Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay today announced that six construction contractors and joint ventures have lodged expressions of interest to build the first section of WestConnex.

“We have received strong interest from both national and overseas contractors for the delivery of the M4 Widening, which is due to start construction in 2015,” Mr Gay said.

“This important step brings us closer towards meeting that milestone.”

Expressions of interest (EOIs) were received from:

· Laing O’Rourke Ferrovial Agroman joint venture;
· Lend Lease Engineering;
· McConnell Dowell OHL joint venture;
· Rizzani De Eccher Leighton joint venture;
· Salini Impregilo joint venture; and
· Thiess

The M4 Widening involves widening the M4 between Church Street, Parramatta and Homebush Bay Drive, Homebush from three to four lanes in each direction.

EOIs were invited in November 2013 from major Tier 1 contractors prequalified on the National Prequalification Scheme for Civil (Road and Bridge) Construction Contracts.

WestConnex Delivery Authority will now evaluate the submissions received and prepare a shortlist of contractors, which is expected to be announced in March 2014.

A request for tenders will then be issued, with the M4 Widening design and construct contract due to be awarded in late 2014.

The M4 Widening and the M4 East, from Homebush Bay to Parramatta Road and City West Link, at Haberfield, form Stage 1 of WestConnex.

The 13.5 kilometre Stage 1 is estimated to cost a combined $3.4-$3.6 billion and is due for completion in 2019.

When complete, the 33km WestConnex will connect Sydney’s west and south west with the CBD, airport and port.

WestConnex is expected to save 40 minutes on a typical travel journey between Parramatta and Sydney Airport by bypassing up to 52 sets of traffic lights, helping the city cope with an expected population increase of 1.3 million across the next 20 years.

M4 East environmental assessment contract awarded

A key contract for the M4 East has also recently been awarded, with AECOM and GHD appointed to carry out the environmental assessment for the motorway extension.

Their work will lead to the M4 East Environmental Impact Statement being exhibited for public comment late this year.

“We are continuing to consult with local residents to ensure their ideas and opinions help guide these environmental studies and ultimately improve the motorway design,” Mr Gay said.

“Hundreds of local residents attended the community information sessions held in December and we encourage anyone interested in learning more about the M4 East to attend further sessions in February, taking place in Five Dock, Burwood, Flemington and Homebush.”

The M4 East will see the existing motorway widened for one kilometre from Homebush Bay Drive, with the additional construction of twin 5km three lane tunnels to Parramatta Road and City West Link, Haberfield.

As a result, up to 3,000 trucks a day will be taken off Parramatta Road, allowing 10 kilometres of bus lanes to be created, almost halving public transport travel times between Burwood and the city.