Global law firm White & Case LLP, in conjunction with Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), has advised on the successful contractual close of the Tunnels and Stations PPP package of the AUD 11 billion Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project. The AUD 6 billion Tunnels and Stations PPP is the largest contract on the biggest public transport project ever delivered in Victoria.

The contract was signed with Cross Yarra Partnership, a consortium including Lendlease, John Holland, Bouygues Construction and Capella. It comprises the design and construction of twin nine-kilometre tunnels and five underground stations, as well as the provision of maintenance and other services during the operating term. Construction will commence in early 2018.
 
White & Case, also in conjunction with HSF, advised on the AUD 1.1 billon contractual close of the Rail Systems Alliance package, which was awarded to CPB Contractors and Bombardier Transportation to start work on the rollout of high-capacity signaling on the Metro Tunnel. Undertaking the rollout of this technology on an existing network in Australia will be an Australian first and will allow trains to move in the same direction every two to three minutes.
 
"We have worked closely with the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority to help formulate and implement a procurement strategy, which delivers value for money outcomes and drives innovation throughout the project’s life cycle," said White & Case Melbourne partner Josh Sgro, who led the White & Case team on the Tunnels and Stations PPP.
 
"The Melbourne Metro Tunnel is the largest transport project undertaken in Victoria," said White & Case partner Andrew Clark, who led the White & Case team on the Rail System Alliance package. "The inherent complexity of a project of this scale in a live rail environment, in a busy CBD, required expertise from across our infrastructure practice, including environment and planning, project procurement and project finance teams." 

The White & Case Melbourne team that advised on the transactions was led by partners Andrew Clark, Josh Sgro, Tim Power, Michelle Keen and Jared Muller, supported by Irene Argeres, Toby Breheny, Kirsty Campbell, Andrea Castle, Hilary Cure, Fiona Curl, Joshua Dellios, Jennifer Galatas, Emma Jakeman, Christina Koravos, Barnaby Matthews, Mark Montag, Sarah Oh, Anna O’Reilly, Amanda Osuchowski, Yasmin Parat, Bryce Paterson, Matthew Sercombe, Chris Settle, Samantha Sutton, and Zachary Tyler.