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CIMIC and John Holland picked for $4.2bn Melbourne tunnel project

A 50:50 joint venture between John Holland and CIMIC subsidiary CPB Contractors has been chosen to deliver Melbourne’s A$5bn (US$4.2bn) West Gate Tunnel Project. The tunnel will accommodate the West Gate Freeway, presently the busiest road in Australia.

The scope of the works will include:

  • Widening the freeway from eight lanes to 12 between the M80 Ring Road and Williamstown Road
  • Building a 2.8km eastbound tunnel and 4km westbound tunnel under Yarraville
  • Building a bridge over the Maribyrnong River to provide an alternative to the West Gate Bridge
  • Constructing an elevated road along Footscray Road to the Port of Melbourne, as well as cycling and pedestrian paths.

The joint venture will now work with urban toll road operator Transurban and the Victorian government to compile an environment effects statement.

Melbourne at night (Wikimedia Commons/Fir0002)

Román Garrido, managing director of CPB Contractors, said: "Our team is focused on ensuring opportunities for local workers and businesses, providing a strategic and socially-inclusive procurement programme, and value-for-money urban designs that deliver enhanced benefits to communities and stakeholders."

Construction is due to start in 2018.

John Holland was part of CIMIC when it was known as Leighton Holdings; it is now a subsidiary of China Communications Construction.

Top image courtesy of CIMIC

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