A private sector consortium comprising Thiess, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Hyder Consulting will partner with the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) to build the eastern section of the road from the F3 freeway to Kurri Kurri.

Construction will begin early next year.

“The awarding of the contract for the first construction works is a key milestone and keeps us on track for completion of the project by the end of 2013,”

Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon told the Mercury.

“That’s great news for the Hunter’s economy and great news for Hunter residents, particularly those who are regularly stuck in the daily traffic nightmare on the New England Highway.”

Hunter-based NRMA Motoring and Services director Kyle Loads said the news of a start date was also a boon for the economy, with up to 800 jobs to be

created.

“The NRMA has campaigned for the Hunter Expressway on behalf of Hunter residents for many years,” he said.

“(Yesterday’s) announcement is great news – the NRMA looks forward to seeing it delivered on time.”

The four-lane expressway will be constructed under two contracts, with the eastern section to be built under an alliance and the western section, from Kurri Kurri to Branxton, under a design and construct contract.

State transport minister David Campbell said there was a short list of companies to build the western section.

“The RTA has assessed the bids received and I can confirm that AbiGroup Contractors, Leighton Contractors/BMD Constructions and Thiess have been invited to participate in the next stage of the selection process,” he said.

“After a further detailed assessment the final tender will be awarded to one of these companies by the middle of next year, with work expected to start on the 26km western section in late 2010.”