Two key Australian highway links underway

RSSTwo key highway upgrades will be carried out in Australia by Valemus, a subsidiary of German construction firm 2516 Bilfinger and Berger. In total the work is worth some US$219.4 million. Valemus is building a section of the Pacific Highway in New South Wales. This 8.6km four-lane road forms a bypass around Bulahdelah and is the final link in the southern section of this highway. The work requires extensive excavation as well as the construction of 12 bridges, an interchange and the installation of noise barriers. The new highway section is due to open to traffic in late 2012. In Queensland, Valemus is working on the design and construction of a 4.2km section of the Bruce Highway. As the route will run through an area of tropical rainforest, environmental protection is a high priority. Due to the difficult weather conditions, the construction period for this project is not fixed although the alliance partners are aiming to complete the work by the end of 2012.