Preferred bidders named for North East Link projects

Two consortia have been selected as the preferred bidders for the next major stages of the North East Link Program – the overhaul of the Eastern Freeway, and the completion of the M80 Ring Road.

The North East Link program will build Victoria’s longest road tunnels, overhaul the Eastern Freeway, build Melbourne’s first dedicated busway, complete the Ring Road and build a North East Trail with more than 34 kilometres of walking and cycling paths.

The Nexus consortium – comprising Laing O’Rourke, Symal Group, WSP Australia, and Arcadis Australia Pacific – has been selected as the preferred bidder for the delivery of the first part of a major overhaul of the Eastern Freeway.

Works between Burke Road and Tram Road will connect with the new North East Link Tunnels, and will include new technology, express lanes, cycling paths, and the first seven kilometres of the Eastern Express Busway.

The AMA consortium – comprising ACCIONA Australia, AECOM Australia, and MACA Civil – has been selected as the preferred bidder to complete the M80 Ring Road at Greensborough.

The work will include new lanes, smart technology, a seamless interchange with North East Link and Greensborough Bypass, a new multi-level car park at Watsonia Station, and walking and cycling connections.

North East Link will now work with both bidders ahead of contracts being awarded by mid next year, and will this month seek Expressions of Interest to overhaul other sections of the Eastern Freeway – which will include upgrades all the way from Hoddle Street to Springvale Road.

The North East Link tunnels and freeway upgrades will be complete in 2028, and are expected to cut travel times by up to 35 minutes, and take 15,000 trucks off local roads.

For more information, visit: www.bigbuild.vic.gov.au

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