William Street tunnel contract details released

2/3/04

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today released the contract details of the Perth to Mandurah rail project's $324.5million Package F, including the city tunnel under William Street.

"This is the first time that the contract for such a construction project have been publicly released," Ms MacTiernan said.

"Tabling the documents in Parliament today honours my commitment in January to release the details of the contract.

"The previous government never released information of this nature. For example, the Northbridge Tunnel contracts with the Baulderstone Clough joint venture were never made available.

"Releasing the contract details will show that construction companies of national and international standing have unequivocally committed to deliver the project for the contracted price."

The contract was won by Australian company Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd, which will deliver the project in joint venture with Japanese company Kumagai Gumi.

Kumagai-Gumi has more than 70 years of tunnelling experience, including more than 700 bored tunnel projects involving construction of 730km of tunnels in Australia, United States, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Leighton Contractors has an enviable record in the delivery of major projects both within and outside Australia. Recent accomplishments include the Narrows Duplication, Roe Highway Stages 4 and 5, Spencer Street Station in Melbourne, the Brisbane Inner City Bypass and the Sydney Eastern Distributor.

Since 1995, 10 major projects in Western Australia have been completed using this design and construct form of contract. It has an outstanding track record, with all projects completed on time or early, minimal variation in out-turn cost relative to award price and five projects winning industry awards.

Not one issue arising from these contracts has resulted in litigation.

The contract tabled in Parliament includes the unamended contractual provisions contained in the Project Deed and all of the specified requirements for delivery of the works.

The only elements deleted are the confidential pricing details and details of Leighton Kumagai's individual pricing methodologies and independent price components. The omitted details have no bearing on the contractor's obligations.

Works include 600m of cut-and-cover and 700m of twin bored tunnel structures. Underground stations will be built at the Esplanade and William Street, linked to existing platforms at Perth Central Station by an underground pedestrian tunnel.

The contract also includes roadworks, pedestrian cycle links, railway track and overheads, landscaping and other urban improvement works.

"The new railway will deliver commuters directly to the heart of the CBD for employment, shopping and entertainment," Ms MacTiernan said.

"Removing the William Street Bridge and reconfiguring roads will allow for the redevelopment of the long-neglected foreshore in front of the city."

For more information on the New MetroRail project, please visit www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au