Leighton Holdings Limited has announced that AirportlinkM7, Australia's newest and longest road tunnel, was officially opened to traffic at 11.57 PM local time on July 24th 2012.

AirportlinkM7 is the largest road infrastructure project and one of the most complex engineering feats ever completed in Australia. Built concurrently with the Airport Roundabout Upgrade and Northern Busway (Windsor to Kedron) projects, AirportlinkM7 is the centerpiece of a USD 4.8 billion investment in new transport infrastructure in Brisbane.

Mr Hamish Tyrwhitt CEO of Leighton Holdings said that the Leighton Group's Thiess John Holland joint venture project team has worked around the clock to design and construct these projects in less than 48 months. He added that "I want to offer my congratulations and thanks to the entire project team for their hard work in delivering this massive project. They managed to deliver one of Australia's largest infrastructure projects within a few days of its contractual completion date despite the significantly increased quantities, weather interruptions and a number of other challenges."

Mr Tyrwhitt said that "Our people have demonstrated that, despite these challenges, the Leighton Group’s can-do attitude ensures that our projects get delivered. It is truly a great example of how we deliver excellence in creating solutions for our clients. AirportlinkM7 will be transformational for Brisbane. It will substantially improve the road network to make it more reliable and safe for motorists; enhance the liveability of the northern suburbs by freeing up suburban roads; provide improved public transport, better pedestrian and cycling links; reduce road pollution; and overall creating a more green and sustainable environment for the community at large to enjoy."

Mr Gordon Ralph project director said that he would like to congratulate and thank all of the 34,000 men and women who had worked around the clock for the past four years to deliver this fantastic project. He added that "This has been a very challenging and demanding project, but it’s a project and a team I’m very proud to have been a part of."

Source - Leighton Holdings Limited

(www.steelguru.com)