EASTERN DISTRIBUTOR (AIRPORT/M1 MOTORWAY)

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

The Eastern Distributor is an A$700 million project that included the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a 3.7 mile stretch of toll road and tunnel. The facility links Sydney's city center with the airport and provides a link between the northern and eastern suburbs of Sydney.

The Eastern Distributor is an important link in Sydney's orbital road network, joining Southern Cross Drive, the M5 East, The Harbor Bridge, the Harbor Tunnel, and the recently opened Cross City Tunnel, giving motorists direct connections across the city. The road is owned and operated by Airport Motorway Limited.

The three-year project was completed eight months ahead of schedule in December 1999. The major shareholder in Airport Motorway Limited is Macquarie Infrastructure Group (71.35 percent); the remainder owned by the constructor Leighton as well as superannuation funds (401k funds) Unisuper and MTAA. The term of private ownership is 48 years.

Issues/Results: The unique double-deck tunnel configuration is considered the widest unsupported tunnel span roadway. Exhibit 4.18 shows the tunnel portals for the Eastern Distributor.

Exhibit 4.18 Eastern Distributor Tunnel Portals

Source: Maunsell of Australia, 2005