Ashurst assists NSW government in awarding $722m transport infrastructure contract

Ashurst has assisted Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) as it awarded a $722m transport infrastructure contract to construction companies John Holland and CPB.

The two companies have been chosen to build the first stage of the new Western Harbour Tunnel in Sydney. The tunnel is a major transport infrastructure project which includes the construction of over 6km of mainline tunnels and the upgrading of over 9km of surface roads.

The tunnel will connect the WestConnex Rozelle Interchange with the Warringah Freeway in North Sydney. According to Ashurst, the first stage of the project includes the construction of approximately 1.7km of twin three-lane tunnels between Rozelle and Birchgrove.

Construction is due to begin the middle of this year.

“Ashurst has been pleased to assist TfNSW on the multiple complex procurement processes for this major infrastructure project and sees this latest contract as a further demonstration of TfNSW's commercial approach to engaging with the infrastructure delivery market,” said partner Angus Foley, who led the Ashurst team on the transaction. “This project will be a key part of plans to improve travel times and reduce traffic congestion in Sydney.”

Foley was assisted by partner Krista Payne and senior associates Laura Hillhouse and Thomas Darling.