The 41km bypass running to the north of Toowoomba connecting the Warrego Highway with the Gore Highway is the largest Commonwealth government commitment to a single road project in Queensland’s history. Nexus Infrastructure, a consortium formed by Ferrovial through its subsidiary, Cintra, Plenary Group and Acciona was awarded the project in August 2015, with Ferrovial Agroman and Acciona delivering the design and construction. The use of the grant involved specific restrictions and conditions on the timing of the drawdown of funds, which needed to be modelled and assessed in detail. Despite the financial complexities, financial close was achieved within six weeks of the appointment of a preferred bidder.
Following assessment by 6 judges from a range of international industries, the project was awarded due to the “impressive efficiency seen in the negotiations, and the strong collaboration evidenced between the public and private sectors. They also highlighted the clear intentions for community benefit that the new project will deliver, as well as the commitment to local employment opportunities. Among the benefits to the local community, the judges praised the impact it will have on safety and increasing freight transport
Paul Jarvis, Managing Editor, Partnerships Bulletin:
“All of the winners have shown that they can meet the needs of societies around the world and both teams and individuals that are celebrated here are at the cutting edge of this innovation.”
Ignacio Clopes, Ferrovial Agroman’s Director for Europe Asia Australia, Ferrovial Agroman: “The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project is another excellent example of Ferrovial’s end-to-end delivery model. It is a great honour to see this major team effort recognised at the Partnership Awards. This is particularly true for the Australian market, where we have been able to create an excellent business platform in a very short period of time.”
The project includes the contraction of a 41-kilometre new section of toll road, bypassing the city of Toowoomba and thereby improving traffic conditions in the region by reducing the heavy goods vehicle traffic that currently crosses the centre of town. The project will also enhance opportunities for local economic development and boost employment and the local supply chain.
The 25-year concession starts from the date the highway opens to traffic, scheduled for the end of 2018. The consortium will work closely with the Queensland government to finalise the project.
