3 companies shortlisted for Melton Highway level crossing construction contract in Melbourne

Following positive industry response to the preferred design for the Melton highway road bridge in Melbourne's north west, the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) has shortlisted three companies to vie for the design and construction work.

The successful contractors are: 

• BMD Constructions Pty Ltd
• Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd
• WBHO Infrastructure Pty Ltd and Rizzani de Eccher Australia Pty Ltd as a joint venture

In a company statement, the LXRA said "The contract will be awarded to the contractor who can best meet our specifications and will be awarded by the end of the year, with construction due to commence early 2017. A summary of consultation will be provided to the nominated contractors ensuring the final design responds to community feedback." 

It is expected the contract will be awarded by the end of the year, with construction due to commence early 2017.

More about the preferred design

The LRXA has chosen a 'road over rail' solution, meaning that a road bridge will rise over the rail line, with the bridge approaches and structure from Overton Lea Boulevard to west of McCubbin Drive (first entrance to Watergardens Town Centre). While this will prevent direct access to Melton Highway from Sydenham and Victoria Roads in future, these roads will be linked underneath the bridge.  

Numerous factors lead to this preferred solution, namely the site's position in an area subject to flooding, and the dense basalt making cutting or tunneling incredible difficult and disruptive to construct. 

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