The new design is currently estimated to be more affordable than the original design. This is based on a smaller bridge footprint, reduced number and size of retaining walls, less vegetation clearance and slope cuts in the Western Hills, and construction timeframes.

This type of innovation and improvement to a design is normal practice in this phase of a programme. Final cost and construction staging information is commercially sensitive until a full review of all the elements of the programme is complete.

We can’t confirm the overall cost for the Melling Transport Improvements at this stage for commercial reasons. Completion of the IPAA phase, including market testing of cost estimates, is needed to establish what the project’s estimated final cost to complete will be. 

Last updated: 6 Jun 2024