The Victorian Government in Australia has awarded CIMIC Group company CPB Contractors a A$195 million ($131 million) contract to deliver the Early Works package for the North East Link project in Melbourne.
Upon completion, the A$15.8 billion ($10.6 billion) North East Link will connect the M80 Ring Road with an upgraded Eastern Freeway, along with improvements to Greensborough Rd on both sides.
It will be the biggest road transport project in Victoria’s history. It will service 135,000 vehicles per day, deliver more than 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) of new walking and cycling paths, and remove 15,000 trucks off local roads each day.
CPB Contractors will deliver the Early Works package in two stages, according to CIMIC Group. The majority will comprise utility services under a managing contractor arrangement that will generate a favorable risk and return profile consistent with CIMIC Group’s strategy.
“We are committed to working closely with the Victorian Government to deliver the first stage of the project,” said Michael Wright, CEO of Cimic Group. “CIMIC, through CPB Contractors, is focused on building the vital infrastructure that the community needs.”
Works include the design, development and removal, relocation and/or protection of utility services including 220-kilovolt transmission towers, other electrical assets, telecommunication assets, water and sewerage assets, and drainage and gas pipelines.
“This is a key missing link in Victoria’s freeway network,” said Juan Santamaria, managing director of CPB Contractors. “CPB Contractors is committed to leveraging our extensive roads and major project experience to deliver this work efficiently and to the highest safety standards.”
In August, a consortium led by CIMIC Group also secured a A$900 million ($608 million) contract to develop a 10.2-kilometer (6.3-mile) rail line project in Queensland.
Construction on the package is scheduled to start in 2020, subject to planning approval. It is expected to open to traffic in 2027.
