T2D Project marks another major milestone

Thursday, 13 April 2023

The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Energy and Mining

The global search for a head contractor to build the River Torrens to Darlington Project has entered a crucial new phase with the State Government inviting potential bidders to lodge a formal Expression of Interest.

The EOI will see consortia comprising construction, design and maintenance companies put forward submissions detailing their experience, and outlining how they intend to design and construct the motorway.

The procurement process for the T2D Project effectively started on 25 January with the announcement of the Registration of Interest, which saw 35 eligible firms seek information on the scope and technical requirements of the works.

Some of these companies will become part of the consortia that will bid to design, build and maintain the 10.5km motorway, which will feature two sets of twin tunnels and is being funded by the Commonwealth and State governments.

The next phase of the process – the Request for Proposal in around September 2023 – will see DIT select the two consortia best placed to deliver the project and invite them to submit detailed bids.

The Department is scheduled to award the contract to one of those consortia in mid-2024.

Once finished, the T2D Project will allow motorists to avoid 21 existing sets of traffic lights between the River Torrens and Darlington, and will complete the non-stop 78km North-South Corridor between Gawler and Old Noarlunga.

Main construction works are proposed to start in 2025, with tunnel-boring machine (TBM) works for the Southern Tunnels planned to begin in 2026 and Project completion expected in 2031.

About 500 jobs have been supported so far during preparatory works – such as ground investigations and the relocation of utilities – and the Project is expected to support about 5,500 positions a year during construction.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis

The issuing of the Expression of Interest shows again the State Government is making good on its commitment to deliver this hugely beneficial project.

After fundamentally reviewing the T2D Project and announcing essential design changes late last year, and then in January issuing the Registration of Interest to potential participants, we now move to the crucial Expression of Interest phase.

Given the quality and experience of the 35 companies that took part in the ROI, the State Government expects the T2D Project will receive strong responses from consortia comprising experienced companies wishing to bid for the opportunity to design, build and maintain the 10.5km motorway.

Whichever team is chosen as the major works contractor, the State Government will be tasking the successful bidder with maximising the involvement of South Australian workers and companies in this project.

We’re determined that at least 90 per cent of the labour will be provided by local people, with a focus on providing significant opportunities for Aboriginal workers, apprentices and trainees, as well as jobseekers who are long-term unemployed.

It’s very encouraging that, even in its relatively early days, this project is fostering economic activity in South Australia and has so far supported almost 500 jobs.

But the value and breadth of contracts awarded will only increase in the coming year or two as we move towards the start of major construction.