- Premier
Two major construction firms have been shortlisted to deliver the first package of works on the North East Link, as the biggest road infrastructure project in Victoria's history moves another step closer to construction.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan today to announce CPB and Laing O'Rourke have been shortlisted for the $200 million first works package.
The works package will start next year, once planning approvals are in place, and deliver a range of power, water and other utility works to pave the way for major construction on the $15.8 billion project.
The Andrews Labor Government also announced today that the Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the project will go on display this month, with community engagement sessions planned across Melbourne's north-east and eastern suburbs over April and May.
Businesses and homes potentially impacted by the project have been spoken to by the project team and will continue to be supported as planning and design continues, and construction begins.
The first act of the re-elected Labor Government was to put this massive project out to market, with bidders being sought for the $7-9 billion package that will design the project and build the tunnels. Shortlisting will start soon, with a tender to be underway later this year.
The North East Link will include a six-kilometre tunnel under Banyule Flats and the Yarra River and upgrade the Eastern Freeway to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion.
It will create the missing link between the Eastern Freeway and the M80 Ring Road – slashing travel times, taking more than 15,000 trucks a day off local streets and creating 10,300 jobs.
The project will also build a new dedicated busway down the middle of the Eastern Freeway – slashing travel times on this busy bus corridor by more than 30 per cent.
Construction will start in 2020 and North East Link will open in 2027. For more information, visit northeastlink.vic.gov.au.au.
As stated by Premier Daniel Andrews
"Early works on this massive project will begin next year, paving the way for major construction."
"The North East Link has been talked about for decades, we're getting it done."
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
"North East Link will slash congestion, get trucks of local streets and create more than 10,000 jobs."
"We've been talking to local communities for over two years to get this project right – that will continue as we get on with this road which will transform the way people move throughout this community."
