Reference design for $5.5b Western Distributor project released to shortlisted tenderers

The Andrews Labor Government has released the reference design for Melbourne’s second river crossing - part of the $5.5 billion Western Distributor project - which will be providing an alternative route to the West Gate Bridge, taking thousands of trucks off local streets.

“We’re building Melbourne’s long-overdue Second River Crossing – a true alternative to the West Gate Bridge that will slash congestion so Victorians can spend less time stuck in traffic on the M1.” – Premier Daniel Andrews

The three shortlisted tenderers – John Holland and CPB Contractors; Lendlease Engineering and Bouygues Construction; and a consortium of Salini Impreglio, Fluor Australia and Lane Worldwide Infrastructure – are required to submit designs for a tunnel that will have no permanent impact to Hyde Street Reserve. Tenderers are also encouraged to recommend methods for an innovative construction process and use their own expertise to improve on the current reference design.

The official reference design was shaped with the help of local residents and feedback from the community is directly integrated into the design released to the three shortlisted tenderers.

The design includes the long tunnel option with twin road tunnels which begins with a widened West Gate Freeway. Local parkland will also be protected under the design in order to minimise the loss of open space.

Construction will begin right after the contract to build the Western Distributor is awarded in late 2017. At least 5,600 jobs will be created for this project.

“The Western Distributor will create 5,600 jobs, fully funded as part of our historic investment in transport infrastructure. The time for talk is over – we are getting these projects done.” – Premier Daniel Andrews

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