The Government of Victoria in Australia has published detailed scope of works and financing for the North East Link (NEL) project. The project will provide the missing link in Melbourne’s orbital freeway between an upgraded Eastern Freeway and the M80 Ring Road. Spark consortium is a project owner and is formed by WeBuild, GS Engineering and Construction, CPB Contractors, China Construction Oceania, Ventia, Capella Capital, John Laing Investments, DIF and Pacific Partnerships.

The project will be delivered as a Public-Private Partnership with an Incentivised Target Cost (ITC) regime that applies in respect of costs incurred during the design and construction phase of the project. The primary scope of works involves the development of :

• twin, three-lane tunnels;
• split interchange at Lower Plenty Road and Manningham Road, and an upgrade on the existing interchange South of Bulleen Road and a new interchange west of Thompsons Road;
• new and upgraded green land bridges, development of shared user paths and walking and cycling infrastructure;
• high-quality outcomes in open space, noise walls design and maximizing tree canopy replacement.

The other project elements of NEL will be delivered under separate packages and include upgrades to sections of the M80 Ring Road and Eastern Freeway, delivery of a new Bulleen Park & Ride and upgrades to the existing Doncaster Park & Ride as well as the design, construction and maintenance of the NEL Tolling Collection Capability.