Project Spotlight: $624 million Bruce Highway upgrade fast-tracked

Pre-qualified construction companies have until 19 October 2015 to lodge applications to carry out the major works. The tender will be a two-stage approach with 'best value for money’ a key priority for the winning tender.  

Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said this highly competitive two-stage tender process will involve in-depth consideration of initial non-price submissions and shortlisting of prequalified contractors.

More information below -  

Who:

 What:

The $624 million Section C project forms part of the Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade. Section C will deliver approximately 10.5km of new, 4-lane divided highway between Traveston and Woondum, just south of Gympie. The existing southern Bruce Highway access to Gympie will also be upgraded.

Since 2008 when a planning option for Section C was endorsed as part of the Strategic Planning Study, the project has undergone further engineering and environmental investigations resulting in changes to the previously announced scope of works. The changes will result in technical improvements, significant cost savings and a smaller environmental footprint.

The new highway alignment will now be constructed to the west of the power line easement between Tandur and Woondum roads, and will result in reduced costs, no impacts to the power line easement or infrastructure and a smaller environmental footprint.

A new interchange at Woondum will be constructed south of the original location to improve versatility for future expansion to an ultimate interchange configuration when Section D (the Gympie bypass) is constructed. It will also allow for all freight movement access.

Key features of Section C include:

• divided highway (4-lanes) on a new alignment between Traveston and Woondum, with the ability to be upgraded to 6-lanes in the future
• an interchange at Woondum to connect the new Bruce Highway to the existing Bruce Highway
• major waterway crossing structures over Traveston Creek, Kybong Creek, Cobbs Gully and Jackass Creek
• overpasses at Tandur Road and Woondum Road.

The existing Bruce Highway will remain as an alternative route for local road users wishing to travel between Traveston and Woondum Road.

When:

Applications close 19 Oct 2015, and the contract awarded early 2016. Construction will start shortly after. 

Where:

Bruce Highway between Traveston and Woondum, south of Gympie. The upgrade will affect the Wide Bay Burnett Region and North Coast Region. 

Why: 

A new highway will be constructed to better meet capacity and efficiency demands for long-term road freight and transport needs in the region and will be designed to a Q100 flood immunity. It will also support safe, high-speed travel and improved access to the local road network.

“In addition to improving safety and travel times for motorists and heavy vehicles, the works will also help minimise disruptions and road closures due to flooding and road maintenance work.”

How: 

Keep in mind that Government projects are undertaken on behalf of the community.

The first principle of government procurement is to drive value for money. However, the lowest price is not the only indicator of value, evaluation criteria considers cost factors (up-front price, whole-of-life costs, transaction costs associated with acquisition, use, holding, maintenance and disposal) and non-cost factors (fitness for purpose, quality, delivery, service, support and sustainability impacts). 

Learn more about delivering value for money with out blog post 3 Reasons why local suppliers improve tender applications or download our free ebook below which highlights how Government officers evaluate your tender documents.