Contract awarded for Eyre Highway upgrading at Balladonia and Caiguna

18/7/05
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today approved the award of the design and construct contract for the Eyre Highway upgrading at Balladonia (50km) and Caiguna (17km) to Macmahon Contractors Pty Ltd, as part of the overall upgrading program for Eyre Highway over the next 10 years.
"This Federally-funded contract, valued at about $36million, will see Eyre Highway widened to provide a consistent seven metre-wide seal," Ms MacTiernan said.
"In addition, one metre-wide, sealed shoulders with a one metre-wide unsealed shoulder in each direction is to be provided.
"The works, which are complicated by lack of suitable materials and a tight time frame for delivery, include strengthening the pavement and realigning some curves to improve geometry."
The Federal Government has now accepted that Main Roads' decision to let this as a single contract represents the best value for money and so finally the contract can be awarded.
"The award of this contract will improve safety on Eyre Highway and further encourage tourism for the Goldfields Region," the Minister said.
"The work will be completed in two parts, focusing on the 17km section east of Caiguna first and then the 50km section west of Balladonia. The works are due for completion by the end of 2006.
"Road users will be kept informed throughout the contract on the work's progress and, wherever possible, will also be alerted to any significant disruptions that may be caused by construction.
"The contractor is responsible for developing management plans for the works, including consultation with station owners and roadhouse operators and these plans will be used to help minimise the impacts on the local community and best manage the improvement works with minimal disruption."
Macmahon Contractors Pty Ltd will initially focus on finalising the design for the project before moving out on-site around October this year to start construction on this important regional project.
The total project cost for the Eyre Highway upgrading at Balladonia and Caiguna is $45million, of which $15million is from the Auslink program and includes the contract price, investigation, administration and project management costs.
Minister's office: 9213 6400