A new milestone has been marked on the $481 million Bruce Highway - Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3, with two shortlisted tenderers invited to participate in the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase of the project.
This announcement brings the multi-million dollar project one step closer to construction.
The two shortlisted consortia are the HSA Group - comprised of John Holland, Seymour Whyte and AECOM - and the Bielby Hull Albem Coleman Joint Venture (BHA Coleman JV).
“Contractors from both joint ventures have long histories successfully delivering major infrastructure projects in the North Queensland region,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said that the ECI process is a major milestone for the project as it will give the shortlisted tenderers the opportunity to get involved in the preliminary design process as well as work closely with Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
“Through the ECI process, the tenderers will consider design alternatives providing balance between functionality, project cost and construction impacts, as well as how innovative construction methods can be included in the design.
“The project is a fantastic development for Far North Queensland and will ensure the region has the road infrastructure in place to support its economic future,” Mr Bailey said.
Duplication of the highway from two to four lanes between Edmonton and Gordonvale
A new alignment on the eastern side of the Bruce Highway between Peterson Road and Warner Road
New and upgraded intersections at Peterson Road, Draper Road and Riverstone Road
New service roads to divert local trips from the highway
Realignment and upgrading of over 4.7 kilometres of the Queensland Rail North COast Line
Removal of multiple at grade rail crossings and upgrade of boom gates at other crossings
New road and rail bridges at Wrights Creek and Stoney Creek
A new overpass south of Maitland Road
Relocation of existing cane rail lines at some locations
A dedicated off-road high-speed cycleway from Riverstone Road to north of Collinson Creek, tying the existing cycleway at Thompson Road
A new cycleway bridge at Collinson Creek and reusing existing rail bridges at Wrights Creek and Stoney Creek for the cycleway
Construction is set to commence in early 2020, with completion anticipated by mid-2023.
This Bruce Highway upgrade project is expected to support approximately 466 full-time jobs during its delivery phase.
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Project map (source: TMR)
Source: Queensland Government; Department of Transport and Main Roads; Mirage News