A major milestone has been marked on the final stage of New South Wales’ WestConnex project - the $7.247 billion M4-M5 Link - with the announcement of a successful tenderer for the construction of the mainline tunnel.
“This is a crucial final piece of this transformational infrastructure project. WestConnex is delivering a skills legacy, with more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs created over the life of the project,” Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said.
The LSB Joint Venture - comprised of Lendlease Engineering, Samsung C&T Corporation and Bouygues Construction - has been awarded the design and construction contract for the project.
“It is a privilege to continue to work with the NSW Government to deliver this crucial project, increasing local training opportunities and employment whilst addressing Sydney’s future transport needs,” Samsung C&T CEO Youngho Lee said.
The joint venture’s contract includes the delivery of twin tunnels that will link the new M4 at Haberfield and the new M5 at St Peters. This link will provide a continuous and integrated WestConnex motorway.
The M4-M5 Link project will include building a connection to Rozelle Interchange and Iron Cove Link. The Rozelle interchange is going to be built mostly underground and it will be located at the old Rozelle Rail Yards site. In addition to the interchange, the M4-M5 Link will also include an underground tunnel from the Rozelle Interchange to Victoria Road near Iron Cove Bridge, also known as the Iron Cove Link.
“Bouygues Construction Australia is proud to be selected with our Joint Venture partners for the M4-M5 Link. The project will provide a pivotal connection for Sydney’s transport network, reducing travel times and congestion for the travelling public,” Bouygues Asia, Oceania and Middle East CEO for Civil Works division Christian Gazaignes said.
This project is expected to create thousands of jobs and training opportunities, which includes opportunities through a partnership with TAFE NSW.
“The M4-M5 Link is a critical project that will drive Sydney’s economic growth, deliver new jobs and training opportunities, and provide a vital link between growing communities in inner and western Sydney. This will mean quicker travel times for more people and easier movement of goods for businesses, making life easier for Sydneysiders,” Lendlease CEO of Engineering and Services Craig Laslett said.
Works on the mainline tunnels are expected to commence later this year.
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Source: Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities; Roads and Maritime Services; Lendlease