Contract awarded and design revealed for VIC North East Link project

Victoria’s largest road project – the North East Link – has reached new major milestones that will push the project a step closer to delivering the missing link in Melbourne’s freeway network. 

Following the announcement of Spark consortium as the preferred bidder for the tunnelling package, Spark and the Victorian Government have reached contractual close and the contract to undertake the Primary Package PPP has been officially awarded. 

Spark consortium is comprised of WeBuild, GS Engineering and Construction, CPB Contractors, China Construction Oceania, Ventia, Capella Capital, John Laing Investments, DIF and Pacific Partnerships. 

“This is an important project for the people of Victoria so we’re delighted to have reached contract close and be ready to begin work. We’re proud to be part of a project that will create more jobs for local people, and, when complete, alleviate congestion on local roads,” CIMIC Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Juan Santamaria said. 

The $11.1 billion Public Private Partnership contract establishes a 25-year deal to build, operate and maintain the tunnels while tolls go back to the state. 

The tunnelling package – which includes the construction of twin tunnels and key interchanges – is expected to generate about 8,000 jobs, with the rest of the North East Link project to create thousands more. 

“I am very pleased to see Ventia build on our legacy of providing essential transport related services to Victoria with a strong focus on supporting local employment and the local supply chain. 

“This win also builds on our strategy of applying a client-focused, innovative and sustainable approach to essential infrastructure services and we are excited to have the opportunity to continue bringing this approach to the North East Link project,” Ventia Group CEO Dean Banks said. 

As the project progresses, the project team will work closely with the community and opportunities for locals to have their say on local elements of the design will be provided once plans for their areas are presented starting next year. 

For homes that are going to be impacted by the construction and design of the project will be offered a Voluntary Purchase Scheme. Further details on this will be provided as the project progress. 

“As a long-term industrial sponsor and partner, our PPP expertise and major project experience will deliver high-quality transport assets that will improve the connectivity of Melbourne’s growing communities and provide a seamless, end-to-end service for our client,” Pacific Partnerships Managing Director Martin D’Uva said 

“Safely delivering new road infrastructure is a core capability for CPB Contractors and we’re committed to engaging with local workforce, businesses and communities to maximise the social and economic benefits that this major project will create,” CPB Contractors Managing Director Jason Spears said. 

Construction on the project is anticipated to commence later this year. 

In addition to the awarding of the contract, the design for North East Link has also been released.  

The new design will now include a longer tunnel to Watsonia along with simpler underground interchanges, a new tree-lined boulevard for Greensborough Road, new green bridges and new parklands and wetlands. 

The design will also involve an overhaul of the Eastern Freeway, delivery of Melbourne’s first dedicated busway, completing the Ring Road in Greensborough as well as a North East Trail that has over 34 kilometres of walking and cycling paths linking the north-east to Yarra River trails and parklands. 

“This design released today is the result of extensive community consultation and delivers the project people have asked for – with a longer tunnel, quality design and community and environmental outcomes. 

“Half a million Victorians live within two kilometres of a North East Link interchange. The tunnels are just one part of a massive investment in the north east – this project will change the way people move around Melbourne and deliver the road, bus, walking and cycling upgrades,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said. 

The longer 6.5-kilometre twin tunnels – 1.9 kilometres longer than in the initial design – are going to be built using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) instead of a cut-and-cover and trenches method to help reduce disruption. This delivery method will also create more room for a tree-lined Greensborough Road boulevard and new parklands above ground. The new design will create more room for wetlands and parklands as well, such as a 10-hectare community park along Banyule Creek in Yallambie. 

The Ring Road will feature new lanes, smart technology and a seamless interchange with North East Link, while the two new green bridges in Watsonia will link to a new multi-level train station parking. 

On the other hand, the Eastern Freeway overhaul will include delivering six express lanes from Chandler Highway to Middleborough Road. This upgrade will also deliver a new green bridge in Bulleen that will connect Koonung Creek Trail to Yarra River parklands. 

“A project the size of North East Link doesn’t come around very often. It’s been long talked about – and is the largest ever investment into Melbourne’s north-east – supporting 10,000 jobs and we’re getting on with it. 

“Projects like these are exactly what our economy needs right now – and deliver faster journeys and more choice for where Victorians want to live, work and spend time with those they love,” Premier Daniel Andrews said. 

Once completed, the North East Link will connect the M80 Ring Road to an upgraded Eastern Freeway, delivering an efficient road corridor for up to 135,000 vehicles daily; reduce travel times by about 35 minutes; remove 15,000 trucks off local roads; and bypass 18 traffic lights on a trip to the airport. 

The entire North East Link project is due to be completed in 2028. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; CIMIC Group; CPB Contractors; Ventia Group; Victoria’s Big Build – North East Link Program (1, 2, 3); The Age; 9News; Australia New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline