In preparation for the start of work on the new Kempsey Bypass, construction companies with expertise in bridge building are being encouraged to register under an ‘expressions of interest’ process
February 22, 2010
In preparation for the start of work on the new Kempsey Bypass, construction companies with expertise in bridge building are being encouraged to register under an ‘expressions of interest’ process being managed by the NSW RTA.
The company ultimately selected will partner with the RTA to design and build new bridges over the Macleay River and the nearby floodplain.
Registrations open today and close on Wednesday, March 24.
At the conclusion of the registration period, a shortlist of applicants will be invited to submit tenders, with a preferred builder expected to be selected shortly thereafter.
As well as the new bridges, the project will lay 14.5 kilometres of dual carriageway to the east of Kempsey and Frederickton as well as construct two new interchanges.
The contract for these other aspects of the bypass was awarded in November to a consortium consisting of Leighton Contractors, AECOM and Coffey Geotechnics.
Major road works will start within months, with the erection of bridges due to begin by the middle of next year.
Once completed in mid-2014, this new section of the Pacific Highway will deliver safer driving conditions, cut travel times and take up to 2,000 trucks a day off the local streets of Kempsey.
The existing Highway will be retained as a local road.
Meanwhile, construction has commenced on the $41.5 million Kingston Bypass in Tasmania.
“Once built, the bypass will ease congestion in and around Kingston, providing motorists with a quicker, safer trip. The existing Channel Highway running south from Hobart carries as many as 18,000 vehicles a day,” says Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese.
The bypass is a jointly funded project, with the Bartlett Labor Government contributing $26.5 million and the Rudd Labor Government a further $15 million.
The 2.8-kilometre bypass will leave the existing Channel Highway near the Kingston High School before passing under Summerleas Road and rejoining the highway in the vicinity of the existing Algona Main Road roundabout. A major new roundabout will be built at the junction between Algona Main Road and Huntingfield Avenue.
Franklin MP Julie Collins says the design of the bypass will improve safety and reduce congestion in Kingston, helping to make sure the local road infrastructure keeps pace with the growing population across the Kingborough municipality.