South Brisbane Busway construction contract awarded

Issue Date:  17 August 1999
Issued By:  Queensland Minister for Transport and Minister for Main Roads

Leighton Contractors Pty Limited has been awarded a $38 million contract to build part of the South East Busway in South Brisbane, Transport and Main roads Minister Steve Bredhauer announced today.

Mr Bredhauer said the works, covering a 1km stretch between Ernest Street and Water Street, was part of the Beattie Government’s $520 million South East transit Project.

He said work on the section would start immediately and involved the construction of a 400 metre tunnel and 600 metres of road works and structures.

Mr Bredhauer said this included two bridges, a bus station, and the widening and modification of existing roads.

“This part of the busway is important as it consists of what will be part of the final run into the Central Business District,” he said.

Mr Bredhauer said he expected the work would be completed as efficiently as possible and have minimal impact on traffic passing through the area.

Leighton Contractors’ Queensland General Manager Laurie Voyer said the ability to address environmental and community relations issues on urban infrastructure projects such as the Busway was important to the company.

“This section of the Busway is in an inner city area and we need to be aware of any impact that our construction activity can have on the local community and wherever possible take steps to minimise the impact,” Mr Voyer said.

“We have appointed a full time community liaison officer and will implement a comprehensive environmental management program throughout the construction period,” Mr Voyer said.

Construction on the section is scheduled for completion by August 2000.

The South East Busway will link Brisbane’s Central Business District to Eight Mile Plains, with bus priority lanes to Springwood.

Transit lanes will be constructed between Mt Gravatt and Loganholme. The Busway is part of a plan to address South East Queensland’s transport challenge by increasing public transport usage and reducing the rate of growth of car traffic.

The project is to be completed by 2001 and will provide commuters with a better, smarter and cleaner transport system.

Residents and motorists can obtain more information about the construction works by phoning freecall 1800 636 041.

Further Details:
Andrew Williams,
Media Advisor
3237 1944 or 0416 107 962

Laurie Voyer,
Leighton Contractors
3215 4400