North East Link Project
The largest private-public partnership (PPP) for an infrastructure project in Australia
Start of works
October 2021
Progress status
0%
Data updated to October 2021
SDG Obiettivi di sviluppo sostenibile
Industry innovation and infrastructure
The project foreesees excavating approximately 6.5 kilometres of twin tunnels each, with three lanes, as part of a wider system that will become a key link in north east Melbourne’s freeway network.
The contract concerns the Tunnelling Package, which is part of the so-called Primary Package, which in turn is part of a larger infrastructural development project.
Construction works of the North East Link (or NEL) project will also include 6 km of auxiliary works, a bridge, and highway interghages with the M80 and Eastern Freeway.
The NEL project, is the largest private-public partnership (PPP) for an infrastructure project in Australia. Once completed, it will have the State of Victoria’s longest highway tunnels.
Works are part of the State of Victoria’s Big Build infrastructure investment programme. They were assigned by the North East Link Authority of the State of Victoria to The Spark Consortium, which includes Webuild.
Technical data
Tunnels (km)
6.5
Lanes
6
Sustainability
NEL is a project with a strong sustainability element, which will lead to building an essential link in north est Melbourne’s freeway network. Il will reduce traffic levels, taking 15,000 trucks off local roads, and reducing travel times by up to 35 minutes for tens of thousands of commuters.
Among the project’s benefits, worthy of metion is the construction of 25 km of new walking and cycling paths, and Melbourne’s first dedicated bus lane with express lanes.
NEL’s tunnels excavation will protect private properties and Banyule Flats area, which is important from an environmental point of view.
Benefits and advantages of the work
Trucks taken off local roads per day
15,000
Reduction in travel times
35 minutes
New walking and cycling paths
25 km
Multimedia
Milestones
28/10/2021
