Project Overview

TAG Advisory has provided extensive support to Main Roads Western Australia (Main Roads) for the Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges project, delivering critical cost management and advisory services across multiple project packages. The engagement encompassed independent cost reviews, high-level estimating and strategic support for Federal funding applications, ensuring robust budget foundations for this significant metropolitan transport infrastructure upgrade.

Key Challenges

The project presented complex challenges in coordinating multiple interrelated packages whilst maintaining cost certainty across the programme. Each interchange required careful integration with existing highway infrastructure, creating technical complexity in staging and constructability that impacted cost planning. The need to maintain traffic flow on one of Perth's busiest freight and commuter routes during construction added significant temporary works and staging costs.

Securing Federal funding required demonstrating robust cost management and value for money across all project elements. Budget submissions needed to withstand scrutiny whilst accurately reflecting market conditions and project risks. The interrelated nature of packages meant cost decisions on individual components affected overall programme viability and staging strategies.

Methodology and Approach

TAG Advisory implemented a comprehensive approach providing multiple layers of cost assurance and strategic support. An independent cost review of early works completed to date established baseline performance and identified lessons for future packages. This forensic analysis provided confidence in cost management processes and highlighted opportunities for improved delivery.

High-level cost estimates were prepared across the various interrelated packages, ensuring consistency in approach whilst recognising unique characteristics of each interchange. The methodology included:

• Analysis of early works productivity and cost performance
• Assessment of staging and temporary works requirements
• Benchmarking against comparable Perth metropolitan interchange projects
• Evaluation of utility relocation complexities
• Market testing of major cost components
• Risk quantification for each package and programme-wide

Strategic assistance for Main Roads Budget and Programming team focused on strengthening Federal funding submissions through robust cost substantiation, clear risk articulation and demonstration of value for money.

Outcomes and Value

TAG Advisory's multi-faceted support enhanced Main Roads ability to secure and validate Federal funding for this critical infrastructure programme. Independent cost reviews provided confidence in project governance and demonstrated rigorous cost management to funding partners.

High-level estimates across packages enabled informed decision-making regarding project staging and procurement strategies. The consistency of approach across interrelated packages supported programme-wide optimisation and risk management. Strategic input to funding submissions strengthened Business Cases through credible cost information and clear articulation of project benefits versus investment requirements.

Conclusion

The Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges engagement demonstrated TAG Advisory's ability to provide comprehensive cost advisory services across complex, multi-package infrastructure programmes. By combining independent review, strategic estimation and funding support capabilities, TAG Advisory enabled Main Roads to advance this vital transport infrastructure upgrade with confidence in cost parameters and strengthened Federal funding applications.