Three consortia have been selected for the construction of a new metro tunnel and five new underground stations in Australia.


The shortlisted bidders for the AU$6bn (£3.5bn) public-private partnership (PPP) include Continuum Victoria, Cross Yarra Partnership and Moving Melbourne Together.

The PPP will be responsible for the construction and fit-out of the 9km metro tunnel and five new underground stations — to be located at Arden, Parkville, CBD North, CBD South and Domain.

Daniel Andrews, premier of Victoria, said: “The best construction companies in the world are lining up to build the biggest public transport project in Australia — the Metro Tunnel.

“Melbourne needs the Metro Tunnel and we’re not wasting a moment — major work starts next year. The Metro Tunnel will let us run trains so often that you don’t need a timetable — you just turn up and go.”

At least six tunnel boring machines (TBMs) will be used during construction, with three giant shafts — up to 11 storeys deep — to be excavated at Franklin Street and A’Beckett Street near Melbourne Central station, and at City Square near Flinders Street Station.

The consortia now have to submit a formal proposal by early next year. A contract is expected to be awarded by the end of 2017.  

According to the Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan, the project is expected to create 4,700 jobs.

•    Continuum Victoria comprises Acciona Infrastructure, Ferrovial Agroman, Honeywell, Downer EDI and Plenary Origination;
•    Cross Yarra Partnership comprises Lendlease Engineering, John Holland, Bouygues Construction and Capella Capital;
•    Moving Melbourne Together comprises Pacific Partnerships, CPB Constructors, Ghella, Salini Impregilo, Serco and Macquarie Capital.

* For more information on the Australia construction market, visit the Construction Intelligence Center Report Store.