Spark comprises WeBuild, GS Engineering and Construction, CPB Contractors, China Construction Oceania, Ventia, Capella Capital, John Laing Investments, DIF and Pacific Partnerships. If ultimately successful, the group will construct the twin three-lane tunnels and key interchanges as a Public Private Partnership. For the moment, it will work with SGV to negotiate a final contract and finalise its concept design for the project.
The new 6km tunnels aim to protect homes and sensitive environmental areas including the Yarra River, Banyule Flats and Warringal Parklands. Once the tunnelling package is awarded, the project will go out to market for the other key elements, which include a massive overhaul of the Eastern Freeway; Melbourne’s first dedicated busway; the completion of the M80 Ring Road; and more than 25km of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths.
The North East Link will connect the M80 Ring Road to an upgraded Eastern Freeway, cutting travel times by up to 35 minutes and taking 15,000 trucks off local roads. It will link key growth areas in the north and south-east, providing an efficient connection for up to 135,000 vehicles each day. A big focus is on creating 10,000 jobs local jobs, with 10% of total work hours to be achieved by apprentices, trainees or cadets as part of the government’s Local Jobs First Policy.
Construction on the tunnelling package is expected to begin after contract award later in 2021. The North East Link is slated to open to traffic in 2027.
