CPB Contractors to upgrade Pacific Highway in Australia

CIMIC Group’s subsidiary CPB Contractors has secured a A$365m ($290m) contract from the Roads and Maritime Services in Australia for upgrade works on the Devils Pulpit to Richmond River section of the Woolgoolga and Ballina Pacific Highway in northern New South Wales (NSW). 

Upgrade works include conversion of Pacific Highway to two lanes in each direction, building seven new bridges, and associated road works consisting of ground treatments, earthworks and road surfacing. 

As part of the project works, CPB Contractors will be responsible for delivering 34km Pacific Highway upgrade linking the Maclean to Devils Pulpit section to the south and the Richmond River to Ballina Bypass section in the north.

The project is part of the A$4.36bn ($3.65bn) Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade, which is reported to be Australia’s largest regional infrastructure project.

CIMIC chief executive officer Adolfo Valderas said: "Our strong track record of delivering new and improved major roads initiatives strongly positions CIMIC and CPB Contractors for projects such as significant upgrades of the Pacific Highway.

"We will help improve the safety and efficiency of this important transport network, and create a more sustainable road system for people and communities."

Major construction works are expected to begin in October this year and completed by 2020.

The Woolgoolga to Ballina project will duplicate 155km of the Pacific Highway to a four-lane divided road.

The project starts about 6km north of Woolgoolga and ends around 6km south of Ballina.