Shortlisted bidders to deliver Metro Level Crossing Blitz

Treasurer Michael O’Brien and Minister for Roads and Public Transport Terry Mulder today announced the companies shortlisted to deliver the next phase of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Metro Level Crossing Blitz program.

Following a competitive Expressions of Interest process, four standout bidders have been shortlisted, two for each of the packages – Main Road St Albans and Blackburn Road Blackburn and secondly, Burke Road Glen Iris and North Road Ormond – will now develop detailed proposals to deliver the projects.

Inspecting the North Road level crossing today, Mr O’Brien said the announcement demonstrates how the Coalition Government’s strong economic management is delivering major transport upgrades for Victorians.

“This $685 million level crossing removal program is a part of the record $24 billion transport infrastructure program delivered in the 2014-15 Budget,” Mr O’Brien said.

“These are four of the worst level crossings in Victoria. The Coalition Government can remove these level crossings, as a direct result of our strong economic management that is delivering substantial Budget surpluses to fund our record infrastructure program.

“These vital projects will also create around 1,000 new construction jobs,” Mr O’Brien said.

Minister for Roads and Public Transport Terry Mulder said that there are two shortlisted bidders for each of the two packages.

“To deliver these four level crossing removals in a more efficient manner the Coalition Government has decided to release these projects as two contracts, with two level crossing removals in each contract,” Mr Mulder said.

“By staging the projects this way we can reduce the impact on the train and road network and manage the industry resources available,” Mr Mulder said.

The shortlisted bidders for the two packages are:

• Main Road, St Albans and Blackburn Road, Blackburn
  • Acciona Infrastructure Australia with Coleman Rail; and
  • Leighton Contractors.

• Burke Road, Glen Iris and North Road, Ormond
  • John Holland; and
  • Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction with Fulton Hogan Constructions.

The projects are being delivered and managed by VicRoads in partnership with Public Transport Victoria and in close cooperation with Metro Trains Melbourne.

Since 2011, the Coalition Government has now allocated planning and construction funding for 40 level crossing removals and grade separations – the largest such program on record.

For more information, please visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au