NZ Roading Contractors to deliver on Western Ring

NZ Roading Contractors will deliver on Western Ring Route

Roading New Zealand is delighted the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has announced it is calling for tenders to enable the earliest possible completion of the Western Ring Route in Auckland.

NZTA’s board has approved funding of up to $2 billion for the project, which is expected to create over 1,000 jobs in construction-related activities at its peak.

Roading New Zealand Chief Executive, Chris Olsen, said the Waterview Connection, which will link the Southwestern motorway (SH20) with the Northwestern motorway (SH16), was one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in New Zealand and would have a positive effect on the road network.

“Completing the Western Ring Route will have a great impact on traffic flows, cutting motorists’ travel time and improving the country’s productivity.”

Mr Olsen said the New Zealand industry had the capacity and access to the specialist expertise, both locally and internationally, which would be required to carry out the work to the highest possible standard.

“The creation of jobs is always hugely welcome and this project presents a wonderful opportunity for the entire roading sector to substantially upskill.”

He said it was pleasing to hear registrations of interest for the SH20 package were to be called for this week.

“New Zealand roading contractors are already well down the track in preparing to register their interest for this project.

“They have teamed up with engineering consultants and international tunnelling companies to form a number of consortiums for this iconic New Zealand engineering project.”

He added that it was critical for the country that NZTA had increased its annual construction programme to accommodate the cost of completing the Western Ring Route. This will mean funding for regional projects necessary for stimulating local economies during these tough economic times will continue largely as planned. This is an important issue for the contracting industry to ensure investment in people and equipment is maintained over the next 4 to 5 years.

Roading New Zealand congratulates NZTA for working closely with the construction industry to achieve the optimum packages of work and to fine tune procurement methods for completing the Western Ring Route. This should help to ensure that this project will be delivered on time, and to budget whilst also achieving best value for money.

ENDS

© Scoop Media