenders soon for the supply of an initial quantity of crushed rock road base. This will give local suppliers time to identify potential material sources, plant and personnel requirements for the early stages of the project,” she said.
According to Ms. Saffioti, the project will deliver huge benefits for the economy both during construction and once in operation.
“The Outer Ring Road is the biggest transport infrastructure project ever planned for the south-west and will generate significant economic and employment opportunities,” she said.
“Maximising local business procurement is a key objective for the project. The procurement process includes set criteria to ensure potential contractors incorporate initiatives to maximise local content.”
Additionally, the state government has opened a Local Capability Fund to support small and medium south-west firms to tender for work on Bunbury Outer Ring Road.
“Significant mandatory targets for Aboriginal employment and Aboriginal business involvement will need to be met by the alliance contractors during the delivery of the project,” she said.
The Bunbury Outer Ring Road project is fully funded, with the Federal Government contributing 80 per cent ($681.6 million) and the state government contributing 20 per cent ($170.4 million).
Federal Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack said well-planned infrastructure projects are vital for the Bunbury area.
“The Bunbury Outer Ring Road project has been planned for a number of years, recognising the significance of delivering vital infrastructure to provide a safer and more efficient road system for the south-west of Western Australia,” he said.
“Bunbury Outer Ring Road will provide relief for local residents by removing freight and regional traffic from local roads while maintaining easy access to Bunbury and other regional destinations. Investing in well-planned transport projects will keep the Bunbury region moving and boost its status as a major economic regional centre.”
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- WA approves Bunbury Outer Ring Road design