Queensland road
Queensland has shortlisted two potential contractors for the duplication of Bruce Highway. Credit: Karsten Würth (@inf1783) on Unsplash.

Queensland Government in Australia has invited two companies to take part in the early contractor involvement (ECI) phase for the Cairns Southern Access Corridor – Stage 3 project that involves doubling the lanes.

The shortlisted companies for the ECI phase are John Holland Seymour Whyte AECOM Joint Venture (HSA Group) and Bielby Hull Albem Coleman Joint Venture (BHA Coleman JV).

The selected contractor will be responsible for widening the 10.5km section of highway from two to four lanes.

Additionally, the contractor will have to build a four-lane bridge over several creeks and provide safety access improvements where the highway meets with local roads.

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

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

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

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

Bailey commented: “It provides the two tenderers the opportunity to be involved in the preliminary design process and work closely with Transport and Main Roads.

“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 project is a fantastic development for Far North Queensland and will ensure the region has the road infrastructure in place to support its economic future,” he said.

The Australian Government has committed A$384.8m ($274.45m) to the project, while  Queensland will provide A$96.2m ($68.61m) funding support.

Construction work is likely to begin next year and expected to be complete in mid-2023.