Earlier this year Salini Impregilo-NRW Joint Venture (SI-NRW) were awarded the $1.176 billion contract for design, construction and a ten year maintenance period once the project is complete in 2020. Since then, they have been busy preparing to take over the construction sites and begin their works.
In preparation for SI-NRW's works to begin as planned in late 2016, the Public Transport Authority (PTA) is working to complete forward works in the Belmont and Forrestfield Station Community Zones.
PTA forward works
For over six months, a number of forward works in the areas of Belmont and Forrestfield, as well as at the airport, have been undertaken by the PTA.
These works ensure the sites are well prepared for the main construction starting later this year. While the works are ongoing, construction is progressing well across all sites. Of note:
• Forward works in the Forrestfield Community Zone are due for completion in August, with the relocation of the gas and fibre optic services now complete. Ongoing works in this area include the relocation of 17 power poles to the western side of the construction zone and the cut-over of communication services to the new lines.
• Forwards works in the Belmont Community Zone are ongoing, with drain realignment works along Central Ave currently well underway. Once the realignment is complete a number of road and earth works will start, including the construction of a 6m wide landscaped median, street lighting, pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes.
• Main Roads are also progressing on the Fauntleroy Ave intersection upgrade at Great Eastern Highway and will begin works to the Coolgardie Avenue intersection later in the year. More information about these works and traffic diversions in place are available online.
What's next? Working with SI-NRW
On completion of PTA's forward works a formal handover of the sites to the design and construction contractor, SI-NRW, will take place.
Members of the project team have been meeting with key stakeholders to ensure that there is a smooth handover and that relationships that have been established during the planning stage are maintained and agreements upheld.
Design work is underway and community information sessions planned for later in the year when designs are ready for presentation to the community zones
Participating on the project - Opportunities for Aboriginal businesses
An Aboriginal Engagement Strategy has been developed for the project to ensure that there are real, on the ground opportunities for Aboriginal participation. Following the initial forum with Aboriginal businesses late last year, a second forum was held in June. Over 45 representatives from the Whadjuk, Noongar and other Aboriginal business sectors were in attendance to hear more about the opportunities presented by the project.
Official proceedings begun with a Welcome to Country by Dr Richard Walley, followed by an update on the Forrestfield-Airport Link project and an outline of the recently formed Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Finally, attendees were introduced to the main Contractor, SI-NRW, who provided an overview on the potential work packages available for Aboriginal businesses as part of their major contract. Over the next few weeks SI-NRW will make further information about these packages available online. In the meantime, businesses are encouraged to express their interest in the project via email enquiries@si-nrwjv.com.au.