Arup and PB to design A$4.2 Brisbane Airport Link

Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) and Arup are in the detailed design phase for Brisbane's Airport Link, Northern Busway and Airport Roundabout – Australia’s largest ever road infrastructure project.

PB and Arup joined forces as the PBA JV to provide services, including early and ongoing design.

Within tight deadlines the PBA JV joint venture team of 250 designers must deliver 500 design packages for Thiess John Holland throughout the construction of the project.

Arup's Australasian infrastructure leader Frank Vromans said it was a fantastic opportunity for the two infrastructure and planning companies to join forces.

“This project is so significant and the detailed design needs so complex that it requires a multi-disciplined team to ensure we get it right. Arup and PB have meshed their complementary strengths to deliver a high-quality set of services.”

PBA project director Luke van Heuzen said Arup and PB are jointly providing design services in relation to structure, geotechnics, tunnelling, traffic, water, environment, fire, urban design and acoustics.

“We are currently in the detailed design phase which means the team is fleshing out the exact specifications from the concept design. We have a talented and passionate team working on this project – the team sees this work as their opportunity to make a difference to the future of Brisbane. They don’t take this responsibility lightly.”

“PBA JV’s international tunnelling expertise is proving invaluable in the design of the two tunnels in the project,” said Mr van Huezen.

The PBA JV innovative design elements include:

Preliminary construction works have already started in order to provide alternative pedestrian and cycle routes before significant construction begins.

All three projects are expected to be completed by mid 2012.