Three consortia to prepare detailed plans for section of City N Bypass

4/7/96

Three construction consortia have been invited to prepare detailed proposals for the Burswood Bridge section of the City Northern Bypass.

They are Baulderstone Clough Joint Venture, Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Transfield Thiess Joint Venture.

The shortlist was selected from four firms who responded to an invitation for expressions of interest. The fourth company, John Holland Construction and Engineering Ltd, has been selected as a reserve applicant.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said the design and construct contract for the six lane road and bridge between East Parade and Great Eastern Highway/Orrong Road would be awarded in January 1997.

"The new bridge and roadworks will be completed in 2000 at the same time as completion of the tunnel section through Northbridge where construction is now under way," Mr Charlton said.

"The bypass provides an alternative route for east-west through traffic which currently is forced to use the Causeway and central city streets such as Riverside Drive."

Planning Minister Richard Lewis said the bridge was the key to the bypass.

"It is particularly important as an east-west route for the growing residential and commercial needs of the eastern and south east metropolitan region," Mr Lewis said.

"And at its intersection with the Great Eastern Highway, it will provide an eastern gateway for interstate and overseas visitors arriving by road or by air."

Mr Lewis said the new bridge over the river was expected to carry about 84,000 vehicles each day.

"This will greatly relieve traffic volumes on the Causeway and through the city which would otherwise continue to get more and more congested," he said.

"Opening of the bypass in four years' time will allow us to introduce priority bus measures on the Causeway and in the central city and to provide improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists."

The Minister said apart from better public transport, the bypass project would be a catalyst for the urban renewal of Northbridge and improved amenities for people living and working in the inner city.

Media contact: Sally Squires 321 7333