5 November 2019
HSA Group formed by John Holland, Seymour Whyte and AECOM have just won the construction contract of the Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage three project extending from Edmonton to Gordonvale.
This is currently the biggest road project in Far North Queensland. The Australian Government is contributing $384.8 million to the project while the Queensland Government is contributing $96.2 million.
The project will include a 10.5km upgrade of the Bruce Highway between Cairns and Brisbane which is expected to improve the safety of the road. The project will also include a 4.7km relocation of the North Coast rail line.
During the tender process, the government were adamant that they wanted local businesses and employees to be involved in the project. Tenderers had to identify how they would source local suppliers, resources and subcontractors. In turn, approximately 466 jobs are estimated to be created throughout the project primarily made up of local people.
The HSA Group were an obvious choice for this project having delivered many major infrastructure projects in the North Queensland region.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project would significantly improve safety on the busy two-lane section of the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns.
“This significant infrastructure investment in the Far North region will deliver an upgrade to an essential section of the Bruce Highway,” Mr. McCormack said.
He said the HSA Group has an excellent track record of successfully delivering major infrastructure projects in the North Queensland region.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said construction of the $481 million jointly funded project was on track to start in 2020.
“This project will duplicate and upgrade 10.5km of the Bruce Highway and relocate 4.7 kilometres of the North Coast rail line,” Mr. Bailey said.
He said once complete it will provide a link for the Bruce Highway from Gordonvale to Cairns CBD.
“As part of the tender process, the potential contractors demonstrated a commitment to engaging local employees and businesses.”
Works are expected to start in 2020 and be completed in 2023.
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