Construction Starts on $120 Million Airport Taxiway Bridge

Brisbane’s New Runway is entering its next important phase of construction with the awarding of the $120 million Dryandra Road Works contract to McConnell Dowell.

The Dryandra Road Works contract, which will create up to 300 new jobs during the build, is a significant structural element of the new runway project involving the construction of a reinforced concrete four-lane underpass.

The underpass will allow vehicles to travel under the taxiways that will connect the new runway to the Domestic and International terminals and existing runway system. This is necessary to ensure continued access to key airport facilities such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, General Aviation Terminal and Acacia Street viewing area.

Works are expected to begin on site in March this year with a completion date in August 2018.

The Dryandra Road Works package will be followed later this year with the final and largest works package, the Airfield Works.

Julieanne Alroe, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO and Managing Director, said the Dryandra Road contract was a significant component of the overall contribution to jobs for the region, with 2,700 employment opportunities estimated at the peak of the runway’s construction.

“Most importantly, when the new runway opens in 2020, Brisbane Airport will have one of the most efficient runway systems in the country with sufficient capacity for many years to come,” she said.

“Efficient operations and ample capacity will attract more opportunities and boost business, injecting an estimated $13 billion into the Australian economy by 2034 and supporting more than 88,000 jobs nationwide.

“So it’s very exciting to be realising the grand vision for Brisbane Airport that has been in the planning since 1988 when the airport was opened in its current location as the opportunity it creates for Queensland is unlimited.

“Indeed we are very fortunate that more than 30 years ago the Government at the time had the foresight to select this particular location for Brisbane Airport.

“It is a decision that has allowed maximum growth of the airport with minimum impact to the community due to the 6 kilometre buffer zone, the largest in Australia for any capital city airport,” Ms Alroe said.

McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust.) Pty Ltd, has successfully delivered major infrastructure in Australia for over 40 years, including the design and construction of the $1.3b Gold Coast Light Rail project, and the $334m Narrows project, both of which received recognition through the Queensland Engineering Excellence Awards.

Grant Gibson, Project Manager – Dryandra Road Works, McConnell Dowell, said, “McConnell Dowell is excited to be involved in the New Runway Project and look forward to working with BAC to deliver this crucial piece of infrastructure at Brisbane Airport.”