Two world-class consortia have been selected as the preferred bidders for the next big elements of the North East Link Program – the overhaul of the Eastern Freeway and the completion of the M80 Ring Road.
North East Link is delivering the missing link in Melbourne’s freeway network. The program will build Victoria’s longest road tunnels, overhaul the Eastern Freeway, build Melbourne’s first dedicated busway, complete the Ring Road and build a North East Trail with more than 34km of walking and cycling paths.
With a massive amount of work underway to prepare for the North East Link Tunnels, the next major contracts in the program are progressing.
The Nexus consortium has been selected as the preferred bidder for the first part of a major overhaul of the Eastern Freeway. The work between Burke Road and Tram Road will connect with the new North East Link Tunnels, and will include new technology, express lanes, cycling paths and the first 7km of the Eastern Express Busway.
Nexus comprises Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Ltd, Symal Infrastructure Pty Ltd, WSP Australia Pty Ltd and Arcadis Australia Pacific Pty Ltd.
The AMA consortium has been selected as the preferred bidder to complete the M80 Ring Road at Greensborough. The work will include new lanes, smart technology, a seamless interchange with North East Link and Greensborough Bypass, a new multi-level car park at Watsonia Station and walking and cycling connections.
AMA comprises Acciona Construction Australia Pty Ltd, AECOM Australia Pty Ltd, and MACA Civil Pty Ltd.
North East Link will now work with both bidders ahead of contracts being awarded by mid next year, and this month will go out to market to seek Expressions of Interest to overhaul other sections of the Eastern Freeway – with the program delivering upgrades from Hoddle Street to Springvale Road.
The North East Link Tunnels and freeway upgrades will be complete in 2028, reducing travel times by up to 35 minutes, and taking 15,000 trucks off local roads.
