Victorian-US connection on $200m infrastructure project
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9 September 2009
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US engineering and management firm AECOM are partnering with Australian construction group John Holland and the Victorian Government agency VicRoads to construct a new $200 million freeway connection in Melbourne’s west.
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Preconstruction activities are already underway on site, with major construction scheduled to commence early 2010 and completion due in early 2012.
Victorian Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said with major bridgeworks required, as well as challenging environmental and geological considerations, it made sense to deliver the project through an alliance partnership.
“This will help achieve the best engineering innovation while completing works in a timely manner,” he said.
The Western Highway realignment was a key project in the Federal Government's Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan and was identified in the Victorian Government’s $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan.
“When completed, the new Western Freeway route will deliver major economic benefits for the road freight industry and its customers. Significant travel time and cost savings can be expected for goods and produce transported between Melbourne, Ballarat, western Victoria and beyond,” Mr Pallas said.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the project would provide a significant boost to the economy and was expected to support more than 1000 direct and indirect jobs during construction.
“This is what the Rudd Labor Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan is all about, creating jobs today while building the infrastructure we need for tomorrow,” he said.
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For more information on the Victorian Government's infrastructure program, please visit www.workingvictoria.vic.gov.au.
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