Media Release
Embargoed until 12noon (AWST) December 6th, 2009
Abigroup delivers $52 million Geraldton highway link early
Abigroup has completed its first project for Main Roads Western Australia two and a
half months ahead of schedule and using an innovative construction method never
before used in WA.
The 8.7km $52 million Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor – Stage 2 (GSTC-2),
between North West Coastal Highway and Geraldton Airport, was officially opened
to traffic on Sunday morning (December 6th).
The GSTC-2 is designed to significantly reduce the volume of heavy and oversize
vehicles using the local road network, thereby improving safety while also providing
a direct east-west link to the Port of Geraldton.
Abigroup’s GSTC-2 Project Manager Craig Irvine said, “This is an important landmark
in Abigroup’s development within Western Australia.
“To complete our first road project in the state this early, with no construction
injuries and to an extremely high standard is a fantastic achievement.”
The project utilised an innovative alternative pavement in highly trafficked
intersections, incorporating a concrete sub-layer for the first time on a Main Roads
WA project.
“Using a LMC Sub-base is a major innovation for road-building in WA,” said Craig.
“The GSTC-2 project team are delighted to be introducing a viable alternative
pavement for our client.”
Major work started on the design and construct project in January 2009.
The project scope included;
163,000 cubic metres of pavement,
420,000 cubic metres of earthworks,
2.25km of drainage lines,
local road intersection reconstructions, and
cyclist and pedestrian facilities.
Pg. 2
Abigroup’s market leading technology with automated trimmers was utilised on the
project. This technology provides exceptional ride quality and production rates.
The entire bulk earthworks operation was completed in only 12 weeks due to
Abigroup’s mobilisation of additional plant and production efficiencies.
Production was maximised through the use of Abigroup’s internal plant fleet, thus
ensuring availability of modern earthmoving equipment for the duration of the
project.
The local community was kept informed about the progress of construction works
and a scholarship scheme was introduced at Geraldton Senior College.
This scholarship scheme, which is a joint initiative with Main Roads Western
Australia, provides help with the further studies of three students from the college,
including the payment of tuition fees, a laptop, paid work experience, mentoring and
the opportunity for employment with Abigroup after graduation.
A fourth student was offered vocational employment after a year’s study and the
possibility for her to claim a scholarship in the future.
Two of the successful students will study towards a Diploma of Surveying and one
will complete a Civil Engineering degree at Curtin University.
Abigroup is a diverse national contractor with expert teams delivering works in
areas including roads, buildings, water, rail, mining services, tunnels, bridges and
telecommunications. Abigroup is a member of the Bilfinger Berger Australia group.
Contact: Peter Scott, Media Relations Manager, Abigroup, 187 Great Eastern
Highway, Belmont WA 6104. E: peter.scott@abigroup.com.au M: 0404 469 823.
NEWS 
