The Southwest Connex consortium has been selected as the preferred proponent to build the A$852m ($608.3m) Bunbury Outer Ring Road in Western Australia.
The consortium comprises Acciona, WA local company NRW Contracting, MACA Civil, AECOM and Aurecon.
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The project contract is expected to be signed by the Southwest Connex consortium in September following completion of negotiations with Main Roads.
Scheduled for completion in 2024, the Bunbury Outer Ring Road project involves the construction of a 27km link connecting Forrest Highway near Treendale to Bussell Highway comprising three sections – northern, central and southern.
The project aims to provide an alternative route around Bunbury to improve traffic flow and safety.
Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Regional Development Michael McCormack said: “The Bunbury Outer Ring Road project has been planned for a number of years, recognising the significance of delivering vital infrastructure to provide a safer and more efficient road system for the South West of Western Australia.
“Bunbury Outer Ring Road will provide relief for local residents by removing freight and regional traffic from local roads while maintaining easy access to Bunbury and other regional destinations.”
Subject to securing environmental and a heritage approval, construction on the project is scheduled to commence early next year.
Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said: “This project will deliver huge benefits for the economy, both during its construction and once in operation and I’m pleased to see a local WA company play such a big role in its construction.
“Maximising local business procurement and Aboriginal participation are key objectives for the project and we have set a target of approximately $300 million to be allocated to local businesses to subcontract on the project.”
Expected to create up to 5,680 jobs during the construction phase, the project is backed by A$681.6m ($486.6m) funding from the Australian Government and a further A$170.4m ($121.6m) grant from the state government.
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The Bussell Highway in Forest Grove, Western Australia. (Credit: User:Orderinchaos/Wikipedia)
