Tenders called for QLD's Archer River Crossing project

Tenders are being called for a project to upgrade one of Cape York’s well-known waterway crossings, the Archer River Crossing in Far North Queensland.

The project is part of the $237.5 million Cape York Region Package stage two project, which aim to improve the safety and reliability of the road connection providing access to some of Queensland’s most remote communities.

Cape York Region Package was a five-year (2014-15 to 2018-19) program of works jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments to upgrade critical infrastructure on Cape York Peninsula.

The first stages saw 173 kilometres of the 527-kilometre Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) sealed between Laura and the Rio Tinto boundary. Stage two of the project will see a further 55 kilometres of the PDR sealed, leaving only 149 kilometres unsealed.

Federal Member for Leichardtt Warren Entsch said the Archer River Crossing project was about improving safety and reliability of the critical and vital road network.

“Every wet season, the Peninsula Developmental Road is closed for long periods at Archer River when the current low-level crossing is inundated by the swollen river,” Entsch said.

“When complete, the new crossing will reduce the average annual time of closure to less than two days, improving access for road users and improving connectivity for some of Queensland’s most remote communities.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the successful tenderer would need to demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting local indigenous workforce and sub-contractors.

“As part of the tender assessment process, the department will assess contractors’ ability to deliver training and employment development prospects, and Indigenous economic opportunities, in partnership with the Traditional Owners of the area,” he said.

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