Important milestone for Perth Freight Link
The Australian and Western Australian governments are getting on with delivering world-class infrastructure with three proponents invited to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) phase of the $1.575 billion Perth Freight Link project.
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Jamie Briggs said this next stage continues the Australian Government’s commitment to delivering jobs and economic prosperity.
“The Perth Freight Link will create a new world class freight connection between the Roe Highway and the Fremantle Port, reducing transport costs and improving efficiency in heavy vehicle movements,” Mr Briggs said.
“This game changing project will help drive economic growth by providing benefits of more than $3.9 billion to Western Australia, including $2.5 billion in travel time savings and $840 million in reduced vehicle operating costs.
“Importantly, it is expected to create 2,400 construction jobs, providing a vital employment boost for Western Australia.”
Proposals will be sought for two sections as follows:
- Section 1 – a 5.2km extension of Roe Highway (Stage 8) from Kwinana Freeway to just west of Coolbellup Avenue; and
- Section 2 – upgrades to Stock Road, Leach Highway, High Street and Stirling Highway, spanning 8.2km.
The three consortia comprise of the following experienced teams:
- BGC Contracting, Laing O’Rourke, Arup and Jacobs
- Clough, Brierty, WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff and Hyder
- Leighton Contractors, Georgiou, GHD, AECOM, BG&E and WA Limestone
Western Australian Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the consortia were chosen after the evaluation of Expressions of Interest applications which were submitted in March 2015.
“The consortia will now participate in the Request for Proposal stage of the procurement process and prepare detailed proposals for design and construction,” Mr Nalder said.
“Consultation and design work over the past six years has finalised the route for Section 1. However, while the most obvious route for Section 2 had undergone robust planning, it will continue to be refined.
“In this next phase we ask the proponents to also look at innovative solutions, including the potential for a tunnelling option. To help plan and cost this option some early geotechnical work has been carried out. The feasibility of other options will be considered against environmental, economic and social impacts.”
Alliance contracts are expected to be awarded in September 2015 for Section 1 and in December 2015 for Section 2.
The Federal Government has committed $925 million to the project and the State Government is contributing $650 million.
Source: News Release, Government of Western Australia, 11 May, 2015