Successful tenderer announced for Northern Connector, SA

The South Australian Government has awarded Lendlease’s Engineering business the tender to design and construct the $985 million Northern Connector road project.

The project involves the construction of a six-lane 15.5-kilometre road that links the state’s Northern Expressway with the South Road Superway and Port River Expressway.

It also includes the construction of four road interchanges and a 16-kilometre path for cyclists and pedestrians.

According to a statement from the office of South Australian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan, Lendlease was required to detail how it would maximise opportunities for local workers and businesses in its supply-chain to capitilise on the almost billion dollar investment through the tendering process.

It also said that approximately 6500 tonnes of reinforcing steel and 1000 tonnes of structural steel for the project are expected to be sourced from Arrium in Whyall.

“The Northern Connector will provide enormous productivity benefits for freight travelling between Adelaide and the northern, western and eastern parts of South Australia, as well as to and from other states,” said Mr. Mullighan in the statement.

“The State Government’s Northern Connector Jobs Taskforce has been working closely with local contractors and businesses, councils and education providers to ensure that at least half of the 480 jobs supported by the project each year go to locals.

“This target is on top of the regular requirement that 90 percent of labour hours go to SA.

“Already the pre-construction projects, such as embankment works and an associated intersection upgrade, have provided jobs for dozens of local workers,” he said.

Craig Laslett, Managing Director of Lendlease’s Engineering business said in a separate statement that the company was looking forward to contributing its project experience to deliver the significant infrastructure project.

“We are pleased to have been named successful tenderer for this world class transport infrastructure project, which will support economic growth, stimulate new urban renewal opportunities and generate local employment,” he said.

“The selection of Lendlease as preferred contractor recognises our major project experience, civil engineering capability and our strong commitment to safety, training and employment.”

Major construction will begin in the third quarter of 2016 and completed by the end of 2019.