- Published:
- Monday 7 March 2016
The Andrews Labor Government is building Australia’s longest stretch of managed motorway with the $5.5 billion Western Distributor Project providing a streamlined traffic system from Geelong to Pakenham.
Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan announced that the Monash Widening Project would move to its next phase with three highly experienced construction teams being shortlisted to complete the design and construction of the additional lanes and widening.
The shortlisted companies are CPB Pty Ltd and BMD Constructions Pty Ltd, Fulton Hogan Construction Pty Ltd and John Holland Pty Ltd. The successful company will be appointed in mid-2016, with construction to commence in late 2016 and completed by the end of 2018.
The tenders will be assessed according to a range of criteria including value for money, innovation, experience, and approach to design and construction within the existing freeway including minimising disruption to traffic and the community.
A range of early work has already been completed in preparing the tender requirements including environmental studies, pavement testing and working with local councils on planning for the project.
Almost 45 kilometres of the freeway will be upgraded including widening from four to five lanes each way between the EastLink interchange and the South Gippsland Freeway, and from two to three lanes each way through to Clyde Road in Berwick.
The works to upgrade the Monash will be entirely within the road reserve.
Smart technology involving new and upgraded ramp signals and variable message signs will be installed to help prevent traffic banking up and causing congestion and crashes. A 20 per cent reduction in serious crashes is expected by creating smoother traffic flow onto and along the improved route.
The project will create 400 jobs during construction, cut 10 minutes from peak hour travel and make room for an extra 2,000 vehicles during the peak.
The Government is also calling for people in the west to get involved in planning and design of the new Western Distributor by nominating for the project’s Community Liaison Group (CLG).
Interested community members can visit westerndistributorproject.vic.gov.au to read the selection criteria and complete an application form. Applications close 18 March 2016.
The local community will also be able to have direct input into the project’s planning at community consultation sessions commencing in mid-April.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan
"The Monash widening will better link families with jobs, education and other opportunities in the south east, one of our fastest growing regions."
"The calibre of the firms bidding for the project reflects the importance of the investment we are making in creating a smoother, more reliable and safer freeway for up to 200,000 motorists a day."