As part of the agreement, the joint venture partners will now work with Transurban and the Victorian Government through an Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, which will assess the potential environmental, social, economic and planning impacts of the project, and recommend the approach to managing these impacts.
A comprehensive engagement program to seek input into the project from stakeholders and the community will be undertaken throughout the EES process, with a public exhibition period expected mid-2017.
Following successful completion of the planning process, revenue to CPB Contractors will be finalised at contract execution.
CIMIC Chief Executive Officer Adolfo Valderas said: “Our proven track record of delivering complex roads and transport initiatives that support the growth of Australia’s cities and regions strongly positions CIMIC and CPB Contractors for projects such as the West Gate Tunnel Project.
“It is our privilege to be working with Transurban and the Victorian Government and contributing our innovative approach and experience in planning this next-generation transport network, which will significantly boost the state’s economy and create a more sustainable roads system for the people of Victoria.”
CPB Contractors Managing Director Román Garrido said: “CPB Contractors’ major projects and tunnelling capabilities will ensure an efficient and effective works program is put in place to minimise disruption and maximise safety for road users during the construction period.
“Our team is focused on ensuring opportunities for local workers and businesses, providing a strategic and socially-inclusive procurement program, and value for money urban designs that deliver enhanced benefits to communities and stakeholders.”
The West Gate Tunnel Project will address a number of critical challenges in relation to traffic, growth and liveability across Melbourne.
Design and construction works include widening the West Gate Freeway from eight lanes to 12 between the M80 Ring Road and Williamstown Road, as well as building a 2.8km eastbound tunnel and 4km westbound tunnel under Yarraville, a new bridge over the Maribyrnong River providing an alternative to the West Gate Bridge, an elevated road along Footscray Road to the Port of Melbourne, CityLink and the city’s north, and major new cycling and pedestrian paths.
Subject to planning approvals, construction is expected to start in 2018 with the project scheduled to open to traffic in 2022.
In conjunction with its clients and partners, CPB Contractors is currently delivering some of Australia’s most important roads projects, including Melbourne’s CityLink Tulla Widening (Bulla Road to Power Street) for Transurban and Sydney’s M4 Widening and M4 East and New M5 motorways as part of WestConnex.
In 2016, CPB Contractors completed the $1 billion Gateway WA Perth Airport and Freight Access Project, the biggest roads initiative undertaken by Main Roads Western Australia, ahead of schedule and under budget.