ACN 132 670 261
VOL. 3 NO. 11 June 2011
ABN 52 132 670 261
PRINT POST NO. PP424022/2324
ALL ENQUIRIES PHONE: (07) 5499 4441 EMAIL ENQUIRIES: admin@amrcn.com.au www.amrcn.com.au
Circulated to key personnel within all State Departments of Road and Infrastructure throughout Australia including their Regional Directors and Metropolitan Project Directors including their top personnel throughout their State. Key Civil Engineering personnel from all Australian Road Civil Engineering companies. Key Road Personnel within every Australian Local Government Council each issue
HILLS M2 WIDENED IN MAJOR UPGRADE
MACMAHON TEAM TAMES CRITICAL BLACKSPOT IN WA Great Eastern and Roe Highways Upgrade
Precast boardwalk specified for durability and low maintenance Circulated to key personnel within all State Departments of Road and Infrastructure throughout Australia including their Regional Directors and Metropolitan Project Directors including their top personnel throughout their State. Key Civil Engineering personnel from all Australian Road Civil Engineering companies. Key Road Personnel within every Australian Local Government Council each issue
Publisher: AUSTRALIAN MAIN ROADS CONSTRUCTION NEWS PTY LTD ACN 132 670 261 ABN 52 132 670 261 Publisher:
Tom Cook
For All General Enquiries - (07) 5478 9432 Email: admin@amrcn.com.au All Advertising Enquiries - Phone: (07) 5499 4441 Email: advertise@amrcn.com.au
Head Office: 14 Merriman Court, PALMWOODS QLD 4555 Postal Address: PO Box 1176, MOOLOOLABA QLD 4557 Facsimile: (07) 5445 9431 A CONCRETE boardwalk manufactured by Rocla has provided a durable and attractive solution for a steeply graded section of a discovery trail at a new dam project in the ACT. The Cotter Dam is being increased in capacity to secure the ACT’s water supply. A new dam downstream of the existing one will increase the Cotter reservoir capacity from 4 gigalitres to around 78 gigalitres, almost 20 times its current size. ACTEW Corporation, working with ActewAGL, formed the Bulk Water Alliance with GHD, Abigroup and John Holland to design and construct the enlarged dam, as well as other water infrastructure projects to secure future water supplies and address drought, climate change and climate variability. Following community feedback, a discovery trail was designed and installed to allow access by the public to get a better and safer viewing location of the construction process at the new dam wall. The boardwalk system was used to connect the elevated viewing platform to the river trail below via gently graded accessible sections, with stepped ‘short cuts’. “The platform is situated approximately 350 meters southeast of the new dam, so visitors are close enough to see construction teams working on the eighty meter high dam wall,” ACTEW Managing Director, Mark Sullivan said. “It’s not often that a dam of this scale and size is built, particularly in such a picturesque setting so close to a major city.”
Page 2 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
Around 400 metres of boardwalk connects the walkway track beside the river up to a viewing platform, then down a steep gully on the other side to rejoin the access track. The boardwalk is supported on precast stumps and 375mm diameter steelreinforced concrete pipes, both also manufactured by Rocla, with galvanised handrails and wheelchair rails. The system was specified by the Bulk Water Alliance landscape architect for its durability and low maintenance. The 2m wide walking trail and 16m wide viewing platform allow the public to enjoy the Cotter River environment and watch construction of the dam wall. (Story kindly supplied by the National Precaster)
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In this issue: • Spotlight - Polycom Stabilising Aid for Road Maintenance and Construction Pages 4-5 • Hills M2 Widened in Major Upgrade Pages - 6-9 • New Dingley Bypass to Ease Congestion Page 10 • Spotlight - Fulton Industries Now Provides Roadside Solutions Page 11 • RTA Alliance moves forward on Kempsey Bypass Pages 12-13 • Macleay River Bridge - the longest operating road bridgfe in Australia Pages 14-15 • Macmahon Team tames critical blackspot in WA Pages 16-19 • New bridge Built Over Fast Flowing McArthur River Page 20 • Spotlight - Flip Screen Australia introduces new EXC180 Screening Attachment for Excavators Page 21 • Bright Transport Projects Brighton Bypass Pages 22 - 24 • Safer Road Services Saving Lives Page 25 • Street-smart - Dynapac’s new range of compact tandem rollers
Page 28
Please see our editorial on Page 28
Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 3
PolyCom Stabilising Aid for Road Maintenance & Construction Pavement stabilisation: Stabilising pavements with PolyCom Stabilising Aid delivers comparable results to traditional stabilising methods with regard to strength but also imparts a high degree of water resistance and all important flexibility. It is significantly more cost effective, there are no cure-time constraints and the pavement is re-workable at anytime. All ground improvement work with PolyCom Stabilising Aid can be achieved using standard construction plant or stabilising machines.
It’s all about improving and preserving the dry strength of the available material Sub-grade improvement and capping: PolyCom Stabilising Aid introduces water resistance, improved workability and increased strength, delivering a stronger more resilient and environmentally sustainable platform for your project. Strengthened sub-grades deliver huge cost advantages by allowing more economic pavement designs and drainage options. Sub-grade capping substantially reduces, and can even eliminate, rework from weather or traffic damage in cut to fill operations, again reducing project costs.
Wear course up-grade: Wear courses on council roads, rural tracks and access roads all benefit from improvement with PolyCom. PolyCom can be incorporated into the pavement during a standard service where remixing and re-shaping is performed. A PolyCom improved pavement will deliver extended service interval requirements with increased strength, a highly resilient surface and water resistance.
• Delivered to site • One 2 kg pack in powder form treats 50m³
Dust and sediment control: Tighter and more durable water resistant road surfaces produce much less fugitive dust and sediment run off to water ways. These improved surfaces are critical for the environment and are fast becoming the minimum requirement for all road builders involved in construction, energy, mining and local government. Road surfaces like this, created with PolyCom Stabilising Aid have a significantly reduced ecological impact, are not difficult to produce and are easily maintained with correct procedures.
Mining road improvements: PolyCom Stabilising Aid can guaranteed reductions in haul fleet costs. Improvements to running course strength and wear-ability as well as reductions in rolling resistance are easily achieved and just as easily maintained with small changes to operational procedures. These improved water resistant roads will deliver substantial net haul fleet savings to the operator.
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Page 4 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
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Call 1800 790 907 www.roadmaker.com.au
Stabilising Aid
Doubled CBR Values Remediated Dispersive Soil Engineers chose to halve pavement design thickness for Origin Energy Gas Plant project, Queensland
Call 1800 790 907
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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 5
M2 Upgrade - SYDNEY
Hills M2 widened in major upgrade
Photos this page: Images of the road as it will look once work is complete.
The Hills M2 motorway is one of Sydney’s busiest motorway corridors. The road stretches 21 kilometres from the lower north shore to the northwest regions of Sydney in New South Wales and is one of a number of major roads owned and operated by Transurban.
T
he Hills M2 plays a key role within Sydney’s orbital motorway network by providing an uninterrupted journey for road freight and commuters travelling between Lane Cove Tunnel and the M7 Westlink. Opened in 1997, the Hills M2 also connects the major employment centres at Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park. The motorway accommodates around 100,000 motorists daily and also features dedicated bus lanes which carry around 27,000 passengers on more than 840 services on the average weekday. “The motorway is among the most important road and public transport links to the northwest. This region is one of the fastest growing in the country, so further investment in links to the region is critical,” said Transurban General Manager of Major Projects Ian Sinclair. Following its purchase in 2005, Transurban has undertaken an ongoing programme of upgrades to improve transport efficiency along that critical corridor with a major upgrade currently underway. “Transurban has a long term interest in the corridor and has invested substantially in improving the operation of the motorway since it was procured in 2005.” Amongst them was the introduction of Electronic Express Lanes in 2006 to improve traffic flow through the toll plazas and in 2007, an interim third westbound lane was established between Lane Cove Road and Beecroft Road. “As the operator of the motorway, our interests are aligned with those of local community, ensuring the motorway operates safely, efficiently and is free from congestion,” said Mr Sinclair.
Page 6 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
HILLS M2 UPGRADE Transurban appointed Leighton Contractors to design and construct the $550 million upgrade to the Hills M2 and completion is expected in early 2013. Leighton Contractors has worked closely with Transurban to achieve environmental approval and to bring the upgrade contract to fruition with Transurban and the NSW Government. “Our highly experienced project team looks forward to continuing to work with Transurban and the community over the next two years as we deliver an effective transport solution for North West Sydney,” said Mr Peter Handel of Leighton Contractors. The Hills M2 Upgrade is a two year project that will see the existing motorway widened between Windsor Road, Baulkham Hills and Lane Cove Road, North Ryde with four new ramps to improve access to the motorway.
Erosion and sediment controls
Concrete pour at Christie Rd, Macquarie Park
Construction will include an additional eastbound lane from Windsor Road to Pennant Hills with new west facing on and off ramps on Windsor Road. The team will then take the new lane from Pennant Hills Road, through the Norfolk Tunnel to Lane Cove Road. In order to service the growing business, health and educational precinct at Macquarie Park, a new eastbound on-ramp will be constructed on Christie Road and a new westbound off-ramp on Herring Road. The breakdown lane from Lane Cove Road to Beecroft Road will be re-established by widening the road surface. Additional widening for a third westbound lane will also occur between Beecroft Road and Pennant Hills Road. “The improvements to the Hills M2 are extensive and will substantially reduce the impacts of growing transport demand over coming decades,” said Mr Sinclair. “A next generation of operational management and control systems will allow for more active management of the road space, particularly in the tunnel, allowing the benefits of the enhancement to be more fully realised.” Major work on the Hills M2 Upgrade commenced mid January 2011 and when completed there will be reduced congestion during busy morning and afternoon periods. Efficiency on the Hills M2 during peak periods has suffered since the construction of the Westlink M7 and the Lane Cove Tunnel. Extra traffic on the motorway has been generated by strong commercial and residential growth in Sydney’s north western region.
“If we want to support continued economic and residential growth in Sydney’s northwest and southwest regions, we have to invest in integrated transport solutions,” said Transurban’s Ian Sinclair. “The Hills M2 Upgrade is a great example of a sustainable private investment in major public infrastructure.” Along with other planned projects, the Hills M2 upgrade will contribute to achieving sustainable economic, social and environmental outcomes for Sydney into the future. Specifically, by increasing the capacity of the motorway, it will assist in catering for the transport needs of the planned residential and business growth in the future. It’s expected that around 140,000 new homes and 100,000 new jobs will be created over the next 25 years in the northwest of Sydney. Other benefits of the upgrade include the restoration of the 100km/h speed limit along the westbound carriageway from Lane Cove Road to Beecroft Road which will assist in reducing travels times. The new entry and exit points will improve access to the northwest from Windsor Road as well as Sydney’s rapidly expanding residential and business centres in Macquarie Park. These new entry and exit points will also create opportunities for additional public transport services and facilities. Before major construction could get underway, 13 crossovers in the median were installed, 21 kilometres of concrete barriers established to separate the work area from the traffic and reduced speed limits were implemented. Continued next page
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M2 Upgrade - SYDNEY from previous page
At the time of writing various work activities are already well advanced including widening and lengthening the bridges on and over the motorway; vegetation clearing along the M2 and installation of temporary noise walls and the required removal of some existing noise walls. Major earthworks, drainage and widening works along the motorway are also underway as well as implementation of tunnel crown support and service relocation work in the eastbound tube of the Norfolk Tunnel. Relocation of service points which include power, gas and communications is also well advanced. Extensive traffic management has been required on local roads, particularly on the overbridges at Barclay Road, Murray Farm Road Bridge and Christie Road that are being extended to facilitate the widening. “A key challenge of the project is keeping traffic moving whilst undertaking such a large project,” Mr Sinclair said. “Our focus has been on reducing the impact on motorists by maintaining the full motorway lane capacity during peak periods whilst providing a safe operating environment for both road users and workers. ”The Hills M2 is located in one of the most environmentally sensitive road corridors in Sydney. Several major tributaries and bushland reserves, including the Lane Cove National Park criss-cross the motorway. The sensitivity of the corridor is a fundamental consideration to the upgrade team who are working collaboratively with an internal environmental team and independent ecologists to implement construction methods that reduce impacts on the environment and the community.” The use of tower cranes at the Darling Mills Creek and Terrys Creek viaducts has successfully minimised the overall clearing requirements of the project. Tower cranes are being established to facilitate the majority of required widening works. The clearing footprint at the Darling Mills Creek has been reduced by approximately 8500m2 including saving 20 mature trees.
Online selected for M2 Upgrade
A
s a professional concrete sawing and drilling company, Online Concrete Cutting Services have been selected by Leighton Contractors as their preferred subcontractor for the M2 upgrade project. Having been engaged by the Roads, Tunnels and Structures division, Online Concrete Cutting Services are actively involved on a daily basis. Daily activities include Core Drilling, Road Sawing, Hand Sawing and Ring Sawing. Having fully equipped vehicles including water and power has been critical to Online Concrete Cutting Services ability to complete the numerous sawing and drilling tasks along the M2 corridor. Online Concrete Cutting Services working relationship with Leighton Contractors started almost six years ago on the North West T-Way. Since then they have also teamed up with Leighton’s on the Northern Hume Alliance, Energy 2U, and the Richmond Line Alliance projects. Additional services offered by Online Concrete Cutting Services include deep Road Sawing, large diameter Core Drilling, Wall Sawing, Wire Sawing and Bursting. Online Concrete Cutting Services is a family owned and operated organisation which still recognises the importance of maintaining and delivery a high level of quality service. Further information regarding Online Concrete Cutting Services can be found on their website www.onlineconcrete.com.au or by calling their office on (02) 9899 3757.
Windsor Road west facing ramps.
TRANSURBAN’S INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE Transurban Group was established in 1996 and operates internationally from its Melbourne headquarters with its main focus on America and Australia. The company owns, manages and develops a number of toll roads in both countries. In the US, the Group owns Pocahontas 895 in Richmond, Virginia and in Northern Virginia, just south of Washington, DC, Transurban is involved in a major project creating High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes on the Capital Beltway (495). In Australia, Transurban owns CityLink in Melbourne and has a stake in five motorways in New South Wales including full ownership of the Hills M2 and Lane Cove Tunnel. The company also has a 75.15 per cent ownership of the Eastern Distributer and a 50 per cent stake in the Westlink M7 and the M5. Essentially, Transurban concentrates on the long term management of its assets in an effort to achieve the best outcomes for its partners and the community. The company’s expertise covers a broad range of appropriate skills associated with road management including
traffic modelling, road safety and performance, sustainability and financial management. In recent years, Transurban has earned international recognition for its approach to managing the impact of its projects and operations on the environment and communities. The Group has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World list of high performing companies each year from 2006 to 2010.
Proud to be a key Leightons partner on the M2 upgrade project.
• Online Concrete Cutting Services is a well respected Concrete Sawing and Core Drilling company with more than twenty years experience. • Whatever your concrete cutting requirements, we have the solution to meet your needs.
Services we offer: ● Core Drilling ● Hand Sawing ● Ring Sawing ● Road Sawing ● Wall Sawing ● Wire Sawing ● Bursting Email: sales@onlineconcrete.com.au Website: www.onlineconcrete.com.au Vibration monitoring equipment in the tunnel. www.amrcn.com.au
Office: 02 9899 3757 Mobile: 0416 731 175 Fax: 02 9899 5230
Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 7
M2 Upgrade - SYDNEY
RMS install safety solutions for Hills M2 upgrade
RMS’ Absorb 350® crash cushions at an emergency crossover point on the M2
R
oad Management Solutions has further cemented their place as an industry leader in Australian road safety through their work on the $550 million Hills M2 Motorway Upgrade in North West Sydney. Working closely with Leighton Contractors, Road Management Solutions (RMS) are in the process of delivering a signage and installation package which includes the erection of temporary warning signs and the installation of Absorb 350® crash cushions. RMS has helped to heighten the safety of road users on the M2 during construction by supplying and installing many sets of Absorb 350® units. These are an energy-absorbing crash cushion system designed for attachment to concrete road barriers as an end treatment, without being anchored to the road surface. As a result, the chances of a driver suffering serious bodily harm or death from a head on collision with a concrete barrier have been significantly reduced. The Absorb 350® is a water filled, nondirective gating crash cushion approved to NCHRP Test Level 3 (100km/h). Its design offers improved lifesaving performance, while another of its many benefits is its
Trench Shoring
Trench and Pedestrian Plates
Crash Cushions
Ground Protection
Barriers
LED Electronic Signs
Installation Services
Quickchange Moveable Barriers
For further information on any of our products please call or visit us: Sydney Melbourne Brisbane (02) 9540 4400 (03) 8878 3500 (07) 3890 8000 10 Endeavour Rd, Caringbah 81 Norcal Rd, Nunawading 1/60 Alexandra Pl, Murarrie NSW 2229 VIC 3131 QLD 4172
Adelaide (08) 8162 7600 3A CB Fisher Dr, Cavan SA 5094
www.rmssolutions.com.au
Page 8 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
narrow 610mm width, designed for narrow areas where road and work space is limited. Other applications include construction work zones, exits and wide medians. The Absorb 350® is merely one product in RMS’ range of crash barriers and cushions, which also includes the Universal TAU-II® crash cushion, U-MÄD Truck and Trailer Mounted Attenuators and sand barrels. RMS’ highly-experienced installation crews have been hard at work since the Hills M2 Motorway Upgrade began in late 2010, so far installing no fewer than one hundred units of the Absorb 350®. This, coupled with the signage element of the package involving hundreds of signs, has been one of many recent major projects that RMS has been involved with. Alan Ipca, National Sales Manager, highlighted the significant role of the project in proving RMS are more than just a sign shop. “I think people have traditionally seen us as simply a seller of signs. However, we are actually far more than that. We do crash cushions, pavement markers, arrow boards, attenuators, bollards, trench shoring, and pretty much everything in the realm of road and traffic safety. Hopefully the Hills M2 Motorway Upgrade will help cement our reputation as road safety specialists.” A family owned and operated business, RMS has more than forty years experience as a manufacturer and supplier of road and traffic safety products and have grown to become a market leader. With modern manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, RMS operates throughout Australia as well as distributing products to other countries in the Pacific region. Quality assured and OH&S certified, the success of RMS has been built on servicing road authorities, local governments and civil contractors and offering them the total solution in road safety and traffic control. In addition to the Hills M2 Motorway Upgrade, another of RMS’ recent major projects has been alongside the Roads and Traffic Authority for the supply and installation of signage for the new Inner West Busway along Victoria Road, Sydney. This project also included the supply of the QuickChange® Moveable Barrier, the first of its kind in Australia which has since affectionately been nicknamed the “Zipper”. You can explore RMS’ complete range of products, services and other major projects at their brand new website www.rmssolutions.com.au
RMS’ Absorb 350® crash cushions and temporary signage on the M2 www.amrcn.com.au
M2 Upgrade - SYDNEY
Altus takes new road to Smarter Traffic Management
Worksense has what it takes to work safe W
orksense Workwear and Safety has a comprehensive, Australia-wide distribution network which can provide a specialised and personal service in the supply of personal protective equipment and the latest in workwear solutions. Worksense’s key areas of operation cover all industry sectors including mining and resources, private and civil construction, utilities and manufacturing. Worksense now has a huge service advantage over its competitors because the group has total control of its products range, from the quality of design and manufacturing through to importing and distribution. The company has 17 branch outlets and retail showrooms, its own branded products as well as specialist staff who can provide expert advice and tailored safety solutions. Worksense also has its own in-house embroidery team to meet any customer demand. Currently, Worksense is contributing to the Hills M2 upgrade project in New South Wales on behalf of Leighton Contractors and its client, the NSW RTA. Essentially, the upgrade will result in the widening of the M2 motorway between Windsor Road, Baulkham Hills and Lane Cove Road, North Ryde. It’s anticipated that the project will take around two years to complete. Worksense is actually operating onsite daily, supplying a number of specific workwear and safety solutions for the Leighton team and other subcontractors working on the project. In a demonstration
of personal service at its best, the company has installed its own team of specialists and a huge shipping container on the site which is restocked regularly to cater for ongoing demands for personal protective equipment. The range of equipment available onsite is extensive and includes Mack boots, Worksense Workwear shirts and trousers, Chicago jackets and trousers (rainwear), Ambassador business shirts complete with Leighton and M2 logos, Ninja and Rigger gloves, Frontier eye protection, earmuffs and earplugs as well as personalised Leighton vests and even First Aid Kits. Worksense can provide just about anything on the M2 work site with regard to personal protective equipment as soon as it’s required. Beyond the ability to provide specific, onsite personalised service, Worksense now has branches in every state and territory in Australia, including Tasmania and continues to expand its operational reach and its product range. Worksense can also customise clothing or design and manufacture garments to specific requirements for its clients. The company adheres strictly to high manufacturing standards and all Worksense workwear features reinforcement at stress points, double-stitched seams and securely finished hems. So when they say Worksense is built for the toughest country it makes sense to make sure your workers will be too. For more information about the company visit; www.worksense.com.au
S
ince 2002 Altus Traffic has specialised in traffic control and safe management of motorists and pedestrians around construction sites and the company is currently providing its services for the Hills M2 upgrade on behalf of Leighton Contractors. However, the working relationship between the two companies is unique according to NSW/ACT State Manager, Mark Tripiciano. “This is the first time that we’ve had an opportunity to work with a client from the outset rather than work for a client once a project is underway and it has proved to be highly beneficial. Logistically, there is more time to plan road safety strategies to ensure efficiency and apply techniques to minimise disruption for motorists in those sections under construction.” Under normal circumstances, in effect traffic controllers are brought in when a project is under construction but in this instance, Leighton Contractors has involved Altus Traffic in the early stages of the planning process and prior to construction in a move that makes perfect sense. The 21 kilometre Hills M2, owned and managed by Transurban, is a critical transport link in New South Wales. The motorway provides an uninterrupted daily route for around 100,000 motorists and 17,000 bus passengers travelling between the lower north shore and the north west regions beyond Sydney. It also connects with the M7 and various employment centres including Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park. The upgrade is relatively extensive and will take almost two years to complete. In essence the team from Leighton’s will widen the motorway between Windsor Road, Baulkham Hills and Lane Cove Road, North Ryde and construct four new entry and exit ramps to improve access to the motorway. Understandably, a project of this dimension will impact on motorists and traffic management is
certainly a key issue. In choosing Altus Traffic for the project Tim Orpen, Construction Manager of Leighton Contractors stated, “We were looking for a traffic management partner who had the same passion for improved worker safety and challenging the status quo as ourselves. Altus Traffic stood out from the rest of the market, due to the significant investment they were prepared to make in terms of improved plant and equipment and greater employee education thereby ensuring that the higher safety standards we demand on the M2 Upgrade are being adhered to.” In itself, that statement says a lot about Altus Traffic but it also indicates the degree of innovation employed by that company to achieve world best practice in traffic control and management. Of course the company is well placed to capitalise on new techniques and technology due to its international reach. Apart from its presence in every state and territory in Australia, Altus Traffic also provides its range of services across America so the opportunity to explore new methodology is obvious and the exchange of ideas between the two entities is standard practice. Some of the new techniques employed are evident on the M2 with the use of far more visible 900mm high traffic cones rather than the 700mm cones normally used. Altus Traffic also has a fleet of special purpose vehicles so that traffic cones can be rapidly deployed without Altus workers having to leave the vehicle and risk their lives on the motorway. At night, the company even installs special silencing aids on their vehicles to avoid disturbing local residents with the clatter of metal signage as they patrol the route. There is a lot more that could be said about Altus Traffic in the area of traffic management but unfortunately on this occasion our space is limited. But it is definitely a company on the move and you can find more at: www.altustraffic.com.au
You have better things to do that lose sleep over the traffic planning and control on your construction or event site. Our goal is to provide our traffic management clients with a business partner that will not only service their needs but provide expertise and advice to improve the way traffic is managed around their projects. Altus Traffic plan well, control well and communicate well to ensure there are no delays and no injuries: and that means no worries for you.
1300 136 530 www.altustraffic.com.au Head Office: 2 Central Boulevard Port Melbourne, VIC 3207 ABN 84 102 768 061
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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 9
New Dingley Bypass to Ease Congestion
Tim Holding MP Member for Lyndhurst with Victorian Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallass
I
N THE 2011 Victorian State Budget $20 million was announced for planning and land acquisition for the Dingley Bypass, which when completed, will continue the divided road link for 6.4km from the Dingley Arterial at Springvale Road through to South Road, Moorabbin. Fulton Hogan is VicRoads contractor for the project. Roads and Ports Minister, Tim Pallas announced the contract award and said the new 3.5 kilometre road connection would provide a great boost for the area, directing traffic away from Cheltenham Road to ease congestion and improve safety for motorists. Major construction commenced in January 2011 with works scheduled for completion in 2013. “The Government is building a better transport system, so people can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends,” Mr Pallas said. “The Dingley Arterial, a four-lane divided road to run between Springvale Road and Perry Road in Keysborough, is the next stage in developing a continuous 19 kilometre link between Warrigal Road, Moorabbin and the South Gippsland Freeway at Dandenong South. “Importantly, it will provide a more direct east-west route for trucks to bypass central Dandenong, and when accessing the developing industrial precinct in and around Keysborough.” Mr Pallas said the project also included a new 3.5 kilometre walking and cycling path, connecting popular tracks along Westall Road,
the Dandenong Bypass and the EastLink Trail. “Following community consultation significant improvements have been made to the original proposals with an overpass of Cheltenham Road now planned in place of an intersection and traffic signals,” he said. “When it opens in 2013 the new link will take pressure off Cheltenham Road, Heatherton Road, Springvale Road and the Princes Highway, to reduce congestion and improve the reliability of bus services to and from Dandenong, Springvale, Clayton and the Monash Medical precinct.” The Dingley Arterial will support jobs and growth in the area during construction and provide better access attracting more investment and residential development in the Greater Dandenong area when completed. This vital road link was identified as a priority project in the Victorian Transport Plan to improve east-west transport connections. Minister for Roads Terry Mulder said “completing the Dingley Bypass between Warrigal Road and Westall Road will ease congestion on the Heatherton Road, Centre Dandenong Road and Old Dandenong Road.” “The Coalition committed a total of $55 million towards this important project in the lead up to the election, and today’s funding announcement means this vital planning work can begin immediately.” Planning for the Dingley Bypass will require investigation and community consultation on a range of social, environmental and economic issues.
VicRoads is now surveying local people, businesses and other stakeholders to identify how they would like to be involved during the Dingley Bypass study, and the best ways for them to provide community feedback. The VicRoads Dingley Bypass Project Bulletin, which includes the consultation survey, has been mailed to 18,000 homes and businesses in and around Heatherton, Clarinda, Springvale South and Dingley Village. Several sections along the Dingley corridor have been completed including the Westall Road extension, the South Road extension and the Dandenong Bypass. The Dingley Bypass is expected to carry approximately 45,000 vehicles a day. Mr Mulder said the Victorian Coalition Government is committed to addressing traffic congestion and planning for future growth in Melbourne’s south east. “The 2011-12 Budget included $601 million for road projects to deliver significant improvements for motorists, particularly in outer suburban and regional areas,” Mr Mulder said. All works are undertaken in line with strict guidelines to minimise environmental impacts, and in consultation with Greater Dandenong and Kingston Councils, and the Department of Sustainability and Environment. The new road is being constructed along VicRoads land set aside many years ago for the road construction. Roadworks will not directly impact on council-owned land within the Coomoora Reserve. Roadside landscape planting, and in some instances additional
KBR recently announced that it has been selected to provide detailed engineering design services for the execution of the Dingley Arterial Road Project, a six-lane dual carriageway to be constructed in Victoria, Australia. KBR will provide civil and structural design, including some construction phase services, for the completion of the latest VicRoads project. The construction of Dingley Arterial will complete the arterial road network connection between Westall Road and the Dandenong Bypass as part of an 11 kilometer (6.8 miles) direct route from Springvale to Dandenong South. The goal of the project is to provide a more efficient transport connection to the growing industrial hub at Keysborough and better, safer, less congested travel for people
We are proud to support VicRoads on the Dingley Arterial Road project.
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Recent key projects: Calder Freeway (Malmsbury section), Vic – D&C detailed design Reid Highway/Alexander Drive interchange, WA – detailed design Geelong Ring Road, Section 4A, Vic – D&C detailed design Eyre Highway upgrade, WA – D&C detailed design F5 Freeway widening, NSW – detailed design South Road, SA – planning study
Page 10 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
Construction works, Dingley Bypass
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living and working in Melbourne’s southeast. “This contract award builds upon KBR’s long-standing portfolio of work delivering road projects in Australia, and we are proud to continue our relationship with VicRoads,” said Colin Elliott, President, KBR Infrastructure and Minerals. “This win also expands KBR’s portfolio of work and growing expertise in the roads sector and continues to position us among the leading road engineering firms in Australia.” KBR is a global engineering, construction and services company supporting the energy, hydrocarbon, government services, minerals, civil infrastructure, power and industrial markets. For more information, visit www.kbr.com.
© 2011 Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd 06/11
KBR has long been a reliable and respected partner on some of the country’s largest and most complex transport infrastructure projects.
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planting within Coomoora Reserve, will offset any vegetation removed from the road reservation.
KBR to Provide Detailed Engineering Design for Dingley Arterial Road Project in Victoria
KBR: For major road infrastructure
Our services: Design – civil, structural, electrical, environmental Design management of specialist services Feasibility and route studies Transportation and economic studies Project, program and construction management
Terry Mulder, Minister for Public Transport and Roads
Fulton Industries Now Provides Roadside Solutions
F
ULTON INDUSTRIES has been developing and supplying a broad range of electrical products for the power utility sector for over 30 years and has done so with great success. However recently, the company has expanded its reach into the world of road construction, specifically in the area of traffic light reticulation. The company has never lacked initiative or design and manufacturing flexibility. Fulton Industries has always been proactive, always prepared to take that extra step to successfully provide solutions when none had been available. It’s for that reason that the company’s products are in use throughout the country but to date, generally confined to the power sector. However, the fact that it is now exploring opportunities in the road construction sector comes as no surprise. In fairness this isn’t the first time that Fulton Industries has supplied products for use in the transport arena but this time the company has embarked on a quest to develop another permanent segment of business interest, to provide solutions wherever electricity is involved within the road sector. In an example of the company’s versatility Fulton Industries has developed a number of products for the Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to fulfill its requirements in traffic light reticulation. The company was assisted in the design of the components by a team of engineers from the department.
The range of solutions includes a fibreglass pillar box assembly which was based on an existing Fulton design. Some changes to the pillar box were made to suit the particular TMR application with a special keyed lock installed as well as a special pocket moulded to the inside of the door. The fibreglass pillar box (Pillar FPBNF1V1DGQ) is now fully approved and specified for use as a ‘Switchboard Pillar Mounted’ (Standard Drawing1430 REV.E) for Rate 3 Road Lighting Applications. The Pillar has been used on many projects throughout Queensland over the last eighteen months and is about to be installed for the Airport Link Project as well as the Gold Coast Light Rail Project. A range of Street Light Terminal Strips were also designed and manufactured to be installed in street lights to protect the system’s electrical circuit from overall damage due to an individual fault. Fulton Industries also supplies Photo Electric Cells to TMR to assist in making an early installation process possible. The company has also manufactured the FPB6V1DG Pillar/Base and Panel with sufficient room available for mounting a backup power supply for traffic light operation. Fulton Industries may well be a small to medium size business, but in testament to its strength of purpose and strategic direction, the company recently celebrated its 30th birthday. Quite a feat when you consider the events over the last twenty years or so, whether it’s the
‘recession we had to have’, the Asian economic crisis in the 90’s or the recent global financial crisis. Remarkably, this relatively small and dynamic company in West Gosford NSW has not just withstood those external pressures but continued to expand. Interestingly, given the company’s present day role in supplying modified fibreglass pillar boxes for traffic light reticulation, the pillar box actually gave the company its big break all those years ago. At the time Robert Fulton and his business partner Keith Jones, with a deliberate strategy in mind, developed a range of fibreglass pillar boxes, plinths and fuse panels which were adopted for use by the then Shortland County Council. It was a product strategy which was clearly on target and their ‘Underground Residential Distribution’ range of products was soon recognized by others within the residential power sector. The demand for their products dramatically increased when other authorities such as Prospect County Council, Northern Rivers County Council, Illawarra County Council, to name just a few, saw a distinct advantage in the Fulton & Jones range for power reticulation in large residential subdivisions. But Robert and Keith didn’t stop there and the pair then developed a Network Standards range which would have the capacity to accommodate the broad range of requirements for all of the residential power utilities. 2004 proved to be a major year of expansion for the company. Firstly, the company consolidated its operations in various areas by
moving all of its business to the West Gosford premises. Renown Engineering Pty Ltd, a company established in 1963, then joined forces with Fulton & Jones. It was an ideal partnership because Renown Engineering specialised in repetition engineering. Frank Sexton, Renown’s certified Production Engineer and a qualified Fitter & Turner became a Director along with Robert following Keith’s retirement from the company. Now, with Renown’s extra automated equipment, it provided a total inhouse machining capability. It was then decided to amalgamate Fulton & Jones with Australian Earthing Electrodes and Renown Engineering into one company with the name, Fulton Industries Australia Pty. Ltd. By the end of 2004 a significant staff addition had also been made to the Fulton executive team with Mark Donnelly. Mark had just completed his Engineering Degree at Wollongong University and his enthusiasm for the job at hand was infectious and brought new life to the company’s approach to design, testing and in the commissioning of new products. The rest is history as they say and today Fulton Industries still plays an important role in the power sector but there is no reason why the company cannot achieve the same level of success in the roads and construction sector. After all, it will be that same dedication, passion and diligence combined with a wealth of experience that will ensure that Fulton Industries will continue to provide solutions for traffic control systems and major road infrastructure.
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MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS OF OVERHEAD & UNDERGROUND POWER EQUIPMENT HEAD OFFICE PO BOX 6258, WEST GOSFORD NSW 2250 Units 5-8, 13 Gibbens Road, West Gosford NSW 2250 Tel: +61 2 4323 4242 Fax: +61 2 4322 6197 Email: sales@fultonindustries.com.au QUEENSLAND OFFICE Unit 9, 26 Octal Street, Yatala QLD 4207 Tel: +61 7 3382 6882 Fax: +61 7 3382 6669 Email: qldsales@fultonindustries.com.au
FPBNF1V1DGQ FIBREGLASS PILLAR & FBNF1G BASE, USED IN TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALING
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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 11
RTA Alliance moves forward on Kempsey Bypass Left: Crescent Head Road first bridge beam erection. Below: Work continuing at the Frederickton levee.
seeking the Director-General’s requirements for the environmental assessment. On July 10 2008 the then Minister for Planning granted approval for the Kempsey bypass as part of the Kempsey to Eungai upgrade.
T
he upgrading of the Pacific Highway has been a matter of priority for the NSW Roads & Traffic Authority (RTA) for some considerable time. Currently, in an effort to make the full length of the highway more efficient and a lot safer for motorists there are a number of key ‘widening’ projects underway including construction of the Kempsey bypass. These projects will compliment previously completed sections of the Pacific Highway. Already, 332 kilometres of the current 677 kilometre Pacific Highway between Hexham and the Queensland border have been transformed into a four-lane divided carriageway with a further 69 kilometres currently under construction. Ultimately, the final length of the highway will be 664 kilometres and motorists can look forward to a far more efficient and safer trip on a continuous, dual carriageway which will include a high standard connection from Hexham to the F3 Freeway at Newcastle. But it is a mammoth task and building roads is extremely expensive. The Australian and NSW governments have been jointly upgrading the Pacific Highway since 1996. Currently, $3.65 billion has been committed to continue the highway upgrade so the RTA’s schedule of works is prioritised and most, but not all of the required construction to complete the full length, is based on a five year programme to be completed by 2014.
Priority one is to complete a dual carriageway between Hexham and Port Macquarie; between Ballina and Queensland border and between Raleigh and north of Woolgoolga. Priority two will result in a dual carriageway between Port Macquarie and Raleigh and includes the Kempsey bypass as well as preparing the way for approximately 105 kilometres of new projects to upgrade the remaining two-lane highway. Priority three will see the completion of dual carriageway safety upgrades at Glenugie (south of Grafton) and Devils Pulpit (north of Maclean). The RTA will also prepare environmental assessments and designs for the remaining sections of the highway between Woolgoolga and Ballina, a distance of 150 kilometres. The Pacific Highway upgrade is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in NSW and the RTA is highly proactive in its efforts to ensure that the total upgrade of the highway will be completed as soon as possible. A preferred route for the full length of the highway has been identified with environmental assessments and designs already being prepared for the remaining undeveloped two-lane sections of the highway. While construction proceeds on sections of the highway to complete the 644 kilometre, dual carriageway, interim safety improvements are being implemented. These will improve sections of the existing single carriageway in
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an effort to make them safer for motorists until the total upgrade can be achieved. The origin of the Kempsey Bypass The Kempsey bypass is a major section in the overall Pacific Highway upgrade and although construction is now well underway, planning began almost ten years ago. In September 2001, the RTA began investigating a route capable of accommodating a four-lane divided road that would take the Pacific Highway from Kempsey to Eungai along the east coast of NSW. The investigation conducted in tandem with community consultation revealed a number of feasible route options and these, complete with a description of the environmental, social and engineering aspects of each route, were displayed for public comment in October 2002. Subsequently, the preferred route, comprising a bypass to the east of Kempsey and Frederickton and two sub-options, were placed on display for community comment from December 2003 to February 2004. Following further consultations the final preferred route was announced in July 2004. However, once the final route had been established, further design development and field investigations were required to ensure that any potential impact of the planned route conformed to all relevant environmental, social, economic and land use issues. Design development also needed to take a closer look at possible engineering complexities as well as present and future traffic needs. These extra studies were conducted during 2005. A project application for the Kempsey to Eungai upgrade was then submitted to the Department of Planning in August 2006,
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Page 12 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
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The RTA Alliance takes control of the Construction Phase In July 2010 the first stage of the approved 40 kilometre Kempsey to Eungai upgrade began with the construction of the $618 million Kempsey bypass. The project involves building a 14.5 kilometre four-lane divided highway with bypasses of Kempsey and Frederickton and is funded through the Australian Government’s Building Australia Fund. The Kempsey bypass will be built under two separate contracts. The Kempsey Bypass Alliance will undertake the preliminary design for the whole project and carry out the design and construction of the whole project apart from the main bridging over the Macleay River floodplain. The alliance formed by the RTA features Leighton Contractors, AECOM and Coffey Geotechnics. Abigroup will design and build the 3.2 kilometre bridge which will cross the Macleay River and the existing floodplain at Frogmore. The bridge is obviously an important part of the Kempsey bypass project. The 14.5 kilometre four-lane divided highway to bypass Kempsey and Frederickton is being constructed by the alliance to the east of Kempsey with interchanges at South Kempsey and Frederickton. Local road overpasses will be constructed at Old Station Road, Inches Road and Crescent Head Road. Flood mitigation is important and there is a range of activities to ensure that mitigation is effective including stock mounds, flood compensatory works. House raising and the construction of a levee wall at Frederickton to improve flooding outcomes for the area. The Kempsey bypass is expected to be completed and open for traffic by mid 2013 weather permitting. The Pacific Highway has been highly contentious over the years due to the number of serious accidents along its route and amongst the many significant benefits that will result when the bypass is completed will be a dramatic improvement in road safety. Motorists will also enjoy an uninterrupted journey on a dual carriageway that bypasses the local towns. In turn local residents and traffic in the area will be able to avoid the Pacific highway and enjoy a far more peaceful existence. Of course motorists travelling between NSW and Queensland will be able to better plan their journeys due to increased ‘road reliability’ and enjoy a reduction in travel times. Continued next page
KEMPSEY BYPASS from previous page
RTA makes the environment and sustainability a priority The RTA is committed to meeting its obligations to ensure that all infrastructure projects have minimal impact on the environment and are sustainable. Various consistent and disciplined initiatives are implemented that govern every project from concept through to completion. All project work activities and practices are managed so that they remain consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development. The ultimate environmental impact of any project is considered alongside issues of safety, cost, quality and the amount of required construction time. The RTA continually promotes the efficient use and re-use of recycled resources and strives to cultivate good working relationships with both community and relevant stakeholders to maximise all available options to achieve the best environmental outcome. Ensuring construction efficiency on all the new sections of the Pacific Highway was part
of the planning process as it is on every project. The use of various techniques to minimise pollution caused by construction methods is paramount and part of the process in managing the environmental impact of all work. Community consultation plays an important part in all projects as it provides an opportunity for those affected to participate in the planning process. Not just in terms of route selection and other socio-economic matters but to ensure that specific local environmental or cultural issues are not overlooked. The RTA conducts regular community information evenings and workshops and liaises with community representative focus groups. Apart from project specific media announcements, letterbox drops and regular updates on its own website the RTA conducts ‘site open days’ for local residents. These provide an opportunity for members of the community to discuss aspects of the construction process with, not only the RTA but those representing the alliance partners.
Above: House raising South West Rocks Road.
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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 13
Macleay River Bridge the longest operating road bridge in Australia
T
he Macleay River Bridge is a road bridge over the Macleay River and its floodplain near the settlement of Frederickton, New South Wales. The bridge is part of the proposed Pacific Highway new alignment which bypasses Kempsey and Frederickton. The bridge is being constructed by Abigroup as part of the of A$618 million project funded by the Australian Government from the Building Australia Fund. This 3.2km high-level bridge spanning the river and floodplain will be the longest operating road bridge in Australia and will carry four lanes of traffic. Initially, the scope comprised two separate twin-bridges totalling 2.45km in length. However, during post-contract
Above and below: Artis’ts impressions of the Macleay River and floodplain bridge, part of the Kempsey Bypass project.
negotiations the RTA increased the scope of the project to a longer, single bridge. More than 940 super-T beams, each 34m long and 1,500mm deep will be required. They will be produced by Australian Precast Solutions, a subsidiary of Abigroup Limited, at their Macksville facility. Abigroup will be selfperforming the piling work. Piles for the section of the bridge crossing the Macleay River will be bored, while the floodplain sections will be steel tube driven. More than 70 piles will be bored to support the river bridge and it is anticipated that more than 340 piles will be driven to support the floodplain structure. Extensive geotechnical investigations are complete, with piling now underway.
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Page 14 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
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MACLEAY RIVER BRIDGE
WMAwater provide ood plain advice B
ased in Sydney, WMAwater is a successful specialist water engineering ďŹ rm with a history of stability, excellent client relationships and a reputation for innovation and quality. Employing over 20 professional staff, WMAwater has expertise in ood studies and oodplain management, hydraulic modelling, assessing the impacts of developments (including roads and embankments) and communicating this complex technical work to both non specialists and the community alike. WMAwater provides services to a diverse range of both public and private sector clients. Though a relatively small company WMAwater possess the skill and people to provide specialist support to major infrastructure projects. WMAwater commenced in 1983 under the name of Webb McKeown and Associates. Although based in NSW, the ďŹ rm has experience in Western Australia and Queensland. The ďŹ rm is at the forefront of the latest techniques in the ďŹ eld having provided technical input to projects for the updating of Australian Rainfall and Runoff (the national guideline for ood estimation). WMAwater have been heavily involved with the Kempsey to Eungai Bypass from the Environmental Assessment phase to project implementation. Providing advice to the RTA, Leighton’s and Abigroup on matters regarding
ooding such as the impacts of the bypass, and associated oodplain works on the complex ood behaviour of the Macleay River. As part of the project, WMAwater established a two dimensional hydraulic model of the Macleay River and its oodplain allowing spatial mapping of ood levels, velocities and depths. As part of our role on the project WMAwater have been a key element of an extensive community consultation process answering community questions about the impact of ooding on their properties and in some cases negotiating compensatory works on behalf of the RTA. An all important aspect of the community consultation process is that the community have an understanding of the beneďŹ ts the project will bring, feel their concerns are being listened to and that local knowledge of ood behaviour is incorporated into the hydraulic model. The recent ooding in Queensland has highlighted the importance of designing infrastructure (including roads) to an appropriate level to provide the community with ood resilience and allow for safe evacuation. With climate change, this issue will become more important. WMAwater have assessed the impacts of climate change for a number of catchments throughout NSW. For more information contact WMAwater, Mark Babister (Managing Director) (02) 9299 2855.
Above: Artis’ts impressions of the Macleay River and floodplain bridge, part of the Kempsey Bypass project.
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Traffic at intersection
“Apart from the technical experience gained on past projects, we have the added advantage of established relationships with the City of Swan, Swan Valley progress associations, the Construction Reference Group and service authorities such as the Water Corporation and Western Power. We are confident we have the best possible people on the job who know how to recognize and mitigate issues before they become problems.” Consultation the key to community needs
Regarded as ‘Western Australia’s Gateway to the East’, the intersection of Great Eastern and Roe Highways is notorious. Not least because it has become a logistical nightmare as it tries to respond to the demands of around 60,000 vehicles every day.
Macmahon Team tames critical blackspot in WA T
he intersection also plays an important role as a primary heavy haulage route for around 6000 truck movements each day, including a high number of road trains. Great Eastern Highway is also the main route for high-wide loads heading into and out of Perth. Understandably, the intersection has struggled to cope under the burden, but there are also three traffic light changes to contend with, subsequent queues and constant delays suffered by motorists which are all a regular occurrence at an intersection that has witnessed more than 220 crashes over the last five years. That’s around one crash every week. It’s no wonder that the intersection ranks amongst the top ten blackspots in Western Australia. The intersection also forms part of the very important metropolitan outer ring road that surrounds Perth and while it has been the weak link, all that will soon change as the team from Macmahon Contractors transforms the intersection into a safe and efficient transit point for the thousands of motorists who use the
route to connect to the various points of interest accessed by the ring road. These include Perth Airport and the Fremantle Port as well as major industrial and commercial centres. The outer ring road also links with major radial transport routes including the Perth- Adelaide and PerthDarwin National Highways. Current high levels of traffic aside and if that wasn’t enough, recent traffic modelling also indicates that vehicle movements are likely to increases from the current 60,000 to around 90,000 per day by the year 2021 and to around 106,000 by 2031. It all adds up to a much needed and well overdue upgrade to this troubled intersection. In September 2010 a design and construct contract was awarded by WA Main Roads to Macmahon Contractors to build a new grade separated interchange to replace this troublesome intersection located at Midvale. The $74 million upgrade is jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments and when completed in 2012 the interchange will bring with it numerous benefits for all motorists.
Macmahon expertise overcomes logistical challenges The scope of the works is extensive and the team from Macmahon will also have to contend with the ongoing management of high volumes of traffic as motorists continue to rely on the intersection. A further challenge for the team is completing the project within the confines of a construction site that is limited in size and features tight boundaries on all sides. This is the company’s third major upgrade for Western Australia’s arterial road network which included the Reid Highway upgrade over the Swan River. Christian Joder, Macmahon’s Project Construction Manager is well aware of the type of logistical challenges inherent in this latest project. “Traffic management and the safety of road users and workers will be a major focus of this project. However, I believe our team’s experience from similar Main Roads projects, particularly the Reid Highway Extension, will help us meet the challenge.” Christian also believes that the experience gained by his team and the relationships established during those previous arterial road projects is a huge advantage.
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Rail bridge stock piles www.amrcn.com.au
Main Roads WA consulted broadly with all stakeholders and community representatives prior to commencement of the project, which officially began on 28 November 2010, following a ‘ground breaking’ ceremony by then State Transport Minister, Mr Simon O’Brien. He was accompanied by Federal Member, Hon Gary Gray AO MP and Macmahon State Manager, Colin Taylor The extensive community consultation process followed the presentation of a preliminary concept for an interchange in 2009. The process included the distribution of a project newsletter in an effort to motivate feedback for the plan. It was sent to around 20,000 local homes and businesses as well as the heavy vehicle transport industry. A Community Reference Group (CRG) was also established to regularly meet and discuss specific issues relating to the project, such as public art and local access. On all major projects Macmahon Contractors involves the local community in both consultation and in ongoing communication as well as employing local people whenever possible. This project is no exception and the company understands the need to keep local residents, businesses and other stakeholders properly informed. Sources of information include a website, newsletters, shopping centre displays, school visits, letterbox drop, media releases and newspaper advertisements. Macmahon also operate a dedicated Community Info-line for local residents and other members of the greater Perth community. Macmahon Contractors also has a policy relating to Aboriginal Heritage and Culture which it applies on every project. In this instance the Bibbulmun Nyungar people inhabit the local area and a number of initiatives are included in project management plans to protect their interests and culture. Not least is a careful monitoring process to safeguard any Aboriginal artefacts that may be located on the construction site. If any artefacts are unearthed their location is first recorded by an archaeologist and then each artefact is carefully reinstated in a safe area on-site. Aboriginal representation and involvement is paramount when any construction plans affect areas of aboriginal significance. A further initiative, which is standard Macmahon policy, is that Nyungar people are to be employed on the project wherever possible. Following community input some design changes for the interchange were incorporated as well as modifications to local roads. Community representatives highlighted the need to upgrade Farrall and Morrison Roads and both have been included in the interchange project. Macmahon Contractors will design and construct a loop ramp to cater for heavy vehicles turning right from Roe Highway to Great Eastern Highway eastbound as well as building three other new bridges and making modifications to existing bridges over Great Eastern Highway. The new bridges feature the main bridge over Great Eastern Highway; a bridge over Clayton Street and the railway bridge. The Macmahon team will also construct new shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists and upgrade existing paths; construct three underpasses and make modifications and improvements to connecting roads. The project will also feature new traffic signals, noisewalls, road re-surfacing, revegetation and landscaping. During construction, Macmahon Contractors will implement appropriate traffic management measures to minimise disruptions to traffic flow through neighbouring businesses and residential areas. The team will also strategically plan various stages of work to further minimise any delays for motorists over the construction period. Continued next page
Macmahon Contractors - Great Eastern and Roe Highways Upgrade From previous page
A PROJECT SENSITIVE TO LOCAL INTERESTS AND CULTURE The Macmahon team always includes an Environmental Manager who oversees the protection of local flora and fauna on or near any construction site. It’s an important task because the earthmoving works will clear approximately seven hectares of land in preparation for landfill before works on the four new bridges and three new underpasses can begin. Fortunately, the Great Eastern Roe Interchange Project site is located within road reserves on the Swan Coastal Plain and poses no significant threat to waterways or vegetation. Of the 26 native plant species identified in the area, none are considered threatened and significant landscaping with re-vegetation will also be undertaken once the new interchange is completed to enhance the area’s long-term aesthetic appeal. Noise, dust and vibration are always a by-product on any construction site and Macmahon applies various monitoring and suppression techniques to minimise the impact of the construction process on local residents. Apart from using water carts to reduce dust and applying other initiatives, Macmahon also use low-amplitude compactors to reduce vibration and regularly water down the site to limit dust, particularly during earthworks. An on-site bore completed earlier this year allows the team to use more water to maintain a damp environment. Shade cloth is also used on the construction site to contain dust and trucks entering or leaving the site also have their loads covered. Noise levels were recorded by the Macmahon team prior to work beginning and this will continue at various stages during construction in order to monitor any noise which may be created by the construction process. Noise walls will also be constructed to shield residential areas and to reduce traffic noise to acceptable levels. Following the completion of the project monitoring of noise levels will be repeated to ensure preconstruction modelling was accurate. AN EMPHASIS ON SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is always a key issue for Macmahon and this project includes a number of sustainable solutions. Several buildings were demolished to allow for the new interchange and rather than dump the waste material into landfill, up to 95% of the material was recycled for future use. Recyclable materials will also be used for the project and this overall initiative will reduce the size of the projects carbon footprint. Interestingly, 6000 tonnes of material was carted away from the three sites, yet only 300 tonnes actually went to waste. Grass Trees onsite which have been affected by the clearing process are also saved for re-planting on completion of the project. More than 70 Grass Trees have already been removed and relocated away from site. The trees will remain in their alternate location
Piling at Rail bridge
Above: Main Intersection cedntral piers
until all major works are complete. Once this is done they will be replanted back on site as part of the landscaping process to maintain and improve the aesthetic appeal of the area. The location will be further enhanced by revegetation using local flora. To encourage use of alternative transport Macmahon has incorporated extra bus lanes in the interchange and a new shared path for cyclists and pedestrians.
Left: Stockpile on Roe Hwy
INTERCHANGE WILL BRING SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS FOR MOTORISTS When complete the new interchange will allow traffic on Roe Highway traffic to flow uninterrupted over Great Eastern Highway via the bridge and the upgrade will significantly improve the integration of all connecting traffic approaching and using the interchange. Safety and efficiency are the big winners and there’s no doubt that the number and severity of accidents, particularly rear end collisions should be dramatically reduced. The new smooth flowing interchange will put an end to delays which in turn will reduce previous road user costs and vehicle emissions. The local community will also benefit as there will be far less likelihood that neighbouring areas will continue being used as ‘rat runs’ by motorists as they have done in the past, when trying to find other ways around the old intersection.
Heavy vehicles will find it much easier to negotiate the area with the approach to Great Eastern Highway much improved. Overall, the design of the new interchange will improve the efficiency and sustainability of the transport system formed by the ring road well into the future. MACMAHON’S AWARD WINNING TEAM SWINGS INTO ACTION At the time of writing, clearing of unwanted vegetation and topsoil removal has been completed with earthworks well underway on the main Roe Highway alignment as well as the southbound exit and entry ramps. Bridge foundation works have commenced for the Roe Highway bridges over Great Eastern Highway and the underpass under the southbound entry ramp. Traffic management controls are in place for Great Eastern Highway for the construction of the central bridge pier for the Roe Highway bridges.
There are a number of key milestones to be achieved and it’s anticipated, weather permitting, that traffic will be switched onto the off-ramp alignment while the main bridge is constructed in July 2011. Traffic will then be switched back to the main bridge when completed in December 2011. Meanwhile the Rail Bridge should be completed by November this year with the Clayton Street bridge constructed by December. The flyover on the main bridge is expected to be completed by 15 May 2012 with the new interchange in operation by June 2012. It’s anticipated that the whole project will be completed by 30 September 2012. Macmahon Contractors, a leading Australian construction and contract mining company with its headquarters in Perth. The company has been in operation since 1963 and is highly active in Western Australia, particularly in the delivery of major road and rail infrastructure developments. These have included the recent Reid Highway intersection over the Swan River, Mitchell Freeway Joondalup extension, Tonkin Highway extensions, Roe Highway (Nicholson Road to South Street), Great Eastern Highway Upgrade and the Package A section of the Perth-Mandurah railway. Macmahon has offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Lagos and employs more than 3,000 people. For more information about Macmahon visit www.macmahon.com.au.
Works at the rail bridge www.amrcn.com.au
Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 17
Macmahon Contractors - Great Eastern and Roe Highways Upgrade
Stonecivil Limestone combines Beauty and Strength L
imestone has always been aesthetically pleasing to the eye but traditionally and to a large extent, its use in construction has been limited to ‘civil domestic’ applications. As far as major civil infrastructure is concerned, the stone was confined at best, to providing a facia for a wall, merely a cosmetic look to be achieved with the backing and support of concrete. But all that has changed and you can throw away the concrete. Reconstituted limestone is now being used to construct screen/noisewalls and retaining walls on major highways. Apart from being pleasing to the eye, it can be produced and engineered to a required strength to meet almost any project specification. The company leading the way in providing reconstituted limestone for major civil infrastructure is Stonecivil Pty Ltd. Established in Western Australia, the company has always been at the forefront when it comes to pushing the limestone envelope. Stonecivil is currently supplying reconstituted limestone blocks for the new Great Eastern Highway interchange. The existing intersection between Roe and Great Eastern Highways forms part of the important, metropolitan outer ring road in Perth, Western Australia. However, over time the intersection has succumbed to the pressures of an extremely heavy traffic load and with around 220 accidents over the last five years it had been declared a traffic blackspot. Fortunately, the troubled intersection will soon become a distant memory. WA Main Roads has awarded the design and construct contract to Macmahon Contractors for a new grade separated interchange to replace the old
intersection. The upgrade is extensive and will dramatically improve both the safety and efficiency of this critical piece of transport infrastructure. As part of the design process Macmahon wanted to provide a visually appealing result and called on Stonecivil to supply reconstituted limestone blocks for the project. There’s no doubt that the look and texture of the blocks will enhance the visual appeal of the new interchange. In terms of construction efficiency the use of reconstituted, limestone blocks is also a practical measure as they are uniform in size and working with them makes the building process much easier and quicker. Although the use of limestone has always had cosmetic benefits, its inherent strength as a building material has not always been consistent. The natural limestone found in the region around Perth is called Tamala Stone. Consisting of 60% calcium, it averages 1,500 kg/m3 and the natural defects vary the strength from 1.5mPa to 3mPa. However, some years ago Stonecivil developed a process for producing a one metre reconstituted limestone block with a minimum density of 1,800 kg/m3 and a minimum strength of 5mPa which is ideal for residential lots and road reserves. But the company can also engineer the density and strength of the limestone block to suit the particular construction purpose. For instance, Stonecivil supply 7mPa reconstituted limestone blocks specifically for marinas and canals but the blocks can be manufactured for any purpose with strengths over 10mPa if required. As an engineered material, the strength and mass of the blocks are far more consistent
than natural soft stones and this allows project engineers to creatively design and incorporate the reconstituted limestone product for use in major civil infrastructure projects. When used, the limestone provides a unique and pleasing look and softens the tone of what could be an otherwise bleak concrete structure. Of course it’s certainly not the first time that Stonecivil limestone has been used on a major highway. Over the last few years the company has supplied both the product and a construction team for a number of major road projects in Western Australia. These include noise abatement walls for the Geraldton Interchange and the Perth to Bunbury Highway. Such is the beauty, practicality, cost effectiveness and strength of reconstituted limestone that the company has now made its presence felt on major highways in Victoria. The people at Stonecivil are masters of their trade with the ability to produce reconstituted limestone blocks to conform to technical specifications for any major infrastructure purpose. But to describe the team at Stonecivil as simply stonemasons would be to underestimate the capacity of this relatively small but dynamic company. There are many civil and domestic structures built by the Stonecivil construction team with their
Western Australia’s premier Civil Contracting Stonemason’s • Streetscapes & Noise Walls • Canal & Marina Walls • Residential & Industrial Building Lots • Public Open Spaces & Landscape Features
Your creative and professional specialists
We guide the entire construction process to achieve your unique vision.
for all retaining and boundary wall projects
“Be proud of your work, it will be on display for hundreds of years”
47 Furniss Road Darch WA 6065
Email: admin@stonecivil.com.au
Phone: (08) 9302 1850
Web:
Page 18 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
www.stonecivil.com.au
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reconstituted limestone product, including subdivision retaining walls, houses, canals, bridges, marinas and various civil buildings. Stonecivil Pty Ltd is headed by the highly experienced, husband and wife team of Joe and Anne Tropiano, who oversee a workforce consisting of 200 dedicated and skilled workers. The company has the capacity to supply its product and construction expertise across the country. If transporting the blocks is not efficient, Stonecivil has a mobile manufacturing system and a team that can operate at any quarry, anywhere. It says a lot about the company, its standard of workmanship and the enduring strength and quality of its limestone product when you consider that Stonecivil operates under the simple motto; ‘Be proud of your work it will be on display for hundreds of years.’ There’s no doubt that reconstituted limestone has a unique beauty and when used it makes a lasting, artistic and architectural statement. The fact that it is now being incorporated within the design of major civil infrastructure projects is a pleasing outcome and hopefully we’ll see much more of it in the years to come.
For more information about Stonecivil visit: www.stonecivil.com.au
Macmahon Contractors - Great Eastern and Roe Highways Upgrade
QCWA bridges the gap on the Great Eastern Hwy Q
uality Constructions (QCWA) performs a unique and invaluable role in the construction sector by providing a range of professional services designed to bridge the gap between the engineering design and construction phase of major civil infrastructure projects. Quality Constructions was established in Western Australia and although its main focus is on that state, the structure and reach of the company is such that it can operate nationally. The management team at QCWA includes a range of engineering and construction professionals who have held senior positions within major construction companies throughout Australia. Over time, QCWA has developed a human resource that represents the kind of collective expertise that can meet any construction challenge head on and respond with an appropriate solution in a safe and cost effective manner. The company places great emphasis on cultivating strong working relationships with major construction companies, not just for mutual benefit, but to develop a level of understanding and trust that makes each subsequent project easier. As an example QCWA is currently providing various design and construction services for Macmahon Contractors on the Great Eastern Highway, Roe Interchange project in WA. The intersection of Roe Highway and Great Eastern Highway at Midvale in Western Australia is a critical point in the outer ring road that links the Perth Airport and Fremantle Port with major industrial and commercial centres, as well as other important inter-connecting transport routes.
Contractors Six Monthly Aerial Photos - Roe GEH
The intersection requires a drastic overhaul due to ongoing congestion caused by the 60,000 vehicles and 6000 trucks that use it every day. It’s expected that by 2021, vehicle movements will have increased to around 90,000, a figure that will continue upwards as the years progress. Unfortunately, the intersection is also notorious for being one of the top ten traffic black spots in the metropolitan area with a crash toll of more than 226 accidents in the past five years. The project includes the design and construction of four new bridges; three
Quality Construction
Photo courtesy of Fulton Hogan
Photo courtesy of Macmahon
WA Pty Ltd
underpasses and associated pathways; modifications to two existing bridges as well as associated works including traffic signals, lighting, fencing, noisewall construction, drainage and landscaping. Related services will also be relocated and modified. The new intersection system will create grade separation for heavy vehicles and general traffic and therefore improve traffic flow which in turn, will dramatically reduce congestion. The transformation is expected to be completed by May 2012 and will provide huge relief for
the thousands of motorists who use the interchange. Quality Construction is supplying experienced senior staff and a substantial work force to assist Macmahon Contractors with the construction of three road bridges, one rail bridge and three pedestrian underpasses required for the project. This involves the team from QCWA who are assisting with the complex temporary works design and construction of approximately 1800 square meters of formwork for the in-situ rail bridge over the live freight line, as well as the pier formwork design and construction for the two traffic bridges over Great Eastern Highway. This is not the first time that QCWA has worked with Macmahon Contractors and the company has similar relationships with many other major construction companies and formwork suppliers. This is partly because of the wealth of experience that is inherent within the QCWA team but also because the team is flexible in its approach to any project. QCWA has the capacity to supply an experienced workforce, constructability reviews and programme scheduling during both design and construction phases as well as, formwork design and manufacture and even specialised installation techniques when complex, heavy lifting is required. It’s a range of professional services that makes Quality Constructions the ideal construction partner. Above all, the team at QCWA understands and applies best practice standards in terms of safe work practices, the environment and the construction process. It not only ensures a cost effective, quality result, but is the ideal formula to bring to the table at the front end of any civil construction project.
A new generation in professional services designed to bridge the gap between the engineering, design and construction phase of major civil infrastructure projects. QCWA specialise in structural concrete and earthworks solutions for the civil construction industry focusing on: Management Support & Consultancy Advice • Constructability & construction programming reviews during design • Development of Integrated Safe Work Systems • Project planning & programming • Project staffing & labour requirements • Risk & opportunity analysis & reporting Technical Support • Falsework / formwork design • Lifting & installation solutions including temporary works design for: – Tee Roff beams – Precast planks & beams – Abutment panels & walls Construction & Operational Services • Professional staffing resources experienced in structures and earthworks • Marine Construction • Supply of formwork, reinforcement and placement of concrete Our extensive technical expertise and experience consistently ensures safe and cost effective results throughout the project lifecycle to meet or exceed our client’s expectations.
U2/139 Mulgul Rd Malaga WA 6090 Tel (08) 9248 7280 Mob 0419 966 389 Email admin@qcwa.com.au
www.amrcn.com.au
Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 19
New bridge Built Over Fast Flowing McArthur River
T
HE McArthur River Bridge at the Northern Territory community of Borroloola has been finished and officially opened by NT Transport Minister, Gerry McCarthy. The bridge is a vital link between Borroloola and communities in the Roper Gulf Shire. It was built along Wollogorang Road (Savannah Way) on behalf of the Department of Lands and Planning. Previously the only way to cross the river was at Burketown Crossing, a low level concrete causeway that could be inundated for about eight weeks during the Wet Season. The bridge can reduce this isolation to an average of two days, decreasing the time during which the western and eastern parts of Borroloola are divided by flood waters. The McArthur River can expand from a width of 20 metres to one kilometre during the Wet Season. At these times, residents of Garrawa communities on the western bank frequently employed boats to negotiate the dangerous fast-flowing river to access goods and services at the Borroloola town centre. The bridge will also improve access for a number of outstations in the region, Indigenous communities along the Gulf of Carpentaria, the mining and pastoral industries, and tourists driving the Savannah Way. The bridge is 180 metres long and 4.3 metres
wide between kerbs, ensuring safe transit by road trains. It is approximately seven metres above the level of the causeway, with a wide single lane that can be expanded to two lanes when required in the future. The nine metre carriageway is accessed by a seven metre sealed traffic lane on the approach roads. Following consultation with Indigenous local people, the final design included a 1.8 metre wide walkway for pedestrians. Pre-cast concrete beams were manufactured in Darwin by Steelcon (NT) Pty Ltd during the preceding Wet Season. Engineering and geotechnical investigations were undertaken as inputs into the design, to escalate the approach roads and bridge alignment foundations. The location upstream of the causeway was influenced by the presence of sacred sites. Hydraulic modelling established that a bridge built to a five-year flood immunity was most cost-effective in guarding against inundation. The $7 million bridge has been built to last for at least 50 years and funded from the Community, Beef and Mining Roads Improvement Program. The Northern Territory and Australian governments respectively contributed $4 million and $3 million to the project. The bridge was completed in 32 weeks, three weeks ahead of schedule. The contract was awarded to Steelcon (NT) Pty Ltd in February 2010. Design and construction was managed by the Department of Construction and Infrastructure.
The bridge components are: Superstructure • 120 pre-stressed concrete deck units (15 metres long, 620mm deep). • Elastomeric bearing strips. • 360 metres of pedestrian guard rails. Substructure • 1200 mm diameter reinforced concrete piles cast in situ. • Steel driven piles at abutments. • Reinforced concrete piers and headstocks. • Reinforced concrete abutment and wing walls. Key engineering aspects • 29,000 cubic metres of earthworks. • An exclusive pedestrian access 1.8 metres wide.
• A 161 tonne asphalt wearing surface on the bridge deck. • Bituminous spray and chip sealing on approach roads and the bridge. • Drainage works. • Protection works on abutments and embankments. • Relocation of services (sewer main). • Line marking. • Dewatering of the construction site to allow erection of the bridge. • Setting-up rigs for pilling works. • 11 vertical piers.
Above and below left: McArthur River Bridge with neighbouring causeway
Proudly associated with the McArthur River Bridge project
At Cardno Ullman & Nolan, we pride ourselves on careful, considered and independent analysis. We combine professional expertise and comprehensive local knowledge to meet the needs of our clients – and in turn the local community and future generations.
Ph (08) 8984 4983 Fax (08) 8984 4659 darwinlabs@cardno.com.au www.cardno.com.au Page 20 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
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Flip Screen Australia introduces new EXC180 Screening Attachment for Excavators F
LIP SCREEN AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd, a designer and manufacturer of an award-winning line of screening attachments, launches the new EXC180 screening bucket. Suitable for 40-50 ton excavators, the attachment is the largest excavator-mounted model in the Flip Screen lineup. The EXC180 is built durable and rugged to handle the most demanding applications in a variety of industries including aggregates and road-building, construction, demolition, landfill, mining, public works, railway and waste recycling. The EXC180 replaces the excavator’s bucket and works by rotating 360-degrees continuously, on a single axis. In a clockwise motion, the unit removes smaller particles through an easily interchangeable screen, while a baffle retains larger material such as steel and concrete up to the size of 44 gallon drums so that it may be dumped separately. Upon completion of the screening process, the EXC180 switches to a clockwise rotation to eject material. For added screening efficiency, the attachment is fitted with four high-tensile steel, heavy-duty punch plate cassettes. Designed for simple, easy operation, the EXC180 requires minimal effort from the equipment operator. Simply scoop desired material and activate the auxiliary hydraulics, and two Eaton 10,000-series hydraulic motors power the bucket rotation. The bucket’s rotation speed is controlled by the Operator via hydraulic flow and variable between 18-25 RPM. For further operator comfort, the unit’s smooth motion and rotation eliminates jarring, shaking and vibration. This also eliminates added stress on the carrier, reducing maintenance and enhancing excavator life. The EXC180 features a bucket opening 96-inches wide by 24-inches high, and offers a screening capacity of approximately 2.3-cubic yards (full internal capacity: 6.9 cubic yards). Total screening surface area is 96-square feet.
The Flip Screen attachment at work on an excavator.
Before
Undersize
Reclaimed Rock
Intended for tough applications, the EXC180 includes a host of features designed to enhance durability. Double-size vanes, thick wallplates, heavy-stiffener deflector plates, tough baffle supports, a baffle impact plate, and arm- and drain-plug protectors have been integrated to increase the unit’s robustness and strength. Additionally, the interchangeable screens are built from high-tensile steel mesh for enhanced strength and durability. Seven standard screen sizes are offered, ranging from ½ to 4 inches, with additional, custom sizes available upon request. The EXC180 comes equipped with choice of one mesh screen, and additional screens can be packaged into the purchase. Screen change out is quick and simple, and is done in less than five minutes by one operator, with no tools required. Other optional equipment includes a reversible bolt-on leading edge or durable, high-strength teeth. The leading-edge breaks into tough, hard-packed material, while teeth are useful for cutting into the most rigid, compacted material. Established in 2004, Flip Screen Australia Pty Ltd. manufactures an award-winning, patented line of screening attachments. Since its launch, the company has experienced great growth and expansion, with units currently operating in over 20 countries. www.amrcn.com.au
Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 21
MIDLAND HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS - HOBART, TASMANIA
Brighton Transport Projects T
he Midland Highway Improvements- Brighton Transport Projects in Tasmania, will form part of the National Highway network and provide safer, more efficient movement of freight and general traffic between Hobart and Tasmania’s northern cities and ports. At $270 million, the combined Brighton Bypass and Transport Hub Project is the largest road infrastructure project in the State’s history. The new Bypass will provide improved access to the Brighton Industrial Estate and alleviate the current safety and amenity problems associated with a major freight route travelling through the historic towns of Pontville and Brighton. Planning for the Bypass commenced in the 1980s with the subsequent proclamation of an alignment in 1987, which was based on factors such as appropriate topography, minimising disruption to farming enterprises, residential and commercial development and known Aboriginal heritage sites.
The Australian Government has formally provided $186.2 million for the Bypass while the Tasmanian Government has contributed $2.5 million to the project and is fully funding the $79 million Brighton Transport Hub. The Brighton Transport Project has six sections which include: Lyell Highway upgrade, Bridgewater Bridge refurbishment, Bagdad Bypass, Bridgewater Bridge Replacement, Brighton Bypass North, Brighton Bypass Southern and Transport Hub. Combining the southern section of the Brighton Bypass and the Transport Hub into a single contract improved efficiency and economy and allowed those projects to be completed 15 months ahead of schedule. It was recognised that the Brighton Bypass should proceed while planning for the Bagdad Bypass and Bridgewater Bridge replacement were completed. The Bridgewater Bridge Refurbishment project was completed in 2010 and will allow the existing 1940s bridge to continue to operate until a replacement bridge is constructed at Bridgewater. The Lyell Highway is an important route for tourists visiting Tasmania’s west coast and residents of the Derwent Valley and the ongoing improvements to this highway provide significant benefits.
A joint venture between Thiess Pty Ltd and Tasmanian firm VEC Civil Engineering. Two joint ventures were secured for the construction of the Brighton Bypass, The VEC Thiess Joint Venture for the Northern Section, (VTJV) and John Holland Hazell Bros Joint Venture (JHHB) for the Southern Hub. Both of these joint ventures worked closely with the Tasmanian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER) using an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) arrangement to develop relevant scopes, preliminary designs and costs for each section of the project.
BRIGHTON BYPASS NORTH VEC Thiess Joint Venture In January 2010, a joint venture between multinational construction firm Thiess Pty Ltd and Tasmanian firm VEC Civil Engineering secured an $84 million contract to build the northern section of the Australian Government funded and Tasmanian Government managed Midland Highway Improvements - Brighton Bypass Northern Section Project (BBN).
INNOVATION
&
Brighton Bypass Northern Section
EXCELLENCE
Operating around Australia and overseas. VEC is a highly successful company with a valued reputation for its innovative approach and excellence in delivery. DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION OF – BRIDGES & STRUCTURES
The new Bypass is located approximately 25kms north of Hobart and will address traffic movement, safety and amenity issues associated with a major freight route passing through the growing towns of Brighton and Pontville. The northern section of the project involves the construction of 6.5km of predominantly dual carriageway highway, ten major structures and associated civil engineering works.
Major Structures There are seven bridge locations over 6.5kms with three of these bridges split into both north and southbound carriageways which make up the ten separate structures. Two of the bridges are rail underpasses with a further two to be constructed over the new Bypass. To ensure that
there are no traffic disruptions at these bridge sites, two road diversions have been established for the duration of the new bridge construction. Upon completion of the new bridges, the diversion roads will be removed and traffic will then be re-directed over the new bridges. A further five structures are to be constructed over water ways. Five of the seven bridges to be constructed will use precast concrete Super T beams, with two exceptions: the Tea Tree Rail Bridge, which will be constructed using voided planks due to restrictions in structural depth, and a 70 metre launched bridge which will span the protected Jordan River Levee site ensuring Aboriginal artefacts that have been found in the levee of the Jordan River remain undisturbed.
INNOVATIVE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION TO PROTECT INDIGENOUS HERITAGE SITE Jordan River Bridge An innovative method of bridge construction will ensure the 40,000 year old Indigenous cultural heritage of the Jordan River Levee will remain undisturbed. Aboriginal heritage investigations on the proclaimed Brighton Bypass highway alignment in late 2008 identified a landform with potential for high heritage significance. Heritage investigations decades earlier did not identify the site. Detailed investigation of the site commenced in mid 2009 and was completed in February 2010. The site became known as the Jordan River levee and the stratified artefact deposit it was found to contain was indeed significant. Over $3 million was spent by the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER) in the investigation of Aboriginal heritage on its Brighton Transport projects. Continued next page
ROADS & RAIL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE OTHER SERVICES – STEEL FABRICATION PRECAST & PRESTRESSED CONCRETE PILING & FOUNDATIONS BRIDGE LOAD TESTING Head Office 10b Industrial Drive Ulverstone TAS 7315 Phone: (03) 6425 6530 Fax: (03) 6425 6112 Email: info@vec.com.au Divisions based in - Launceston | Hobart | Melbourne
www.vec.com.au Page 22 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
Tea Tree Road Bridge and Tea Tree Road Diversion Road 27/04/11 www.amrcn.com.au
MIDLAND HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS - HOBART, TASMANIA
Brighton Transport Projects
from previous page
Over 127 of these Super T beams have already been produced with production running to schedule.
DIER searched for possible alternative routes to avoid the 60m wide by 600m long site on the western bank of the river, but none was identified that was practical and feasible. To avoid disturbing the levee site, the Tasmanian Government committed to extending the proposed Jordan River Bridge over the site at significant additional cost of $19 million. A 70m bridge span will now be launched over the 60m wide levee with no construction plant disturbing the levee surface. It is unfortunate that some members of the Aboriginal community and others did not support this approach, but it was considered by the Tasmanian Government to be the most appropriate solution to allow the heritage site to be preserved and the important Brighton Bypass to be completed. The Australian Government supported the Tasmanian Government in its position as the cost of an alternative route or a 250m span bridge to avoid the area around the levee would
have been around $140 million. DIER’s Director of Operations Branch, Phil Cantillon, says “The investigations and approvals for the project occurred at a time when the approach to heritage investigations and approvals in Tasmania was changing in favour of a more scientific approach to heritage assessments. The assessment of the Brighton Bypass has resulted in improvements to investigation, consultation and approvals processes and resulted in the Aboriginal community being more meaningfully involved in the investigation and management of its heritage and the discovery of sites that might otherwise have been unintentionally destroyed.” A rigorous permit assessment process took 10 months from submission of the Jordan River crossing permit application to the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, through a public submissions phase, to the approval of a site specific
Construction Environmental Management Plan in April 2011, which allowed construction work to legally commence. The desire of the Aboriginal community to continue to visit the site during construction was accommodated. VEC Thiess Joint Venture (VTJV) Project Manager Andrew Kennedy says, “The VTJV recognises the cultural significance of the levee which is why we’ve come up with a way to ensure it is not disturbed. Rising 8 metres above the significant site, the 166 metre long bridge will include a unique span design which enables construction to occur without any disturbance of the ancient area and its artefacts. The critical section of the Bridge above the levee will be launched from one side to the other and as such does not require any piers to be placed within the ground below. The scale of this span launch is significant in engineering terms and will ensure the cultural heritage of the levee can be protected for future generations”. How the Jordan River Levee Bridge will be constructed: • 4 x 70 metre steel girders will be fabricated off site in three sections then delivered to site. • 3 spans will use 32metre x 1500mm deep Super T beams • 1 span using a 70metre beam will be launched 11 meters above the levee from one side to the other without disturbing the ground, passing over and protecting the Jordan River Levee site. The levee itself will not be disturbed by the construction. • The girder will then advance (be launched) along rollers until a launching nose lands on the pier which is constructed on the opposite side of the Levee. • The girder will then be lowered into its final position with two cranes mobilised at either side of the protected levee.
• Rails fixed to the first girder will then be used to roll the following three girders over the top of the levee before being lowered into their end position. • The first beam will be used as a platform for installing the remaining three beams. • Construction of the bridge deck will involve placing approximately 70 x 10 metre wide pre-cast concrete panels, prior to casting of the concrete deck. • Stringent environmental controls during construction include the use of protectivemats in some areas to minimise any surface impact and protect areas adjacent to the heritage site.
Employment At peak construction, 130 people were working on the Northern Section of the project. A large number of these workers are local and many were sourced from all over Australia. Several interstate people relocated to Hobart for the duration of the project and 12 permanent new jobs have been created with the establishment of a purpose built, locally based pre-cast yard. Several engineering students from The University of Tasmania have joined the team after attending site tours of the project and have since gained valuable work experience.
Innovation: Pre-cast Yard In a project initiative, the VEC Thiess Joint Venture has established a new pre-cast yard for the manufacturing of 170 concrete Super T beams used in the construction of the fifteen new bridges to be built along both the northern and southern sections of the Bypass. The largest beams produced at the pre-cast yard are over 34 metres long and 1500mm deep and weigh up to 55 tonnes each. Continued next page
Contact Electrical a team player on Brighton project
C
ontact Electrical’s workload is evident throughout many sectors particularly industrial, commercial and domestic requirements. The company’s employees have a wealth of multi-disciplined experience, a versatility that covers all areas of electrical technology. Contact’s capability includes general light and power installations, maintenance, security, data and voice, electrical mechanical and electrical switchboard design and construction. Working alongside Hazell Bros on the Brighton Locomotive Maintenance Shed Project, Contact Electrical developed a strong relationship with that company in overcoming the many challenges faced on the project. Contact also worked closely with Pitt & Sherry on certain new and additional aspects that were related to the installation of the Diesel Pump Control Panel. Contact Electrical’s supervisors and ‘A’ Grade electricians hold registered cablers’ licenses at TITAB Australia, and are Panduit Certified Installers for data installations, as well as being competent in Clipsal and other Data vendors. These qualifications enabled the company to produce a professional, quality installation at the Locomotive Shed and one that will serve the client well into the future. The company’s focus was to install a long lasting installation that could withstand the usual industrial operations. As an example Contact installed robust items such as 56 series Power Outlets and IP Rated light switches. The Contact Electrical team is trained in occupational health and safety and proudly display the ISO9001:2008 Quality Assurance Certificate. The company enjoyed an incident free project and together with Hazell Bros ensured all safety standards were strictly followed. The scope of work included elements such as a New Main Switchboard, Sub mains from a new Transformer some distance away pulled in via a complex network of underground conduits and Pits. Contact installed a variety of different weather proof lighting, some of which had to illuminate the area under the train carriage in the pit area. This lighting would be subjected to some harsh conditions, so it was installed in custom made brackets, and cabled in steel conduit. Contact Electrical also installed a Rockwell PLC Controller to manage the Amber light and siren warning system that warned of train movement inside and the immediate area outside the shed. A Diesel Pump controller was also installed specifically designed for this particular project. A Diesel Tank farm is located some 60m from the shed, and the controller panel inside the shed manages the transfer of fuel to the shed. The panel incorporates various safety cut-off features and flow switches to monitor the transfer. Earthing of the installation was also vital to protect it against any residual or static electricity that may occur. The project was handed over on time and within budget in May 2011. The team from Contact Electrical were extremely satisfied with the result and appreciated the co-operation extended by Hazel Bros and Pitt and Sherry on the Brighton Locomotive Maintenance Shed Project. www.amrcn.com.au
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Burnie
8 Shamrock St South Launceston Tasmania 7248 P (03) 6344 1775 F (03) 6344 1776
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19 Main Road Wivenhoe Tasmania 7320 P (03) 6432 3552 F (03) 6431 9045
Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 23
MIDLAND HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS - HOBART, TASMANIA
Brighton Transport Projects from previous page
Previously, the beams would have been made in northern Tasmania and trucked more than 300km to the site. Although VEC Civil Engineering’s current pre-cast yard in the north of the State will remain active, the new pre-cast yard features the latest manufacturing technology in order to produce Australian Standard beams and facilitate an accelerated construction method along with improved site safety. Conveniently located on Boral Quarry land, adjacent to the concrete batch plant and in close proximity to various other construction sites, the new yard will also provide a facility for future projects in southern Tasmania and brings a number of benefits to the local community, including a reduction in escorted heavy-vehicle transport, resulting in a reduction in fuel usage and green house gas emissions. Another benefit of using local materials in the yard means fewer deliveries are required and as a result, the Brighton Bypass North Project has been able to achieve a reduction in its carbon footprint. The Brighton Bypass North Project Manager, Andrew Kennedy, says “Having ownership of the process also allows us to control the safety, quality, cost and program of beam production. Using a multi-strand stressing technique, we can stress 40 strands at the same time and it can be done in just a quarter of the time required for traditional single-strand stressing.”
Challenges The hard basalt found within the main artery of the northern section of the bypass has presented a major challenge to the project team. The varying geotechnical conditions have been catered for in the deep cut and fill embankments and as a result, two separate blasting companies were commissioned by the VEC Thiess Joint Venture to conduct a series of rock blasts across multiple locations along the alignment of the Bypass.
Rock Blasting Traditional methods of excavating the rock would have extended the length of time that construction machinery would be in the area by several months and would have caused continued disruptions to local residents with noise and dust. One section that required blasting was 800m long, up to 9m deep, 30m wide, and was as close as 50m to occupied houses. Blast evaluations carried out prior to the full scale blasting ensured that vibrations were kept to a minimum After consulting with the blast engineer it was agreed that a unique method of blasting would be used in one particular section to enable the cut to be blasted in one pass using electronic detonators. This innovative method involved loading blast holes with up to four individual explosive decks-each primed with electronic detonators which were to be fired separately. This allowed large complex geometries to
Safety Safety is at the forefront of the Brighton Bypass Northern section and the project team places an enormous emphasis on this in every activity undertaken on the job. This commitment starts in the design phase with safety-in-design review workshops for design and construction staff. Works are then planned in detail and anticipated safety risks mitigated as far as reasonably possible. Regular and rigorous auditing processes and a safety observation program ensure that works are carried out in the safest possible manner. The BBN project can boast zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI’s) to date with every activity carried out on the project is done so under the strictest of safety conditions and managed in a way to ensure the safety of the travelling public, those working on the site and the surrounding residents, business and other stakeholders.
Community Engagement Briggs Rd Bridge Construction, Nelson’s Buildings Rd, Nelson’s Buildings Diversion Rd
be blasted while controlling vibration levels. Rohan Stevens, Orica’s Construction Blasting Engineer says “Electronic detonators also offer a security advantage in that they are virtually impossible to initiate unintentionally once in the ground. Blasts on the Brighton Bypass were typically loaded over a number of days so using electronic detonators ensured the security of loaded holes each night. Conventional blasting methods would have required multiple passes to achieve the cut depth, necessitating excavation of each blast, preparation of a new drill bench and extra drilling time in order to blast the next pass. Using this method to complete the cut would have required over 40 blasts, and increased the duration of the project by 2-3 months”. A high level of community engagement ensured that the blasts were carried out with a minimum of disruption to local traffic, surrounding residents and businesses. Orica operated a blast notification system whereby neighbours were notified in advance of blast events by email and SMS. This allowed neighbours to keep abreast of blasts which were close to their properties and make arrangements for their pets and livestock. To further minimise disruption to neighbours, blasts were ‘slept’ on a nightly basis so that loading could continue over a number of days. This allowed blast sizes to be maximised, thereby reducing the number of overall blast events for the project and for the neighbours. With careful planning, correct product application and Orica’s technical expertise, over 100,000BCM of hard basalt was successfully blasted within 50m of occupied residences and with minimal disturbance to neighbours. Total Volume: 111,000 BCM Number of Blasts: 21 Project Duration: 3 months
Above: Strathallan Rivulet Bridge Site- April 2011 Page 24 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
Aboriginal Heritage Aboriginal artefacts contained within the stratified Jordan River levee deposit were found to have dated back some 40,000 years. The development and approval of the highway design in this area has resulted in 15 months of delays in construction at the Jordan River Levee until a rigorous permit assessment process involving the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, through a public submissions phase, to the approval of a site specific Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), enabled construction work to commence on the Jordan River Bridge in April 2011. Protestors objecting to the construction in the Jordan River Levee have camped at the site between December of 2010 and May of 2011. In April of 2011, the Tasmanian State Government approved the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and early works have since commenced with completion of the bridge now scheduled to be mid March 2013. Project Manager Andrew Kennedy says “All VTJV workers on site have attended a two hour cultural awareness training session as a way of better understanding the sensitivities of the situation. The VTJV have accommodated public visits to an area of the site adjacent to the works but we have an obligation to ensure the safety of all members of the public including workers and therefore the public cannot be present within the construction zone.” “The innovative method of bridge construction at the Jordan River will ensure that the cultural heritage value of the levee remains completely undisturbed.” Andrew adds.
Environment A number of federally listed endangered plant species were identified and three were required to be translocated within the corridor of the Northern section of the Bypass. These plants have been salvaged and additional plants propagated and relocated to a suitable habitat where they will be continuously monitored for the duration of the project. At a State level, the VEC Thiess Joint Venture has assisted in the development of a series of environmental offset areas to compensate for the project’s impact on threatened native grassland. Three of the bridges are situated over significant waterways within the Brighton area, one of which leads to a known platypus habitat. To minimise the impact on these river systems, the VEC Thiess Joint Venture implemented numerous erosion and sediment controls in and around the creek catchment areas. With plentiful supply of rock on site, rock check dams were found to be particularly suitable and effective for this purpose. As an added precaution, stringent weekly water quality testing is undertaken by the project team whilst working in these waterways, to ensure that construction is not having a significant impact on these ecosystems.
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The local community is one of the most important stakeholders on this project. The Brighton Bypass Northern section has made a strong commitment to ensure that the local community is kept informed of the project status and is aware of upcoming activities that may have a potential impact on them as residents or businesses. Prior to the commencement of any works, the local community is considered in the work plans and design briefs, to ensure minimal disruption is experienced by those directly within the work zone. A high level of communication with local stakeholders and residents is maintained through a number of different mechanisms, including face to face meetings, letter box drops, SMS notifications, a project website and a Community Relations representative on site to assist with all relevant enquiries. This is all complemented with the Midland Highway Improvements information office located in the township of Brighton available for members of the community to visit and learn more about the entire project. Project literature and other information regarding the project are available, as is a 24 hour hotline for any afterhours enquiries. Presentations to local community groups are undertaken on a regular basis by the VTJV. The project is also doing its fair share to give back to the community by supporting a St Vincent de Paul charity, Loui’s Van. The project is contributing to this charity through the provision of financial and volunteer support. Each month a number of VEC Thiess Joint Venture workers volunteer their time to assist in the serving of a healthy three course meal to over 160 disadvantaged local residents. Fundraising through a number of activities help in providing much needed assistance to keep this charity going. Currently, the construction on the project is 69% complete with a completion date scheduled to be by March 2013.
PROJECT FACTS: Brighton Bypass Northern Section • $103 million (Brighton Bypass North) • Client: Department of Infrastructure, Energy & Resources (DIER) • A 6.5km predominantly dual carriageway • Twin 166m bridges over the Jordan River • Eight other major structures along the alignment of the Bypass • Grade separated interchange at Tea Tree Rd • Bulk earthworks totalling 450,000 cubic meters • 10,000 cubic meters of concrete to be poured • 3,000 tonnes of reinforcing steel used in the bridge construction • A roundabout to connect to the current Midland Highway • Two local road overpasses structures • 170 No super T beams manufactured in the dedicated project pre-cast yard and used in bridge construction • Duration: April 2009 to March 2013
Left: Forensic Crash Unit photographs crash scene at Mount Cotton test-track day.
Safer Road Surfaces - Saving Lives
The 3rd International Road Surface Friction Conference was held on the Gold Coast on 15-18 May 2011.
A
RRB has hosted the 3rd International Road Surface Friction Conference on the Gold Coast which was attended by 240 delegates from 15 countries. Within the theme of ‘Safer Road Surfaces - Saving Lives’ the conference ran for three days, 16-18 May 2011. Delegates received an impressive two day program of quality technical presentations on a wide range of aspects of the management of road surface skid resistance and texture, including keynote presentations from highprofile speakers from the UK, New Zealand and Qatar. A day of technical demonstrations completed the conference schedule. Delegates were given the opportunity to take part in a forum on the UN Decade
and Main Roads, the second day of the conference saw a highly successful Mount Cotton track day, where delegates received a unique insight into Police crash investigation techniques and observed a number of skidto-stop tests in dry and wet conditions using various vehicle types, ages and configurations. A range of static and mobile test devices were also displayed. ARRB hosted the conference in association with the NZ Transport Agency and WDM Limited (UK). The closing address was given by ARRB’s Managing Director, Mr Gerard Waldron, who acknowledged the considerable efforts of the technical steering committee and the ARRB events team in bringing the conference to Australia for the first time. Delegates were invited to reconvene in 2014 in the UK for the 4th International Road Surface Friction Conference, with the key challenges facing researchers and practitioners of skid resistance identified as below: • How to sell our message? Involving media? • Developing National and International strategies and initiatives to avert the emerging disaster of road accident rates • Implementation of the holistic concepts of safer journeys involving all aspects of the process • Using new materials to provide suitable surfaces for the motorcyclist and cyclist • Evaluating the implications of community vs personal risk in setting investigatory levels
of Action for Road Safety (and how road surfaces can contribute to its success). At a second forum on Disaster Recovery, a fascinating insight was provided by engineers at the forefront of the challenges presented by the Queensland floods and cyclones and the Christchurch earthquakes, and specifically, the massive task of restoring road networks and associated infrastructure to their former condition. Topics discussed and demonstrated throughout the program included: • Performance of old vs new vehicles • Roles of micro and macro texture on skid resistance • Targeting resources and works to most demanding areas • Data collection methods, equipment and practices
For further details on ARRB conferences and the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety please visit www.arrb.com.au.
About ARRB Group ARRB Group is Australia’s and New Zealand’s only national road transport research organisation, whose members are Australian state and territory road authorities, the Australian Local Government Association, the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport and the NZ Transport Agency.
Above: Dr Peter Cairney addresses ‘The Future of Skid Resistance’
With the considerable assistance of the Queensland Department of Transport
Mount Cotton track day included a program of skid to stop tests in both dry and wet conditions, using a range of vehicles.
Sideway-force Coefficient Routine Investigation Machine (SCRIM).
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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 25
Federal Updates on Road Infrastructure Projects from the Office of Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese New Lanes Open in Peak Across West Gate Bridge
M
ELBOURNE drivers can look forward to quicker, safer and less frustrating travel following today’s commissioning of extra traffic lanes on the West Gate Bridge.
Above: Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese
Better Roads on the way for the Yarra Ranges
I
N a major boost for the Yarra Range’s agricultural industry, funding provided by the Gillard Labor Government will be used to seal 23 local roads. This Federally funded capital works program will directly benefit 45 farmers and growers in the districts of Monbulk, Silvan, Yarra Glen and Gruyere, making it easier for them to get their agricultural and horticultural produce – worth around $650 million annually – to market. All up, more than 30 kilometres of unsealed road will be sealed and given all-weather surfaces, with the Yarra Ranges Shire Council expecting to have this work completed by the middle of the year. Agri-business is one of the region’s most vital industries supporting around 4,000 permanent and 6,000 seasonal jobs. Indeed the Yarra Valley is gaining a local and international reputation as a producer of fine food and wine, with our investment aimed at supporting this fast maturing industry. Better local roads will also benefit the local tourism industry which each year welcomes more than 2 million visitors to this unique part of Australia. The sealing of local roads is being funded out of the $8 million in financial assistance provided by the Gillard Labor Government. Already the Council has used the balance of the funding to build two new overtaking lanes along Wellington Road between Lysterfield Road and the township of Clematis.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said after 20 months of extensive strengthening work, the Bridge is now able to carry a fifth lane in each direction. “At completion the project will improve the flow of traffic across the West Gate Bridge, resulting in better driving conditions for the more than 130,000 motorists and 24,000 truck drivers which use this section of Melbourne’s road network every day,” said Mr Albanese. “The Federal Government is committed to working with the Victorian Government to build the modern, well planned road and rail infrastructure which will prevent Melbourne becoming gridlocked.” The West Gate Bridge Strengthening Project was delivered by an Alliance comprising VicRoads, John Holland, Sinclair Knight Merz and Flint & Neill, with funding from both the Victorian and Australian governments. Victorian Roads Minister Terry Mulder said the opening of the fifth lane in each direction with completes the freeway management system along the M1 corridor which will now be operational in peak times. “The opening of the fifth lane on the West Gate Bridge is good news for Melbourne. It will not only mean an end to peak lane closures, but it will also help tackle the City’s traffic congestion and deliver more reliable journeys between the CBD and the Western suburbs,” said Mr Mulder. “What’s more, in the event of a break down or incident the extra lanes will help keep the traffic flowing with the freeway management system closing lanes and directing traffic safely around the scene. “All up, over 400,000 bolts and 1,600 tonnes of steel were used to strengthen the Bridge.” While five lanes are now open in each direction during peak traffic, works will continue on the West Gate Bridge until the end of the year and this will require ongoing offpeak lane closures. “The majority of lane closures will continue to be implemented at non-peak times. VicRoads
will continue to advise motorists of these works and every effort will be made to minimise these disruptions,” Mr Mulder said. West Gate Bridge users should look up and
look ahead to the overhead electronic signs which in the event of a break down or incident will instruct them on the prevailing speed restrictions and lane closures.
Major Contract for Adelaide Rail Electrification Awarded
T
HE modernisation of Adelaide’s rail network will begin in earnest next year with the awarding of the contract for a major component of the more than $400 million electrification program to deliver hundreds of jobs to South Australians. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, and South Australian Transport Minister, Patrick Conlon, said the $10.2 million Project Development contract for Electrification Major Works had been awarded to Laing O’Rourke. Mr Albanese said Laing O’Rourke was
a company with over 30 years experience designing and constructing electrified rail systems nationally and worldwide. “The Adelaide rail electrification project will deliver long lasting benefits for the Adelaide transport network: modernizing the lines, benefiting the environment and enhancing lifestyle in Adelaide–it is also delivering jobs and bringing international companies to SA,” Mr Albanese said. “The state-of-the-art system will cover over more than 100 kilometres of track across the metropolitan area from Gawler to Seaford, and Adelaide to Outer Harbor which will provide an enhanced travel experience for commuters.”
Page 26 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
Mr Conlon said that a company of Laing O’Rourke’s international repute doing business here is not only a massive vote of confidence in our unprecedented investment in public transport but also a significant boost to jobs and our economy. “I am delighted the next phase of this contract will deliver around 100 new jobs with construction to bring additional employment opportunities,” Mr Conlon said. “This work represents the nuts and bolts of electrification– the poles and wires and signalling and communication systems required to run a state-of-the-art electric rail system complete with brand new trains. “In around two years electric trains will be part of a multi-billion dollar network providing faster, more efficient, greener, more frequent and safer bus, train and tram services.” Mr Albanese and Mr Conlon said the first electrified services will run on the new Seaford rail line in 2013, and subsequently on the Noarlunga and Gawler lines later that same year, with electrification of the Outer Harbor line to be complete in 2015. “This project is a great example of the Federal and State governments working together to deliver a better and more sustainable future for the community,” they concluded.
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AUST. ROAD SERVICES DIRECTORY Listed on this page is a comprehensive representation of Australian companies providing a range of professional services for Road Infrastructure Projects throughout the States and is also a recommended guide to Australian Civil Engineering Companies, Australian Local Government Councils, for the services they provide to projects of all sizes.
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Ischebeck Self-drilling Anchor System Shotcrete & Concrete Pumping Drains, Inclinometers, Micropiles, Bored Piers Grouting, Stressing, Bar Testing
EARTH MOVING & PLANT HIRE - NSW
ROAD-BASE PAVING - NSW AUSTRALIA-WIDE SERVICE
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Phone 02 4987 2999
Fax: 02 4987 2988
peter@bowsmark.com
Equipment: 3t to 20t excavators, 3.5t to 12t rollers rigid tippers, skidsteer loaders, laser level, rock hammers, augers Specialising in: Excavations, pipelaying, clearing, rock revetment, all site preparation, bulk and detailed excavation. Bowsmark focuses on safety and taking care of the environment while delivering excellent service to their clients.
Phone - (07) 3888 6775 www.teamra.com.au
• Superior “ride-ability” • Increased production • No trimming required, therefore no wasted material • More efficient when working within time constraints of cement treated products
Road-base paving machines for: • Highway construction • Motorway upgrades • Airport runways & taxiways • Road tunnels
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SWEEPING SERVICES - NSW
PLANT HIRE SERVICES - QLD
ECONOMY SWEEPERS PTY. LTD. ALL SUBURBS - BRISBANE - GOLD COAST - SUNSHINE COAST
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Email: info@dandmplanthire.com.au
NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL!
Supplier of Road Sweeper Services to the RTA, Councils & Major Construction Companies throughout NSW • Road Sweepers • Pedestrian Sweepers • Ride-On Sweepers • Water Carts
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PLANT & HAULAGE SERVICES - VIC
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(02) 4942 4999 24hrs, 7 days a week
TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES - VIC
Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 27
Street-smart - Dynapac’s new range of compact tandem rollers great parts availability now and in the future, but also indicates that these models will be offered for many years to come – thus further underlining the high second-hand value of Dynapac equipment. The rollers are equipped with a corrosionfree, impact-resistant water tank. Three separate filters alleviate the problem of clogged sprinkler nozzles, and the entire sprinkler system can be drained easily with a few simple hand operations. The new range features a redesigned control. Lower noise and vibration levels make operation more convenient. A very low centre of gravity keeps the machines stable, and sturdy handgrips and boarding steps make it safer to get on and off the machine. Available with several options, the machines offer the flexibility you need for a variety of applications. Dynapac develops and manufactures products with the goal of sustainability: lower operating costs and long-lasting, quality equipment that creates high-quality results for the companies who use Dynapac. This range of articulated small tandem asphalt rollers is no exception; our quiet, safe, reliable and easy-to-handle rollers will most likely exceed customers’ expectations. For further information: 1300 66 70 44 www.dynapac.com
Dynapac’s new CC1300 articulated tandem asphalt roller is capable of following the range of Dynapac pavers
Please see our advertisement on Page 3
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YNAPAC INTRODUCED its new range of articulated compact tandem rollers recently to the Hire and Rental Industry Association conference in Perth and at Civenex in Sydney. Quiet, modern and with a water-cooled engine - the CC1100, CC1200 and CC1300 – means good news for customers. The rollers have an operating weight of 2400kg to 3900kg and are available in two configurations throughout the range: with dual steel vibratory drums or as a combi version featuring one vibratory drum and four rubber tyres. The CC1100, CC1200 and CC1300 feature state of the art drivers’ platform, design and engines. Engineered primarily for asphalt compaction on streets and pavements in urban areas, the CC1300 is also suitable for compacting sub-bases and base courses and is adequate to follow a small paver.
Dynapac’s new CC1100, CC1200 and CC1300 tandem articulated asphalt rollers operate at very low noise levels, quiet enough for night work in urban areas
“Our aim is to offer the most reliable and modern compact tandem rollers in the Australian market, giving our customers the lowest total operational cost. Our new models bring more ergonomics, modern design and components, making these models exceed our customers’ expectations,” says John Davison, National Sales and Marketing Manager – Dynapac. The large drum diameter makes them especially effective on soft asphalt compounds. In addition, the ratio of drum diameter to static linear load considerably reduces the risk of cracks. In the combi versions, the rubber tyres are operated in pairs by separate drive motors. This reduces the risk of marring newly laid asphalt when making sharp turns. The high clearance at the drum edge facilitates compaction close to high edges and gutters. When equipped with optional features such as a sideways sliding seat and dual driving controls, there is a clear view of the edge of the drums. The new range is powered by water-cooled Kubota diesel engines. Important especially during night work is the very low noise level, which is good for the operator and the city around him. This new family of rollers is built up from a lot of common parts. This not only secures Page 28 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
The optional sliding seat provides the operator with an exceptional view of the drum edge www.amrcn.com.au