Three bidders have been shortlisted to deliver early works for the Melbourne Metro Rail Project, the multibillion-dollar project to tunnel an extension to the city’s passenger rail network under the Yarra.
Public transport minister Jacinta Allan on Wednesday announced the bidders selected for the next phase of the early works tender were as follows:
- CPB Contractors (formerly known as Leighton Contractors)
- John Holland / KBR (joint venture)
- Lend Lease / Coleman Rail (joint venture)
Allan said the shortlisted trio were selected following a rigorous EoI period, which delivered a high standard of responses.
The winning bidder will conduct “hundreds of millions of dollars” of works to prepare key sites along the planned route, according to a statement from the minister’s office.
Works include the relocation and protection of underground services, such as gas, sewer and water mains, the relocation of trees and other road features, and the design and construction of access shafts, according to the statement.
The main part of the project – which will be delivered by a separate contract – will develop twin nine-kilometre rail tunnels between South Kensington station north west of the CBD, to South Yarra station south east of the CBD.
Underground, the line will include five new stations, at Arden, Parkville, CBD North, CBD South and Domain.
Stations at CBD North and CBD South will connect with existing stations on the City Circle: Melbourne Central station and Flinders Street station respectively.
Melbourne Metro Rail Authority – the government body responsible for conducting the project – is undertaking site investigations along the alignment in preparation for the early works package.
Investigative work involves the excavation of narrow trenches at multiple locations.
The three shortlisted parties will submit a formal proposal in the second quarter, and a contract will be awarded by mid-2016.
“Melbourne Metro Rail will return up to $1.50 for every dollar invested, generate 4700 jobs during peak construction and create space for nearly 40,000 extra passengers every morning and evening peak,” Allan said.
“Today’s shortlist announcement paves the way for formal proposals and contract award by the middle of the year, the start of early works in 2017 and major construction in 2018.
“After four long years under the former Liberal Government, who ignored then abandoned this critical project, we’re getting on with it.