Two tenderers have been invited to participate in the Early Contractor Involvement phase for the Cairns Southern Access Corridor stage 3 project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said the project would cater for future population growth and increasing demand on the road network.

“This is the busiest two-lane section of the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns,” he said.

“The highway will be widened from two to four lanes, a four-lane bridge will be built over several creeks and safety access improvements, where the highway intersects with local roads, will be made. 

“These measures will go some way towards making this section of the highway safer and capable of catering for future traffic volumes. 

“I am pleased to announce the two shortlisted tenderers for the ECI phase are the John Holland Seymour Whyte AECOM Joint Venture (HSA Group) and Bielby Hull Albem Coleman Joint Venture (BHA Coleman JV). 

“Contractors from both joint ventures have long histories successfully delivering major infrastructure projects in the North Queensland region.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said the ECI stage was a key phase in the project timeline.

“It provides the two tenderers the opportunity to be involved in the preliminary design process and work closely with Transport and Main Roads,” Mr Bailey said.  

“Throughout the ECI process, the tenderers will consider design alternatives providing balance between functionality, project cost and construction impacts, as well as how innovative construction methods can be included in the design.” 

The Federal Government has committed $384.8 million to the $481 million project, with the State Government contributing $96.2 million. 

Construction is expected to start in 2020 and be completed in mid-2023, weather permitting.