The three joint ventures (JVs) are competing for the AU$6 billion Public Private Partnership (PPP) to build and fit out the 9 km metro tunnel, as well as the construction of five new underground stations at Arden St, Parkville, two CBD stations and one at the Domain Interchange.
Up to six tunnel boring machines (TBMs) could be used during construction, each up to 100 m long and weighing more than 1,000 t.
‘Consortium Victoria’ is made up of ACCIONA Infrastructure, Ferrovial Agroman, Honeywell, Downer EDI and Plenary Origination.
‘Moving Melbourne Together’ is a JV of Pacific Partnerships, CPB Contractors, Ghella, Salini Impregilo, Serco and Macquarie Capital.
The ‘Cross Yarra Partnership’ compromises of Lendlease Engineering, Bouygues Construction, Capella Capital, and John Holland. John Holland was also awarded the Early Works contract June.
The early works contract includes the construction of three 11-storey shafts in the CBD, which will enable road headers to be lowered into the ground to begin excavating 2 million m3 of soil and rock.
John Holland will also relocate crucial gas, sewer, water mains, stormwater drains, electrical cabling and telecommunications infrastructure that run under the city.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said “The Metro Tunnel will create 4,700 jobs and space in the City Loop to run more services in and out of the city every day.
“Today’s announcement of the shortlist paves the way for contract award next year and construction of the Metro Tunnel and five new stations to start in 2018. We’re getting it done to get Victorians home safer and sooner.”
Shortlisted bidders for the PPP will be asked to submit a formal proposal by early next year.
The contract expected to be awarded by the end of 2017 and work on the tunnel and stations will begin in 2018.
For more information visit the Metro Tunnel website.
If you have a project you would like covered in Trenchless Australasia contact Assistant Editor Nick Lovering at nlovering@gs-press.com.au
Images courtesy of Melbourne Metro Rail Authority