Abigroup Awarded Major Contract for Geelong Bypass

By: Abigroup Contractors  23-Nov-2005
Keywords: Buildings

The $380m Geelong Bypass is a step closer today, with the contract for Section 1, worth $134.8m, being awarded to Abigroup Contractors. Victorian Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor, said the bypass is the most important infrastructure project to be built in the Geelong region for several decades. He added that it will be part of an important link between the Princes Freeway at Corio and the Princes Highway at Waurn Ponds, enabling motorists to bypass up to 10 sets of traffic lights and greatly reduce travel times. Section 1 includes the design and construction of a 10.5km, four-lane freeway, which has the capability of being upgraded to six lanes in the future as well as the construction of full access interchanges at Bacchus Marsh Road, Anakie Road and the Midland Highway. Other features are a shared bicycle and pedestrian pathway, noise walls, landscaping along the length of the reservation and an environmentally sensitive drainage system. Abigroups managing director, Peter Brecht, said, Abigroup is the leading provider of large infrastructure projects in Australia. We are very pleased to have been awarded the contract for Stage 1 of the Geelong Bypass, which is predicted will have great safety, accessibility and economic benefits for South Western Victoria. Abigroups commitment to the highest quality civil and building work is matched by our respect for residents and the environments in which we work. We will therefore work closely with VicRoads to ensure that the community experiences minimal disruption during construction and has the convenience of this new road as soon as possible. Construction is expected to commence in early 2006 and is due for completion in early 2008. Sections 2 and 3 of the 23km bypass are scheduled for completion by 2009. Other major infrastructure projects recently awarded to Abigroup include the $125m Brisbane Mater Hospital, the Antiene Rail Coal Unloader Project in the Upper Hunter Valley, the $75m Windsor Flood Evacuation Route in Western Sydney, the $15m Sydney Airport Taxiway Golf Project and the $14m Bass Coast Resort in Victoria. Abigroup is also currently in the final stages of the $1.5bn M7 Westlink orbital road in Sydney, which it has undertaken in a joint venture arrangement with Leighton Contractors. The 40km roadway, incorporating several complex bridge structures, will be opening eight months ahead of schedule.

Keywords: Buildings

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