Consortia chosen to submit detailed plans for City Northern Bypass

19/8/95

Three consortia have been chosen to submit detailed proposals for the first of two major design and construct contracts associated with the City Northern Bypass.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton and Planning Minister Richard Lewis said today the three consortia were selected because of the broad experience base of the proponents and the strength of the management organisation proposed.

The consortia were represented in submissions to Main Roads in July by the joint venture partners of:

·       Baulderstone Hornibrook Engineering Pty Ltd and Clough Engineering;

·       the Citypass Consortium, which includes John Holland Construction and Engineering Pty Ltd, McConnell Dowell Constructors (Australia) Pty Ltd and Obayashi Corporation; and -

·       Transfield Construction Pty Ltd and Thiess Contractors Pty Ltd.

Mr Charlton said the three groups were short-listed from five joint venturers which had made formal expressions of interest in the project.  Each of the three would now be invited to prepare detailed proposals for the first design and construct contract for the project, worth about $220 million.

"A rigorous evaluation of each of the very detailed submissions provided to Government was carried out," he said.

"The three now chosen to prepare detailed proposals for the first major contract bring together the necessary elements to deliver this complex and diverse project which requires a large degree of organisation and co-ordination."

Mr Lewis said all five submissions were of high quality, but at the end of the process just one consortium would be successful.

"Bearing in mind the financial and human resources each of the consortia members is being asked to invest in working up a detailed proposal, it would be unfair and inappropriate of the Government to commit all those interested in the project to the tender process, when clearly the list can be shortened early in the evaluation procedure," he said.

"The three chosen consortia have demonstrated a well-rounded design and construct capacity through their various networks of national and international consultants and sub-contractors."

Both Ministers said the three groups also displayed a strong appreciation of the need to minimise impacts on the community, particularly in the Northbridge area.

Each now had 14 weeks in which to prepare their detailed proposal and submit it to Main Roads for assessment.

The contract is expected to be awarded in April, 1996.

The contract provides for the design and construction of the City Northern Bypass between the Mitchell Freeway and East Parade, including construction of the 1.6 kilometre tunnel through Northbridge.

The second design and construct contract, for works between East Parade and the Great Eastern Highway, including the construction of a new bridge over the Swan River, would be awarded by the middle of 1997.

The simultaneous completion of both contracts is programmed for the middle of 2000.

Mr Charlton and Mr Lewis said the bypass would provide a much needed East-West metropolitan transport route.  It would also reduce traffic congestion in the inner city, encourage the expansion of public transport options into the city and make it friendlier for cyclists and pedestrians.

Mr Lewis said that in addition, the Urban Renewal Study, due to wrap up in about one month, would lead to the revitalisation and beautification of the Northbridge area.

Media contacts:  Ian Hasleby 321 7333

Bronwyn Hillman 221 1377