More SA jobs as tender awarded for O-Bahn tunnel design and construction

A company with a history of award-winning projects in South Australia has won the contract to construct the O-Bahn City Access Project.

McConnell Dowell will design and build the $160 million tunnel project, engaging a South Australian company making the transition from automotive to advanced manufacturing for a key role in the construction.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said South Australian workers would share the majority of the 450 jobs expected to be supported over the life of the project.

“McConnell Dowell has delivered some of the state’s key infrastructure projects in recent times, including the award-winning Riverbank Bridge – the centrepiece of our Riverbank Precinct,” Mr Mullighan said.

“The company has also been involved in a number of other award-winning projects including the Bakewell Underpass and the Adelaide Showgrounds Station.”

“McConnell Dowell is engaging SAGE Automation which will provide expertise in the mechanical and electrical components of the tunnel,” Mr Mullighan said.

This includes the design and construction of: o the tunnel ventilation system

• security surveillance and incident detection systems o fully automated traffic management systems
• fire and life safety systems
• power supply systems
• lighting

McConnell Dowell Chief Executive Scott Cummins said the company was delighted to continue

its history of close collaboration with the South Australian Government.

“We have a proud history of delivering new infrastructure here and this project continues that tradition,” Mr Cummins said.

“McConnell Dowell wholeheartedly embraces the SA Government’s Workforce Participation and Skills Development policies.

“We look forward to working with local industry – particularly our South Australian partner SAGE Automation – to ensure we maximise local employment and training opportunities throughout the project delivery.”

SAGE Automation will deliver some of the latest Intelligent Transport Systems for the project which will monitor safety, traffic flow, CCTV and communications within the tunnel as well as provide for emergency response in the event of an incident.

SAGE Automation Chief Executive Adrian Fahey said the company was delighted to be part of the project.

“We will utilise the full scope of our capability to deliver the Intelligent Transport System, Plant Management and Control System, ITS field panels manufacture, installation and commissioning, as well as ongoing 24/7 service support and training for DPTI operators on the sophisticated system,” he said.

“This project is another example of the technology skills developed by SAGE Automation early in the automotive manufacturing sector advancing the technology, capability and skills across industry.”

Mr Mullighan said community and stakeholder engagement had informed the design development and decision-making process so far.

“The Government is committed to continuing to consult with the public as the detailed design continues,” he said.

The O-Bahn City Access Project is the latest investment in rebuilding South Australia’s public transport network to create faster, more efficient and more accessible services.

Source: News Release, Government of South Australia, 26 October, 2015

http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/2015/15_10Oct/obahn.pdf