Subscribe to RSSWaterview Tenders Called
NZTA today called for tenders to build the Waterview Connection - which is called the country’s most expensive and complex roading job ever.
Replying to the question why this is happening when consents have not yet been given for the complex, NZTA says:
“Running the procurement process in parallel with the EPA statutory approval process saves the NZTA up to a year in its construction programme, makes the most of current economic conditions to get the best market prices. No construction work will start until all necessary consents are obtained.”
NZTA chief executive Geoff Dangerfield says it’s an ideal time to tender as the current economic conditions enable us to get the best market prices. It confirms our commitment to deliver the project as quickly as possible and with the best value for money.”
Calling tenders for Waterview Connection works follows a decision by the NZTA’s Board to approve funding of up to $2bn to complete Auckland’s Western Ring Route road.
The NZTA anticipates that the mid-point cost estimate to complete the Western Ring Route is $2bn.
Mr Dangerfield says a project of this scale will attract international interest and could create over 1,000 jobs in construction-related activities at the peak of activity.
The NZTA will run the tender process in parallel with its application for statutory approvals, through the new national consenting process.
“Running the two in parallel will save us up to a year in the construction timetable as well as offer significant savings on the overall cost of the project,” says Mr Dangerfield.
Mr Dangerfield adds that no construction on the Waterview Connection will start until all the necessary consents and approvals are in place.
The NZTA will lodge its route designation and resource consent applications with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in mid-August.
Procurement for Maioro St and Lincoln Road interchanges has started. The NZTA will now begin the procurement for the construction of the SH20 extension work, including the tunnels. Once the SH20 contract is awarded procurement for the SH16 construction packages will follow.
The NZTA anticipates awarding the contract in August 2011, dependent on the outcome of the Statutory Approval process.
“We are continuing to give the community certainty as this project develops,” says Mr Dangerfield. “We are determined to work closely with them, and with local authorities and other stakeholders through the EPA process to address issues and concerns related to open space replacement, air quality, and construction impacts such as noise, traffic and dust.
Completing the Western Ring Route is one of the Government’s seven Roads of National Significance Projects to support and enable economic growth for the country. It involves extending State Highway 20 to link with the Northwestern motorway (SH16) at the Great North Road interchange, together with capacity improvements along the Northwestern motorway from St Lukes interchange to Westgate.
Once completed, the Western Ring Route will provide a 48km alternative to SH1 and the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
5 Comments
Providing there is a clause in the contract that states that if EPA approval isn’t granted then the contract is off, then I have no issues with getting it done faster. This is one project I do think we need to do despite its huge cost.
I can visualise this motorway when finished to become our version of the M25 round London
This will costs a lot in lawyers fees, and extra work through later contract changes though. Not to speak of compensation if the project doesn’t go ahead. It also at least *smacks* of preempting the legal process, even if I can understand why they would want to speed it up.
I love how they say that they are keeping the community informed and are being courteous - yeah right. I have lived in Waterview for over 20 years and ever since State Highway 20 was decided upon, the communication has been dreadful. They communicate with the people who are losing their homes, but the wider community - not interested in them at all.
Margaret - did you go to the open days / expos?