CIMIC Group's company, Leighton Contractors, has been selected by WestConnex Delivery Authority (WDA) to design and construct Sydney's M4 East Motorway, in a joint venture with John Holland and Samsung C&T. The approximately $2.7 billion contract will generate revenue for Leighton Contractors of approximately $900 million over the next four years.

The M4 East Motorway is part of the first stage of WestConnex which includes widening of the existing M4 Motorway. WestConnex is Australia's largest transport infrastructure project.

CIMIC Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Marcelino Fernández Verdes said: 'Australia's strong investment in economic infrastructure continues to provide a pipeline of opportunities for the CIMIC Group.

'We are committed to assisting our clients with solutions for expanding modern sustainable infrastructure.

'Projects such as WestConnex drive economic growth by easing congestion, creating jobs and connecting communities, and we value the opportunity to contribute our transport capabilities and experience.

'Delivery of the M4 East will improve the movement of motor vehicles, public transport and freight, and support the government's integrated planning for revitalising the Parramatta Road corridor.'

Seven kilometres in total length, the M4 East will join the M4 Widening at Homebush Bay Drive and provide a 5.5 kilometre tunnel with three lanes in each direction from the M4 at North Strathfield to Parramatta Road and the City West Link, Haberfield.

The Leighton John Holland Samsung JV partners have extensive experience in tunnelling and major infrastructure delivery in Australia and internationally.

Major work is scheduled to start in 2016 and the M4 East is due to open to traffic in 2019.

The 33-kilometre WestConnex motorway will link Sydney's west and south-west with the city, airport and port. It is being constructed in three stages and will be progressively opened, with final completion scheduled for 2023.

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