A $23 million contract has been awarded to a Joint Venture between ACCIONA Geotech and Clough Projects (ACJV), for roadworks and bridgeworks on Great Northern Highway just north of Auski Roadhouse.
The project will involve the construction of a new bridge, carrying Great Northern Highway traffic over the proposed Rio Tinto Iron Ore Koodaideri Rail Line, ensuring the safety of all motorists using Great Northern Highway once the mine is in operation.
The works also include the construction and realignment of 3.6 kilometres of Great Northern Highway and a new intersection at the Rio Tinto mine access road, to be constructed as part of the Rio Tinto Koodaideri project.
Construction of the project will begin in November 2019 with completion expected in June 2020.
The project, funded by Rio Tinto and managed by Main Roads, is expected to create a minimum of 40 local jobs.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Rio Tinto has acknowledged the potential risk to the public with their rail operations and are to be commended on their proactive approach to engage Main Roads to construct a new bridge – the safest possible crossing infrastructure for the travelling public.
“An average of 721 vehicles per day use this section of Great Northern Highway, around two-thirds of which are heavy vehicles.
“This project will significantly increase efficiency and improve safety for road users by eliminating the road/rail conflict.”
