Cimic wins $175m Northlink contract

A subsidiary of Spanish-controlled CIMIC Group will build the final stage of the $1.12 billion Northlink WA roads project, with the state government awarding the last unassigned portion of work today.

CPB Contractors (formerly known as Leighton Contractors), will design and construct the northern section of highway from Ellenbrook to Muchea, under the $175 million contract.

Stage 3 will pick up from where a joint venture between BGC Contracting and Laing O’Rourke is building the second stage of the project, between Reid Highway and Ellenbrook.

That $417 million contract was formally awarded to the joint venture earlier this month.

“The final section involves construction of a free-flowing dual carriageway between Ellenbrook and Muchea, with new interchanges at Stock Road, Neaves Road and Brand Highway,” Transport Minister Bill Marmion said.

“Safety issues will be addressed at four of the state’s most dangerous intersections, with more than 150 kilometres of road safety barriers to protect vehicle occupants and separate oncoming traffic.

“This project will not only create safer communities by reducing traffic on local roads, it will connect those communities through the including of separate pedestrian and cycle paths.”

When completed, Mr Marmion said, the Northlink project would provide a continuous connection from Perth Airport all the way through to Muchea.

“Construction is already well under way on stage 1, stage 2 is commencing and stage 3 will begin by mid-2017, so we are certainly on target for project completion in 2019,” he said.

Cimic chief executive Adolfo Valderas said the Northlink northern section would provide a vital road portal for traffic and freight movements to commercial and industrial areas north of Perth, as well as improved safety, reduced congestion and faster travel times for road users.

John Holland was awarded a $176 million construction contract for stage 1 of the project in January last year, covering work from Guilford Road to Reid Highway, including flyovers at the intersections of Collier Road, Morley Drive and Benara Road, and upgrading a section of Tonkin Highway north of Guildford Road to turn it into a six-lane freeway.

The federal government is providing $894 million for the project, with the state government contributing $223 million.