CPB Contractors win $384m Section C of Bruce Highway Upgrade
Works to upgrade around 10.5 kilometres of the Bruce Highway between Traveston and Woondum came a step closer today with the successful tenderer for Cooroy to Curra Section C finally announced.
Tender process
CPB Contractors were just announced as the sucessful tendering party, outbidding Fulton Hogan, Lend Lease and John Holland. The highly competitive two-stage tender process involved in-depth consideration of initial non-price submissions and shortlisting of prequalified contractors.
A noteworthy take-away from this tender is how incredibly quick it was. EOI's (stage 1 - outline of contractors experience in major infrastructure projects) were called in late September, closed in mid October, contractors were shortlisted in late November and tender submissions (stage 2 - price component) closed in mid December.
That's barely three weeks to lodge Stage 1, and just over 3 weeks to submit the final tender submission (Stage 2).
Considering the scope, investment by state and federal government, and widespread interest of the project, government departments usually provide a couple of months in which contractors can write up their best possible tender submission.
An inside source even told us that on submission day, the contractors lodged their tenders and within the hour, all prices were up on the board.
“Section C is the third of four major Bruce Highway—Cooroy to Curra upgrade projects, with Section A from the Cooroy Southern interchange to Sankey's Road well underway, and Section B between Federal and Traveston completed in 2012.
“The Australian Government is also committed to progressing the Section D project on planning and design work for upgrading the section of the highway stretching from south of Keefton Road to Curra.
“Work on Section C is expected to start in coming weeks and to be completed by mid-2018, weather permitting.”
Queensland Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said the assessment process for the Section C works contract focused on ensuring the successful tenderer had a strong record in delivering major infrastructure projects.
“Over the next few weeks CPB Contractors will establish equipment and staff at the construction site,” Mr Bailey said.
Value
Project's Tender Milestones
| April 2015 | The department commenced the tender process for the early works contract for Section C. |
| July 2015 | BMD Constructions Pty Ltd awarded the early works contract for the Bruce Hwy Cooroy to Curra Section C project. Work on the intersection began in late July and is ecpected to be completed by mid-2016, weather permitting. The existing highway is being widened and a raised median installed to improve safety by separating opposing directions of traffic. Dedicated right and left-turn lanes are being constructed at the Keefton Road and Six Mile Creek rest area intersections. Protected entry lanes for north and southbound traffic will improve access to the Gold Nugget service station |
| September 2015 | The department commenced the first stage of a 2-stage tender process for the major works contract for Section C, by calling for Expressions of Interest on 30 September 2015 (and closing on 19 October 2015). Pre-qualified contractors were invited to register their interest by submitting details of their experience and capabilities in major infrastructure projects, with a focus on strong environmental management and performance. Successful contractors will be invited to participate in the second stage which involves a price component. The 2-stage approach was enforced to ensure contractors are shortlisted initially based on performance and capabilities, rather than an ability to deliver the project for the lowest cost. |
| November 2015 | Four contractors were shortlisted to proceed to the second stage of tendering for the Section C major works contract. These contractors include Fulton Hogan, Lend Lease, John Holland and Leighton Contractors. The shortlisted contractors had until 14 December to submit tenders for the second stage, which includes the price component. |
| February 2016 | CPB Contractors (formerly Leighton Contractors) awarded contract for the major works of Section C. Construction is expected to start on the major works in early 2016 and finish in late 2018, weather permitting. |
Bruce Highway - Cooroy to Curra (Section C: Traveston to Woondum). Source: TMR
Scope
Key features
- About 10.5km of four lane divided highway on a new and improved alignment between Traveston and Woondum, with the capacity to be upgraded to six lanes in the future.
- Major waterway crossing structures over Traveston Creek, Kybong Creek, Cobbs Gully and Jackass Creek.
- The existing Bruce Highway will remain as an alternative route for local road users wishing to travel between Traveston and Gympie.
- Includes a fast-tracked early package of safety works to upgrade the existing Bruce Highway past the Gold Nugget Service Station, to Venardos Avenue.
Woondum connections
- Two-lane connection back to existing Bruce Highway for access to Gympie
- New two-lane bridge to accommodate underpass for connection for vehicles travelling south on existing Bruce Highway
Bruce Highway - Cooroy to Curra (Section C: Traveston to Woondum). Source: TMR
The latest Bruce Highway project is certainly an exciting development for QLD and suppliers looking to work on the project need to invest time into the project now.
For those looking to put their best foot forward, we’ve created a free eBook on how to create a strong business capability statement. The content of this eBook was developed from a QLD Government tendering workshop so be sure to download it below to get a thorough understanding of what's going to help your business stand out from the crowd.
If you'd like to learn more about getting your gear onto projects like these, get in touch and we'll show you how to better connect with your dream clients.
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