By Lynda Myer
The environmental assessment contract of Australia’s longest road tunnel, granted to infrastructure provider AECOM, after a competitive tender.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales John Barilaro said: “AECOM Australia was chosen as it had demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the unique and sensitive Blue Mountains environment and will develop measures to mitigate impacts from the tunnel work.”
According to Mr. Barilaro’s statement, the intended company due to cooperating on other major Australian infrastructure projects, including NorthConnex and the M6 Stage 1, had proven experience in the environmental assessment of roads and tunnels.
“This project will transform journeys between the Central West and the East Coast, delivering a safe and more efficient journey for locals, trucks, and tourists,” added Barilaro.
While this 11km long suggested tunnel, which is located in the scenic Blue Mountains, is going to connect Blackheath and Little Hartley, and will shape a central component of the US$3.3bn Great Western Highway upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow, motorists driving between Western New South Wales (NSW) and Sydney, host the tunnel as a potential “game-changer”.
Paul Toole, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads said: “This critical work will focus on continuing the detailed environmental investigations to confirm the feasibility of a tunnel in this location, and will provide the basis for the Environmental Impact Statement, due for extensive community consultation next year.”
