Roads Feb-March 2015

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

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FEATURE

QUESTIONS REMAIN OVER ROAD MAINTENANCE AND FUNDING MECHANISMS

O

ne of the leading economic forecasters, BIS Shrapnel, has forecast a strong phase of road construction activity in Australia over the next three to four years and increased infrastructure activity in urban areas.

It has, however, estimated a fall in the amount of money being spent on the maintenance of the nation’s road network.

The company’s outlook on the roads sector is contained in two major reports released at the end of 2014 – Road Construction in Australia 2014-2029 and Road Maintenance in Australia 2014-2029.

BIS Shrapnel’s Senior Manager Infrastructure & Mining, Adrian Hart, told Roads and Civil Works that overall, 2014-15 would end up being one of the weakest years Australia had experienced in road construction for several years.

“We’re not anywhere near where we were in the mid-2000s – we’ve come off a very strong phase of road construction activity that’s been funded by the public and private sectors; a phase that really turbocharged the whole construction market,” Mr Hart said.

“What we’ve seen over the last two years is that we’ve reached the end of a lot of key projects and, for many reasons, the next round of major projects hasn’t been ready to proceed.

“There are issues about funding, issues about which projects need to go-ahead and so we’ve been finishing projects faster than we’ve been able to start new ones.”

Mr Hart said the next few years would see some very large projects brought forward.

“We’re going to see another strong phase of road construction activity that will continue to grow right through the next three-to-four years and reach even higher levels of construction than we’ve seen in the past.”

Mr Hart said in BIS Shrapnel’s view, the state where the strongest activity would occur was New South Wales.

“They are benefiting from lower interest rates, they have a housing boom, economic activity is rising and revenue flowing to state government coffers is rising.

“One top of that, that state has been successful in privatising assets and quarantining those funds for infrastructure spending. So in our forecasts you’ll see there is a substantial increase in NSW activity because government has benefited from a stronger economy in recent times and has made decisions that have enabled it to basically develop new sources of funding through the privatisation of assets.”

Mr Hart said there were also quite significant projects in Queensland like the $1.6 billion Toowoomba Range Crossing that was expected to start within the next couple of years and there was also a lot of work to be undertaken on the Bruce Highway.

2

ROADS FEB/MARCH 2015

“But Queensland could hurt a little,” Mr Hart said, “because of reduced revenue, particularly with recent falls in commodity prices, which will hit royalties the government receives.”

He said Victoria was another state – that even without the East West Link – was going to see a significant increase in road construction activity.

“Victoria has seen cycles of road construction in the past – it’s always when the private sector has been actively involved. We’ve had projects like City Link and East Link. We might see a smaller cycle, but it seems certain there’ll be an up-kick over the next few years. The City Link widening will involve $850 million over about three years.

“We haven’t included the East West Link in our forecasts. We think the likeliest situation now with the Labor Government, which received a mandate against the project, is that it will not proceed for the foreseeable future.”

TOTAL ROADS (CONSTRUCTION PLUS MAINTENANCE) YEAR ENDED JUNE

NSW

VIC

QLD

SA

WA

TAS

NT

ACT

TOTAL AUST

1995

4259

2320

2714 662

1228

304

265

187

11940

1996

4413

2317

2715 788

1427

339

216

141

12356

1997

4538

2375

2754 935

1535

335

246

119

12836

1998

4904

3123

2875 910

1669

318

264

110

14174

1999

5612

3512

3429 866

1934

296

267

116

16031

2000

5781

2459

3911 969

1894

285

283

141

15723

2001

5379

2214

3330 877

1827

294

179

133

14233

2002

4936

2506

3027 873

1743

273

213

176

13748

2003

5358

2624

3403 893

1984

270

201

174

14907

2004

6246

2877

3759 820

2092

280

210

177

16461

2005

7275

3542

3952 1020

2014

310

255

145

18513

2006

7124

4328

4217 874

2200

337

236

124

19439

2007

5169

4946

5139 878

2592

348

273

139

19483

2008

5605

3854

5773 1113

3100

337

307

134

20223

2009

6201

3237

8223 1534

3468

347

284

129

23422

2010

5261

3227

8065 1361

3047

354

346

82

21742

2011

6816

4008

8213 1509

3125

443

377

306

24796

2012

7481

4354

9768 1438

3158

374

429

284

27286

2013

8667

3842

8832 1535

3336

328

313

273

27125

2014

8103

3061

7903 1338

3115

348

349

243

24459

2015

7604

3172

5421 1191

3083

323

346

237

21377

2016

8838

3612

5379 1253

2810

355

327

180

22754

2017

9551

3705

5763 1238

2865

388

329

139

23979

2018

10088

3756

6189 1395

3171

393

321

137

25450

2019

10006

3561

6510 1641

3262

389

308

148

25824

FEATURE

Mr Hart said a key issue for BIS Shrapnel was how infrastructure dollars were going to be spent.

He questioned whether funding was going to be more focused on roads or whether there was going to be a combination of funding for road and rail, and for other infrastructure.

“I think Infrastructure Australia, as well as state bodies like Infrastructure New South Wales, have broadened debate and made us think more widely about infrastructure.

“It used to be that the Federal Government was concerned about building roads; roads and perhaps some light rail. We certainly saw that in AusLink programs in the past when Canberra really started to ramp-up infrastructure spending.

“Now the Federal Government is also highly interested in roads and that’s part of the reason why we’re going to see even stronger levels of road construction activity ahead. Down the track, hopefully, this broadens into wide areas of infrastructure.”

Mr Hart said there was a definite need for an increased focus on a mix of road and rail.

“I think it’s incredibly narrow minded to focus purely on the roads industry as the only way you’re going to solve issues regarding passenger and freight transport.

“At the moment, the Federal Government feels it has responsibility to have a productive freight network and is willing to invest in rail freight as well as road freight. But arguments are very skewed in favour of the road sector.

“This, I think, will change over the next five years,” Mr Hart contended. It will change, in part, because the Federal Government is committed to a large investment in the Inland Rail project.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION $MILLION, 2012/13 PRICES VALUE OF WORK DONE

ROAD MAINTENANCE $MILLION, 2012/13 PRICES VALUE OF WORK DONE

YEAR ENDED JUNE

AUST

YEAR ENDED JUNE

AUST

1995

4816.3

1995

4816.3

1996

5040.9

1996

5040.9

1997

5243.4

1997

5243.4

1998

5096.3

1998

5096.3

1999

5800.6

1999

5800.6

2000

6355.9

2000

6355.9

2001

6095.1

2001

6095.1

2002

5895.3

2002

5895.3

2003

5671.0

2003

5671.0

2004

5615.4

2004

5615.4

2005

5739.3

2005

5739.3

2006

5787.1

2006

5787.1

2007

5694.1

2007

5694.1

2008

6343.8

2008

6343.8

2009

6183.6

2009

6183.6

2010

6252.1

2010

6252.1

2011

7639.6

2011

7639.6

2012

8356.7

2012

8356.7

2013

8754.0

2013

8754.0

2014

8508.7

2014

8508.7

FORECAST

FORECAST

2015

6460.5

2015

6460.5

2016

6376.6

2016

6376.6

2017

6625.3

2017

6625.3

2018

6890.7

2018

6890.7

2019

6856.6

2019

6856.6

Road Construction and Maintenance Activity by State, Constant 2012/13 Prices 12

10

8

$BILLION

FORECAST

NSW VIC QLD SA WA TAS NT ACT

6

4

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

0

1995

2

Source: BIS Shrapnel, ABS and NTC data

4

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FEATURE

Roads Activity by Type, Constant 2012/13 Prices

30

FORECAST Construction Maintenance

25

$BILLION

20

15

10

5

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

0

Source: BIS Shrapnel, ABS and NTC data

“We haven’t really seen funding committed to that yet; all we have is a $300 million promise to develop the Inland Rail proposal and to start construction within the next few years.

“But this to me is the start of a broader issue. If we’re going to have a much larger freight task in future, we have to look at the rail network and how we support that as well as the road network.

“I don’t really know the future of that, but I’d be surprised if the Federal Government, in the future, didn’t take a more balanced perspective on how it promotes infrastructure development that increases productivity in our cities.”

Mr Hart said there was a lot more activity in urban centres. “We saw the mining boom and the need to develop regional infrastructure drive quite a significant increase in spending outside capital cities. What we’re seeing over the next five years is a lot more spending focused on our capital cities, whether that investment be in roads, light rail or rail projects.”

On the issue of road maintenance, Mr Hart said that over the next couple of years there would be an estimated fall of about 25 per cent in the amount of money being spent on maintaining the road network.

“We had a peak of about $8.7 billion in road maintenance spending in 2012-13. A lot of that peak was driven by dramatic increases in Queensland. We saw Queensland activity basically triple between 2006 and 2013 and a lot of that increase occurred after the 2010-2011 floods.

“What we’re seeing now is a reversal of that process. We’ve fixed a lot of those roads; now we’re cutting spending. The Queensland Government is looking for savings like a lot of other states and it’s being as efficient as possible in delivering maintenance.

6

ROADS FEB/MARCH 2015

“We believe,” Mr Hart said, “that until government can work out viable, sustainable measures for funding road maintenance that are long-term, we will continue to see a flat to mildly positive growth in road maintenance.”

Mr Hart said the level of maintenance spending would not be strong enough to keep up with the amount of road asset the nation needed to be maintaining.

“Really, what we need down the track, is a sustainable funding mechanism that not only covers road construction over time, but more importantly; road maintenance. This is where the potential problems will emerge.

Mr Hart said he believed there was a reluctance politically to try to argue the case for why a more sustainable funding mechanism was needed for roads.

“Currently, the funding mechanisms for roads don’t work. The Productivity Commission clearly pointed out in 2014 in its report on public infrastructure that the amount of million vehicle kilometres we travel each year is increasing and the amount of money we collect from road fuel excise and other taxes specifically geared to road users is flat and has fallen quite substantially because we stopped indexing a lot of those taxes.

“That has to change. We’re not going to find ourselves in a situation where we are maintaining our roads for the long term until we come up with a better funding mechanism and that means governments have to start arguing the case for changing the taxation system that goes beyond fuel taxes.

“We have to look at other pricing mechanisms and other ways of raising revenues to maintain roads for the long term.”

10th Australian

Road Engineering & Maintenance Conference 2015

24-25 March, 2015 Australian Technology Park, Sydney

About The Conference

Speakers Include

The 10th Australian Road Engineering & Maintenance Conference will once again alert state and local government road engineers, councillors, managers, as well as consultants, contractors and suppliers about the most important new developments and issues in roads and their environs. This includes other pavements including carparks, hardstands, bicycle-paths and foot-paths.

SEARCHING FOR FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN ROAD BUILDING Mick Raby, Director Sustainable Infrastructure, Coffs Harbour City Council

This long running annual roads conference attracts over two hundred participants each year and provides an opportunity for you to interact with hundreds of your peers from around Australia and New Zealand. What sets this conference apart is its practical presentations and workshops.

PERFOMANCE BASED ROAD ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ABU DHABI Abdullah Salem Al-Kathairi, Executive Director, Land Transport Sector, National Transport Authority, United Arab Emirates

The Conference has two streams at all times with a mixture of speaking sessions and practical workshops. Delegates may freely swap between both streams at no additional charge.

SURFERS POINT - REDEVELOPING A SURFING ICON AND TOURIST DRAWCARD Wayne Prangnell, Project Manager, Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Coastal Infrastructure, Department of Transport

FIBRE REINFORCED SPRAY SEALS – A COST EFFECTIVE MAINTENANCE OPTION FOR LOCAL & STATE GOVERNMENT ROADS John Lysenko, Technical Development Manager, Binders, Fulton Hogan Industries NSW Please see www.roadconference.com.au for full abstracts of all of our speakers

Key Conference Topics Include

Who Should Attend • • • • • • • •

NORTHLINK WA – KEY DECISIONS FOR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT Anthony Wood, Associate Director, BG&E and Doug Stewart, Principal, Golder Associates

Road, Civil and Pavement Engineers Road Maintenance Staff Road Designers and Consultants Local, State and Federal Road Authorities Contractors Consultants Landscape Architects Road and Urban Planners

• • • • • • •

Roads Safer by Design - Road Safety Traffic Engineering Design Construction New Technologies Local and Rural Roads Road & Pavement Maintenance Practices • Roadmarking & Signage • Asset Management • Good Paving and Sealing Practices

• • • • • • • • •

Cracks: Treatment and Prevention Service and Utility Reinstatement Pavements, Hardstands, Car-parks Bicycle-paths, Pedestrian Precincts & Foot-paths Achieving Sustainability on Projects Delivery Models and Contracts Culverts, Services and Drainage Road Planning Landscape & Urban Design of Roads & Pedestrian Precincts

Sponsorship & Exhibition BOOK YOUR BOOTH NOW! We offer a variety of sponsorship, exhibition and advertising opportunities that can be tailor made to your requirements. To obtain a prospectus or for further enquires please contact Scott Matthews. e scott.matthews@commstrat.com.au t +61 3 8534 5004

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Register On-line To see fees and to register, please visit www.roadconference.com.au Phone: +613 8534 5050 Fax: +613 9530 8911 Email: registration@commstrat

www.roadconference.com.au Bronze Sponsors

FEATURE

CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT BRINGS CHANGE OF FORTUNES FOR EAST WEST LINK

T

he October-November 2014 issue of Roads and Civil Works Magazine featured this picture of the then Premier, Denis Napthine, signing the contract for the multi-billion dollar East West Link project, but much has changed in the last few months.

The Coalition Government was defeated in the 29 November election held a few weeks after the signing of the contract and the Andrews Labor Government called a halt to works on what was described by Dr Napthine as “a state-shaping project” that would slash travel times and provide a much needed boost to the Victorian and national economy.

East West Link came to a halt in the first half of December when Premier, Daniel Andrews, wrote to the East West Connect Partnership, instructing it to immediately suspend work.

News of the letter was released by the Premier and the MP for the Melbourne electorate of Bentleigh, Nick Staikos, at a level crossing in suburban Ormond – one of 50 level crossings Labor pledged to remove to improve traffic flow.

“I’ve written to the consortium and ordered that works be stopped on this botched and secretive project,” Mr Andrews said.

“The Victorian people made their voices heard loud and clear. They don’t want an $18 billion tunnel; they want 50 level crossings removed.”

Now work is at a standstill on the link, the focus is on the level of compensation to be provided to the consortium – it’s estimated any settlement reached would see hundreds of millions of dollars paid out to cancel the project.

But the Premier has refused to rule out legislation to avoid paying compensation – a move which would be supported by the Greens, according to MP, Ellen Sandell.

“The companies had been on notice for months before they signed the dodgy contracts, and the public at the election sent a strong message they wanted money used for public transport instead.

“We will use our power in both houses to push for public transport, not toll roads,” Ms Sandell said.

In an associated war of words between Labor and the Coalition over the project, Treasurer, Tim Pallas, issued a statement on 11 February revealing what he called another East West Link fraud committed by the Liberals, costing Victorians almost $100 million.

Mr Pallas said the design of the project, including seven road viaducts, would have left newly built apartments in West Parkville marooned in the middle of an interchange.

The Treasurer said after acknowledging the apartments weren’t eligible for acquisition, the former Liberal Cabinet decided to amend the boundary of the East West Link to include a small sliver of land on the property, and force the acquisition and the expenditure of almost $100 million in taxpayer dollars.

He said documents released by the incoming Labor Government showed East West Link was such a financial disaster that the Liberals planned to toll every freeway in Melbourne, and increase prices on existing toll routes, to cover up a $2.1 billion black hole at the heart of the project.

Mr Pallas said the business case was buried by the former government due to concerns that “it may be used as a justification for not supporting the project” and the clear existence of a $2.1 billion “funding gap”.

“The design of the dud project was secretly and retroactively altered just to trigger a $100 million payout.

“The whole East West Link project was one of the most expensive and cynical indulgences this state has seen,” Mr Pallas said.

The authority directed by the former government to manage the East West Link – the Linking Melbourne Authority – is being progressively disbanded.

Former Premier, Denis Napthine, signing the contract for Melbourne’s East West Link – a project since halted by the Labor Government.

8

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The Urban and Landscape Design of Roads | Streets | Paths | Plazas Conference Event Partner

25 March 2015 | Sydney Australian Technology Park

NSW CHAPTER

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE Landscape Architects, Urban Planners, Road Planners and Engineers will address a broad range of topics on the 25th March 2015, in a one day conference on the The Urban and Landscape Design of Roads, Street, Paths and Plazas.

The conference is for those who are interested in the Urban Design, Landscape Architecture and/or Planning of streets, plazas, malls, paths and other pavement areas, including their environs. The needs and interrelation of pedestrians, cyclists, public transports users and drivers of vehicles, together with occupants of abutting buildings and facilities will all be considered. This includes making Roads and Public Spaces Safer By Design.

This one day conference forms a special stream of the two day 10th Australian Road Engineering and Maintenance Conference. This day can be attended just by itself as a stand-alone conference, or as part of the two day conference.

SPEAKERS AND TOPICS INCLUDE SURFERS POINT - REDEVELOPING A SURFING ICON AND TOURIST DRAWCARD Wayne Prangnell, Project Manager, Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Coastal Infrastructure, Department of Transport

SHARED SPACES - A NEW PARADIGM - HOW TO IMPLEMENT Justine Kinch, Associate Director and Team Leader Design + Planning NSW, AECOM

WHO SHOULD ATTEND • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Landscape Architects Urban Designers Town Planners Road & Transport Planners Local Governments Managers Local, State and Federal Road Authorities Urban and Land Development Professionals Architects Road, Pavement & Traffic Engineers Parks and Garden Managers Place and Community Managers Project Officers and Managers Councillors

EMPTY SPACES AS A BROKER FOR CHANGE Merryn Spencer, Creative Broker, City Animation, Marketing and City Identity, Parramatta City Council

SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITION

NEED LARGE CANOPIES? THINK UNDERGROUND Tree root volumes in urban environments Jason Summers, Manager of Parks & Open Space, Hume City Council

e scott.matthews@commstrat.com.au

We offer a variety of sponsorship, exhibition and advertising opportunities that can be tailor made to your requirements. To obtain a prospectus or for further enquires please contact Scott Matthews. t +61 3 8534 5004

REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS FOR SECOND AND MORE DELEGATES Read more on their presentations and see all of our speakers at www.urbanlandscapeconference.com.au

To register, or to view the full speaking program when available, please visitwww.urbanlandscapeconference.com.au Phone: +613 8534 5050 Fax: +613 9530 8911 Email: registration@commstrat.com.au

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FEATURE

KEEPING OUR MOTORWAYS FLOWING FOR ECONOMIC BENEFIT

By Katharine Boddington, Managed Motorways Coordinator at ARRB

A

s engineers within the road and transport industry, we tackle a myriad of problems to improve the efficiency and productivity of Australia’s road network. There is one issue that still brings the country to a standstill: congestion.

We have more vehicles on the road network and more people travelling by various modes of transport than ever before. With a growing population, congestion will only continue to worsen.

Infrastructure plans often look to new roads, bridges, public transport routes and bike paths to ease the strain on the existing road network. In many areas, however, new infrastructure is simply not possible – there is a finite amount of road space available with increasing demand for its use and, more importantly, roads are incredibly expensive to build and have negative environmental impacts.

So if new infrastructure is not going to be possible, how can we treat congestion?

There are a range of options at the disposal of road agencies to help improve traffic flow, including a toolkit of technologies and operational strategies that allow road operators to manage traffic on motorways, the most productive asset in the road system.

Referred to as Managed Motorways, this toolkit allows road agencies to control access to the motorway via traffic lights on entry ramps and then manage vehicle speed and lane use to maximize use of the full motorway pavement (including emergency lanes), while regularly providing accurate real-time information to drivers regarding traffic conditions.

Managed Motorways is a concept used worldwide and has been applied in different ways across different jurisdictions, but with the same objectives: to improve freeway productivity and travel efficiency, reliability and safety. Researchers in Australia have pioneered networkwide management systems for ramp metering – the system of traffic lights that allows one-to-two vehicles access to the motorway from an entry ramp at a time – that are meticulously engineered to reduce congestion and alleviate stress on heavily used roads.

Every additional minute that passenger and commercial vehicles spend in traffic is precious minutes of productivity lost. The avoidable social cost of congestion for Australia is predicted to be $20 billion per year by 20201, a staggering figure which creates a real imperative for road agencies to ensure motorways can maintain the maximum possible vehicle capacity and flow throughout the day and thereby better support economic and social development.

Why is congestion such a big issue?

Congestion is frustrating because it reduces the reliability of travel time.

On one given day, travelling from one suburb to another could take 25 minutes – the next, it might take 45. That additional and unexpected 20 minutes creates unwanted stress and it is this unreliability that upsets drivers and makes congestion so painful.

Travel time variability on motorways has been implemented as a national performance indicator in Australia. Using variable message 10

ROADS FEB/MARCH 2015

signs that display travel time indicators gives drivers more certainty around their travel time and therefore removes some anxiety around the efficiency of their journey.

That being said, at peak times on major roads that are part of the managed motorways system there can still be delays as demand for travel continues to outstrip supply. In the longer term, demand management measures play a critical role in changing travel behavior to reduce pressure on our road networks.

There is a negative public perception that traffic lights slowing entry to on-ramps on motorways makes their journey longer. Statistically, however, the opposite is more likely as improved motorway flows benefit the whole road network. Delayed entry is spread among every on-ramp along the entire “managed” stretch of road, ensuring that vehicles from all entry points have equal access to the road. This level of coordination was first implemented in Melbourne (M1 Monash Freeway) and in Auckland, and is now being rolled-out in other capital cities across Australia, including Brisbane and Sydney.

From a benefits standpoint, improved lane merging, smoother traffic flows and greater consistency of speed can lead to less likelihood of vehicle collisions, as well as reductions in fuel consumption, noise and harmful vehicle emissions.

What comes next for Managed Motorways?

As for the future of Managed Motorways, the challenge for researchers is responding to problems dynamically across network boundaries between different types of road operated by different agencies.

We increasingly have better data and better integration of technology; what is also needed is better cooperation between agencies to ensure that the network response is what is right for the road user, regardless of whose section of road they are on. The ultimate aim is for motorway operations to be fully integrated with operation of the rest of the road network, so we can truly optimize journeys from start to end.

Moving forward, one of the most important developments for Managed Motorways and the fight against congestion is the evolution (or revolution) of smarter vehicles that may ultimately be driverless and are connected to other vehicles and roadside technologies.

As well as delivering huge improvements in road safety, these vehicles can travel in closely-spaced platoons, ensuring our current road network can accommodate even more vehicles in the future.

Our traffic control systems will be able to provide more predictable and efficient journeys for each vehicle, making travel time reliability a concern of the past. Current predictions suggest that up to 75% of vehicles may be fully autonomous by 20402.

Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics [BTRE] 2007 Estimating urban traffic and congestion cost trends for Australian cities, Working paper No. 71, Canberra ACT. 2 IEEE 2012 Look Ma, No Hands!, media release, 2 September 2012 (online) Available: http://www.ieee.org/about/news/2012/5september_2_2012.html 1

7th Australian

25-26 November 2015 Melbourne Park Function Centre, Melbourne and Olympic Parks Melbourne | Australia

Small Bridges Conference

www.smallbridgesconference.com

About the Conference

Call for Papers

The 6th Australian Small Bridges Conference has been designed to alert bridge and road engineers, managers, contractors and suppliers about significant new developments and requirements for bridges.

To be considered for the initial round of speaking program selection, send an abstract to Scott Matthews, BE, Conference Convenor, p +61 3 8534 5004 e scott.matthews@commstrat.com.au

The two day conference program will focus on small to medium bridges, both road and pedestrian. Small and medium bridges are the most common type of bridge in Australia.

Topics Include

Small Bridges are located not only within road reserves but also occur on train lines, parks & gardens, national parks, mines, forestry areas, private property and in public areas such as zoos. Small bridges can be for vehicles, trains, pedestrians or even stock & wildlife. Structures such as culverts, elevated boardwalks and viewing platforms also fall within the scope of this conference.

This event will bring together councils, state government road managers, railways, government agencies and the private sector.

State and Local Government Engineers, leading practitioners and consultants in the bridge sector will present up-to-the-minute, highly relevant information to assist asset owners, road managers and engineers to perform their roles in an increasingly complex bridge and road environment.

• timber bridge inspection • timber bridge restoration • bridge investigation & evaluation • pedestrian bridges • elevated boardwalks • viewing platforms • culverts • bridge innovations • concrete & steel bridges

See all of our speakers and topics at www.smallbridgesconference.com

Earlybird Registration Now Open – from only $750 + GST

What our past delegates thought “Very Good” Raymond Wu, Senior Engineer, BROWN CONSULTING (NSW)

Registration and Register Interest

“Ideal for the owners of small bridges” Matt Davis, Project Engineer, GOULBURN MURRAY WATER

To register your interest or to receive the full speaking program when available, please see www.smallbridgesconference.com.

Alternatively, contact the Registration Manager: p +61 3 8534 5050 f +613 9530 8911 e registration@commstrat.com.au

“The sessions were well timed. “ Hana Liu, Senior Geotechnical Engineer, SYDNEY TRAINS

“Interesting topics, good facility”

More Information:

Ben Sue, Principal Engineer, BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL

“Excellent”

For more information on the conference including Program, Venue and Registration, please visit our conference website www.smallbridgesconference.com or contanct the Conference Convenor. The conference website will be regularly updated with new information.

Mal Fraser, Bridges Asset Inspector, BEGA VALLEY SHIRE COUNCIL

Sponsorship & Exhibition Contact: Scott Matthews, BE, Conference Convenor, p +61 3 8534 5004 e scott.matthews@commstrat.com.au

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• modular bridges • bridge lifting • bridge replacement • bridge, joint & bearing maintenance • repair & strengthening • railway bridges • case studies

Sponsors Gold

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FEATUREPROJECTS MAJOR

Shortcomings with governance on initial stages of WestConnex – Auditor-General An audit dealing with the initial stages of the $14 billion WestConnex Motorway in New South Wales has found a number of shortcomings with the governance of the project.

The audit found that if all gateway reviews and external assurance arrangements had occurred, they should have identified deficiencies in the business case put to the government regarding the project.

The audit – by the state’s Auditor-General, Grant Hehir – made recommendations on how to better govern the remainder of the project to minimise the risk of failure.

It examined the WestConnex project from concept development to the pretender phase for Stage 1A – M4 (Parramatta to Homebush Bay), but did not examine the merit of the project or whether it represented value-for-money.

The audit found the processes that provided independent assurance to the NSW Government for the initial stages did not meet best practice standards.

It said agencies involved adopted some good practice arrangements, but the government would have received greater assurance about the risks, costs and benefits of the project if its Major Projects Assurance Framework had been implemented.

The agencies involved were Roads and Maritime Services, WestConnex

Delivery Authority, Infrastructure NSW, Transport for NSW, NSW Treasury and the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

“Challenging deadlines heighten the need for good assurance but, paradoxically, also the risk of departure from best practice,” said Mr Hehir. “Assurance should not be sacrificed under pressure of time.”

The audit said government and agencies concerned were of the view that the project warranted governance and assurance arrangements designed specifically to suit its size, duration and complexity.

The agencies concerned understood the assurance arrangements endorsed by the government replaced externally managed gateway reviews required by the Major Projects Assurance Framework. This led to a sub-optimal process.

“Infrastructure NSW should ensure the Major Projects Assurance Framework is fully implemented for all major capital projects $100 million or more,” said the Auditor-General.

He said additional independent gateway reviews should have been conducted. Only one independent, externally managed gateway review was carried out up to the pre-tender stage for the Parramatta to Homebush Bay M4 widening.

If the Major Projects Assurance Framework had been fully implemented, four additional gateway reviews should have been conducted. The review that was conducted found that the preliminary business case was deficient and fell well short of the standard required for such a document. If all gateway reviews and external assurance arrangements had occurred, the Auditor-General said, they should have identified deficiencies in the business case put to the government.

“External gateway reviews are crucial, as they provide a fresh set of eyes and armslength independence not available from even the best internal controls.”

The audit found post-business case governance arrangements did not clearly separate responsibilities for commissioning from board-level responsibilities for delivering the project. There were also no mechanisms to effectively manage the conflict between these roles.

“The commissioner, deliverer and assurer roles should be clearly separated on WestConnex,” said the Auditor-General.

“There were a number of deficiencies in governance and independent assurance over the early stages of the project. Going forward, these need to be rectified to ensure that WestConnex achieves the expected benefits at a reasonable cost.”

Work starts on massive WestConnex project Site work is getting underway on the $500 million WestConnex M4 Widening.

Federal Assistant Infrastructure Minister, Jamie Briggs, said the M4 Widening was a key component of the overall WestConnex project, which would create 10,000 jobs and deliver more than $20 billion in economic benefits to New South Wales.

“WestConnex will transform Sydney by fixing the M4 and M5, and joining them in a continuous free-flowing motorway connecting to Sydney’s CBD, airport and port.

“This world class infrastructure project will cut 40 minutes from a typical journey 12

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between Parramatta and Sydney Airport, bypassing up to 52 sets of traffic lights.”

The Rizzani De Eccher Leighton joint venture has been contracted to design and construct the 7.5 kilometre project, due for completion in early 2017.

The project will target congestion on one of Sydney’s major motorway corridors and cut travel times by up to 74 per cent on this section of the M4.

The first stage of WestConnex will widen the M4 Motorway to four lanes in each direction between Parramatta and Homebush and include ramp upgrades such as new direct access from Homebush Bay Drive to the M4

westbound removing a well-known pinch point. In addition, a new M4 connection for motorists heading eastbound from Hill Road will be built, supporting the growth around Sydney Olympic Park.

Once major construction gets underway, most of the work will be taking place behind safety barriers or separate to the current motorway lanes, reducing the impact on motorists.

The NSW Government is providing $1.8 billion worth of funding for WestConnex and the Australian Government $1.5 billion, in addition to a concessional loan of up to $2 billion to fasttrack Stage 2 of WestConnex from Beverly Hills to St Peters.

2nd Earth Structures & Retention Conference

25-26 November 2015 Melbourne Park Function Centre, Melbourne and Olympic Parks Melbourne | Australia www.earthstructuresconference.com

www.earthstructuresconference.com About the Conference

Conference Topics could include

This second conference will look at all aspects of earth structures and retention. The conference will be attended by geotechnical and structural engineers.

This conference will be co-located with the 7th Australian Small Bridges Conference www.smallbridgesconference.com Delegates to the Earth Structures and Retention Conference may attend sessions at the 7th Australian Small Bridges Conference without any extra charge.

Sponsorship & Exhibition RESERVE YOUR BOOTH NOW!

Contact: Scott Matthews, BE, Conference Convenor, p +61 3 8534 5004 e scott.matthews@commstrat.com.au

• Earth retention and engineering • Earth structures including slope stability, embankments and earth retaining walls • Reinforced soil structures • Soil nailing • Ground stabilisation • Supported excavations • Mechanically-stabilized earth walls • Seismic design of walls • Wall selection • Recent advances • Performance of walls • Design of walls

Call for Papers

To be considered for the initial round of speaking program selection, send an abstract to Scott Matthews, BE, Conference Convenor, by Feb 20th p +61 3 8534 5004 e scott.matthews@commstrat.com.au

• Soil mixed walls • Tied-back support • Sinking of shafts • Concrete diaphragm walls • Walling systems • Geogrids and Geosynthetics

Earlybird Registration Now Open – from only $750 + GST

Register online at www.earthstructuresconference.com. Alternatively, contact the Registration Manager: p +61 3 8534 5050 f +613 9530 8911 | e registration@commstrat.com.au

More Information

For more information on the conference including Program, Venue and Registration, please visit our conference website www.earthstructuresconference.com or contact the Conference Convenor. The conference website will be regularly updated with new information.

CONTACT US p +61 3 8534 5050 | e registration@commstrat.com.au

Sponsored by poly-tech

MAJOR PROJECTS FEATURE

Tenderers for Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade Townsville Ring Road to improve work underway on all remaining sections Successful tenderers have been named for traffic flow to port between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, the first two major building contracts on the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade on the Pacific Highway.

OHL and York Joint Venture will partner to deliver the 14 kilometre section of upgrade between Woolgoolga and Halfway Creek, while Civil Mining and Construction will deliver the 12 kilometre section between Halfway Creek and Glenugie.

Awarding of the contracts means work can start in the first half of 2015.The 26 kilometre section of the Pacific Highway between Woolgoolga (Arrawarra) and Glenugie will be upgraded as part of the 155 kilometre stretch between Woolgoolga and Ballina.

With around 60 per cent of the highway now upgraded to four lane divided road, and

the focus is now shifting to delivering this last section.

The Woolgoolga to Halfway Creek upgrade will include a 300-metre-long twin bridge above the Corindi floodplain, and bridges over the highway at Sherwood Creek Road and Kangaroo Trail Road, for local road access.

The Halfway Creek to Glenugie section will include twin bridges above Halfway Creek and Wells Crossing Creek, as well as a wide median to help animals crossing at Newfoundland State Forest.

The Halfway Creek to Glenugie upgrade will join with the existing Glenugie upgrade completed in February 2012.

Perth Freight Link business case released The business case summary for the Perth Freight Link, released on 17 December, sets out the benefits the billion dollar project will deliver to Western Australia.

The link will create a new high standard freight connection between the Roe Highway and the Fremantle Port, reducing transport costs and improving efficiency in heavy vehicle movements.

The project is expected to cost $1.5 billion, with the Australian Government committing $925 million and the Western Australian Government $650 million.

Part of the WA Government’s contribution will be covered from a heavy vehicle distancebased charge from Muchea to Fremantle Port.

Minister for Finance, Mathias Cormann, said the business case summary showed the Freight Link would deliver an overall positive cost-benefit-ratio of 2.8, providing benefits of more than $3.9 billion to Western Australia.

Senator Cormann said the benefits included $2.5 billion in travel time savings and $840 million in reduced vehicle operating costs.

“Importantly, it is expected to create 2,400 construction jobs, providing a vital employment boost for Western Australia.”

Premier, Colin Barnett, said the project was a valuable addition to the local area, reducing freight traffic and improving safety on local roads.

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“This is an important project for residents within Perth’s southern suburbs who will feel the impact of rapid growth in coming years,” Mr Barnett said.

“When complete, the project is expected to remove 500 trucks a day from Leach Highway, resulting in improved safety, reduced noise and enhanced amenity on local arterial roads.

“I am delighted we are making headway on this project and that the public can now see a summary of the business case online.”

The project will save freight operators almost 10 minutes and over $8 per trip between Fremantle and Kwinana Freeway.

Together with the Gateway WA and NorthLink WA projects, the Perth Freight Link will deliver a purpose-built freight route between Muchea and Fremantle, a distance of 85 kilometres.

WA Minister for Transport, Dean Nalder, said the link was a significant step towards a stronger Western Australia.

“We can now advance the process of project development and tendering, after which construction can begin in early 2016.

I am looking forward to the inevitable safety and efficiency improvements this upgrade will bring.”

The business case summary for the project is available on the Main Roads Western Australia website.

Seymour Whyte is the successful contractor for the $200 million Townsville Ring Road project, which was due to get underway early in 2015.

Completion of the project – by mid-2017 – will ensure smooth freight transit to the Port of Townsville.

The Australian Government has committed $160 million towards the Ring Road, which will see uninterrupted traffic flow from the north of Townsville to the south.

Motorists and the local community will benefit from a safer and more efficient road network, while freight operators will enjoy reduced business costs.

The project will include a new 11 kilometre four lane road link, new bridges over Saunders and Stony Creeks and new pedestrian and cycling facilities. It will also offer a boost for local industry, requiring a lot of locally sourced materials and services, injecting vital funds into the local economy.

First section of Princes Highway upgrade open The first section of the duplication of the Princes Highway between Waurn Ponds and Winchelsea – south west of Melbourne – was opened on 15 December.

The section of highway, between Draytons Road and Cape Otway Road, is 3.5 kilometres long.

Works from Waurn Ponds to Winchelsea are expected to be completed in mid-2015, with work in Winchelsea expected to be completed in mid-2016.

The works are improving safety for the thousands of vehicles that use the Princes Highway each day. The $171 million project was equally funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.

The Waurn Ponds to Winchelsea Princes Highway Duplication is part of the Australian Government’s $7.6 billion commitment to transport infrastructure in Victoria.

Legacy Way edges closer to completion Final work is in progress on Brisbane’s Legacy Way project as crews prepare the tunnel for opening in 2015.

Legacy Way is Brisbane City Council’s 4.6 kilometre road tunnel that will connect the Western Freeway at Toowong with the Inner City Bypass (ICB) at Kelvin Grove.

It will provide an alternative route to local roads for traffic leaving the Western Freeway and travelling to and from the ICB. Once open, Legacy Way will reduce, by up to half, the peak hour travel times of journeys from the Centenary Bridge to the ICB. Transcity Joint Venture, the consortium responsible for the project’s design and construction, achieved a number of milestones in the past year.

They included the completion of the ventilation tunnels, buildings and outlets; civil

construction completion of the western cut and cover tunnel, barrier installation along the tunnel route and significant progress to reinstate the eastern and western worksites, including the Brisbane Botanic Gardens expansion.

Project Director, Jose Antonio Sanchez, said he was proud of the achievements in 2014.

“We would not have had success on a project like this if it weren’t for the dedication of our workforce, many of whom continued important works over the holiday season,” he said.

“We are now at the final stages of construction with final asphalting of the road surface, rehabilitation of the east and west worksites and commissioning and testing of the tunnel taking place in the coming months.”

Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk, said he was pleased with what had been accomplished to date on the project.

“The team has made great progress over the past 12 months and I am looking forward to seeing the benefits of Legacy Way delivered to the people of Brisbane this year.”

MAJOR PROJECTS FEATURE

Gateway WA passes the halfway mark Construction of the $1 billion Gateway WA Project is forging ahead after passing the halfway mark six months earlier than originally scheduled, with final completion projected by mid-2016.

The Gateway WA project is the largest road development to be undertaken in Perth and is jointly funded by the Australian ($676 million) and the Western Australian ($310 million) Governments.

It is being delivered by an alliance comprising Leighton Contractors, Georgiou, GHD, AECOM and BG&E, together with Main Roads WA. Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Jamie Briggs, said on 28 January that, when complete, Gateway WA would deliver a fully upgraded road network around the consolidated Perth Airport terminal and nearby Kewdale and Forrestfield industrial estates.

“This game-changing project, which is supporting 1,300 construction jobs, will significantly improve access around the airport and surrounding industrial areas, meaning businesses can get products to market more quickly and efficiently,” Mr Briggs said.

“This is another example of two governments working together to build world class infrastructure that will create thousands of new jobs, slash travel times for motorists and help unlock the economic capacity of Western Australia.”

State Transport Minister, Dean Nalder, said reaching 60 per cent of the construction program marked a significant milestone for the Gateway WA Perth Airport and Freight Access Project.

“The transformed road network will have a huge impact on alleviating congestion for road users,” Mr Nalder said.

“As the second half of the project advances, positive effects will be felt across the city as major elements of the upgrade are progressively opened to traffic. The improvements within the Kewdale Industrial Precinct are almost finished, and four of the five new interchanges will come on stream before the end of the year.

“The completion of this central zone of the project will greatly improve the connectivity, reliability and safety of the one of the state’s most important transport hubs.”

Work on Gateway WA’s major construction packages commenced in

the third quarter of 2013. The project’s completion date has been brought forward from early 2017 with the project team now aiming for a mid-2016 finish.

Construction milestones were achieved throughout 2014, including the first bridge beam installation for the Tonkin Highway/ Leach Highway interchange.

To date, Gateway WA has awarded contracts worth approximately $400 million and has engaged suppliers to provide goods worth approximately $24 million.

The majority of this work is being delivered by more than 600 Western Australian businesses.

The scope of the Gateway WA project includes the construction and upgrade of five main interchanges, widening Tonkin Highway to six lanes between Great Eastern Highway and Roe Highway, and upgrading Leach Highway between Tonkin Highway and Orrong Road to expressway standard.

Together with the Perth Freight Link and NorthLink WA projects, the Gateway WA project will form part of an upgraded highstandard freight connection from Muchea through the Perth urban area to Fremantle Port.

Princes Highway East duplication Progress on the $175 million Princes Highway East duplication took another step on 22 January with the opening of the 1.7 kilometre section from Stammers Road to Minniedale Road near Traralgon in Gippsland.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said upgrading the Princes Highway East will save motorists time and money.

The Princes Highway East forms an important link between Melbourne and Gippsland supporting the key dairy, timber, paper, coal and gas industries in the region. Up to 17,000 vehicles use the road every day.

Victoria’s Minister for Roads, Road Safety and Ports, Luke Donnellan, said the construction team had also realigned Wilmot Court to the Minniedale Road round-about, ensuring motorists would have safe and efficient access to the highway.

“As Victoria’s first Minister dedicated to road safety, I am pleased to see the investment in road safety on a key transport route and I am looking forward to when the duplication is complete in mid-2016,” Mr Donnellan said.

The Australian Government has committed $140 million to the project, with the Victorian Government funding the remaining $35 million.

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Key Pacific Highway bypass project underway Construction work has started on the $580 million Princes Highway’s Foxground and Berry bypass.

The bypass project is an upgrade to the 11.6 kilometre stretch of four-lane highway between Toolijooa Road and Schofields Lane on the Princes Highway.

The project is a major upgrade that is set to improve road safety, reduce travelling times and create approximately 400 construction jobs in the South Coast and Illawarra regions.

Early work on the project began in September 2014 and the road is due to open to traffic by mid-2018.

Work on Kundabung to Kempsey upgrade Construction is well underway on another major project on the Pacific Highway.

Work is being undertaken on the Kundabung to Kempsey section of the highway upgrade, and when combined with the Oxley Highway to Kundabung upgrade, will generate around 1,000 jobs directly and nearly 3,000 indirectly over the next three years.

The $230 million project is being funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments. Canberra’s contribution is $115 million.

The works will provide 14 kilometres of divided highway with two lanes in each direction from north of Barrys Creek Road to the Kempsey Bypass and they’re due to be completed in 2017.

The upgrade will significantly enhance safety and reduce travel times for motorists and heavy vehicles which use the route.

Work started last October on the $820 million Oxley Highway to Kundabung upgrade.

Work getting underway on NorthConnex motorway Preliminary work on Sydney’s $3 billion NorthConnex motorway was scheduled to start in February, with full construction due to begin in May once environmental management plans have been developed.

The NorthConnex motorway project consists of twin nine kilometre tunnels that link the M1 Pacific Motorway at Wahroonga to the M2 Motorway at the Pennant Hills Road interchange at West Pennant Hills.

NorthConnex is regarded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments as a vital infrastructure project that will support jobs, the NSW economy and form part of the National Highway route.

“NorthConnex will provide wide ranging benefits for the community including improvements to local air quality and road safety, with around 5,000 fewer heavy vehicles on Pennant Hills Road each day,” Federal Assistant Infrastructure Minister, Jamie Briggs, said.

NorthConnex will also: • Save up to 15 minutes of travel time compared to using Pennant Hills Road,

where there are around 360 incidents each year impacting traffic; and • Help to bypass 21 sets of traffic lights and provide an alternative route to the Pacific Highway, which has 40 sets of traffic lights.

Approval for construction followed a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement and extensive community consultation.

NSW Roads Minister, Duncan Gay, said the planning approval included new safeguards not seen on any project in the state’s history, including the Lane Cove Tunnel.

“The conditions of approval include a visibility standard which has never existed before in NSW,” Mr Gay said.

“NorthConnex will operate in line with world’s best standards and can be reassessed by the Department of Planning every five years.

“Every resident who lives around NorthConnex and every motorist in NSW can be reassured; there will be unprecedented safeguards in place once it opens to traffic.”

The project is due to be completed in 2019.

Improving traffic movement on Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge The Victorian Government called for Expressions of Interest in January to build the first stage of the West Gate Distributor, a project being put in place to take an estimated 5,000 trucks a day off the West Gate Bridge.

The $500 million West Gate Distributor will take trucks to the Port of Melbourne via a new dedicated road link, easing congestion for city-bound traffic from Geelong, Ballarat and Melbourne’s western suburbs.

The infrastructure is part of Project 10,000 – the government’s plan to reduce road congestion, transform the public transport system and create 10,000 Victorian jobs.

Minister for Roads, Luke Donnellan, said the project would help create more jobs, send more trucks to the port and save more time on the road.

“With the West Gate Distributor, the morning drive from Ballarat, Geelong and the western suburbs will be faster and safer.”

The $40 million first stage of the project includes widening Moreland Street, installing a new signalised intersection at Footscray Road and Moreland Street, and widening and strengthening the Shepherd Bridge over the Maribyrnong River to allow for additional lanes.

The upgrades to Footscray Road and the Shepherd Bridge will eliminate bottlenecks

and increase the flow of traffic and the efficiency of freight. Safe, dedicated lanes for cyclists will also be built.

Over the next 20 years, the number of commercial vehicles travelling on the West Gate Bridge is expected to double and the number of truck visits to the busy Swanson Dock is expected to increase to 12,000 each day.

Expressions of Interest for the first stage opened on 21 January, and stakeholder and community consultation was due to commence in February. Shortlisted contractors will take part in a Request for Tenders process in May. The contract is expected to be awarded mid-year, with construction underway by the end of 2015. Planning and investigations are underway for the remaining stages of works.

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SIMEX LAUNCHES NEW DEALER NETWORK IN AUSTRALIA Simex is expanding its presence in Australia and making Simex products available in every state by appointing Australian Attachment Solutions (AAS) as its new authorised importer in Australia and New Zealand for the Simex’ range of hydraulic attachments.

Lino Scartozzi, Managing Director of AAS, said that in Australia, Simex planers, rotary cutters, crusher buckets, vibrating wheel compactors and wheel excavators were now distributed through a highly experienced dealer network ensuring availability and highestquality support.

“The authorised dealer network; Groundtec Equipment in NSW, Walkers Hammers in VIC/TAS, QLD Rockbreakers in QLD/NT, Total Rockbreaking Solutions in WA and Renex Equipment in SA were appointed as authorised Simex dealers due to their extensive experience and knowledge in hydraulic attachments.

“With this nationwide authorised dealer network, we can now ensure customers receive the advice, product support and service they would expect from the Simex products,” said Mr Scartozzi.

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Simex was established in San Giovanni in Persiceto outside Bologna, Italy in 1991 to produce efficient and customized hydraulic attachments for earthmoving machinery.

“Since our expansion to the international market, Simex has achieved an excellence in road maintenance attachments and innovative designs of rotary cutters, asphalt planers and crusher buckets, and wheel excavators that have made it the industry leader in this sector,” said Sales Director, Federico Tamburri, at the Simex factory in Italy.

“Our commitment to constant improvement and continuous advancement in our field allows our customers to work more efficiently, faster and safer.”

“For instance, Simex planers’ patented self-levelling design keeps the milling depth constant in all conditions resulting in perfect levelling of planed surfaces and guaranteeing minimal material spillouts that can be recycled, reducing the impact that resurfacing has on the environment.

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BROONS COMBINATION ROLLER ARRIVES JUST IN TIME Unseasonal summer rains have provided the perfect opportunity for Bland Shire Council in the Riverina region of New South Wales to utilise its new Broons Combination Roller.

The region received five times the average January rainfall and road crews are seizing a rare opportunity to maintenance grade their district during the normally hot dry summer months.

“It sure has given us a head start this year; the boys are getting a fair bit done”, said council’s Plant Workshop Manager, Paul Glennon.

Having rented a Broons Combination Roller over previous years, council finally took the plunge and ordered its own machine, taking delivery of the unit during the latter part of 2014 and, as it seems, just in time to make good use of the summer rain.

As the largest cereal crop area in NSW, the shire’s roads have taken a pounding during harvest; however, with adequate moisture now in the pavement, council is benefitting from the compaction capability of its new Broons Combination Roller to repair the damaged roads.

With the machine weighing close to nine tonnes, council has the option to add further ballast, if required, to ensure a perfect compacted surface every time.

“Our well proven Combination Roller provides the owner with the option to customise their machine to suit their own specific

requirements. It could be roll drum thickness, solid filled tyres, brakes or even additional ballast,” said Broons’ Director, Stuart Bowes.

“When you buy a Broons machine you have the luxury to order exactly what you want and with the exceptional build quality our clients have come to expect.”

Bland Shire also uses a Kirpy rock crusher bought from Broons to produce road base materials. Once crushed and spread, the Broons Combination Roller is then used on the steel roll drum or smooth tread compactor tyres to finish off the surface.

Changing between modes is done hydraulically “on the run” from the operator’s cabin. Daily maintenance has virtually been eliminated to ensure maximum time is spent rolling and not repairing.

Well built gravel roads can last many years and with the Broons Combination Roller at its disposal, council is positive about staying ahead of its maintenance program.

For more than 30 years, Broons and Bland Shire Council have partnered to find solutions for maintaining council’s gravel roads.

Broons’ Product Support staff is always on the road receiving feedback from clients and offering advice on improving equipment utilisation and reducing maintenance downtime.

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AsphaltReview February/March 2015

Inside: Destination USA: 2014 AAPA International Knowledge Transfer tour

U.S. Driver Survey: Insights for Australia Microsurfacing of Christmas Island Airport Site in focus: RPQ Group AAPA National Technology & Leadership Committee

2015 AAPA International Flexible Pavements Conference

Hidden Valley Motorsport Complex, Darwin, Resurfacing Project

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ASPHALT REVIEW

FROM THE CEO MICHAEL CALTABIANO - CEO OF AAPA

The Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA) has an exciting and engaging agenda of technological breakthroughs, engagement and knowledge transfer ahead of it for 2015.

During the course of this year we will build on the successes of 2014 to reinforce the position of the Association as the thought leader in flexible pavements across Australia.

The pinnacle of our year as an Association will be the 2015 AAPA International Flexible Pavements Conference to be held on the Gold Coast from the 13–16 September.

Innovation Delivering Value is the theme, and the conference will be the place to be for anyone involved in the flexible pavements.

International speakers from Europe, America, South East Asia and South Africa will join a talented team of Australia’s best from industry, academia, and state road authorities. For the first time, the conference will be run with two distinct parallel streams, Pavement Engineering and Construction, bringing the best of local and international practice for Australia.

Through this international outreach to the United States we have forged a new co-operative relationship with the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA). This relationship brings together the two largest Asphalt pavement associations in the world and provides access for AAPA Members to extensive research programs, new construction techniques and innovative equipment upgrades.

AAPA is pleased to announce great support for the conference from Platimum Sponsors Caterpillar, SAMI Bitumen and Viva Energy. We would also like to recognise Puma Bitumen, Kraton Polymers and Protech who have all joined us as sponsors.

Our speakers, sponsors and the tremendous encouragement and endorsement from State and Territory road agencies and local councils will make the Gold Coast conference a memorable and critical event for all involved in road construction and heavy duty pavements.

The AAPA Industry Breakfast series hosted by each of our State Branches will provide a real focal point for letting everyone in our industry know about the outcomes from the International Knowledge Transfer tour (IKT) to the USA. Completed in November last year, the tour was a great success and we are fortunate enough to have participants from the tour presenting some of the great benefits for Australian industry at the upcoming breakfasts.

There is a long list of key learnings from this outreach some of these are (i) the 22

treatment of failing and poorly performing concrete pavements, (ii) thin overlays (design and construction methods), (iii) trackless tack coats, (iv) laboratory tools and techniques to better reflect field performance of bitumen seals and asphalt, (v) the use of crumbed rubber in either a refinery or field blended product with pavement design benefits, (vi) US research on community expectations for road function and performance (vii) Perpetual Pavements; full depth asphalt pavement design, performance and utilisation, (viii) new equipment innovation to deliver better quality outcomes in the delivery of high quality asphalt pavements.

To register to attend one of our breakfasts, please visit our new website at www.aapa.asn.au/events and click on Branch & Social Events. The new website now makes event registration and access to the great training programs offered to our industry much easier and more informative.

Through this international outreach to the United States we have forged a new co-operative relationship with the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA).

This relationship brings together the two largest Asphalt pavement associations in the world and provides access for AAPA Members to extensive research programs, new construction techniques and innovative equipment upgrades.

The future of our industry lies in our ability to innovate and continue to provide better value for money solutions to existing and new problems. Every state road authority is a member of AAPA and, as members, they are actively seeking industry engagement in the development of new co-operative outcomes that deliver this new era of innovative solutions.

We are entering an exciting period of change that will forge a new way of delivering infrastructure projects in Australia. AAPA is well positioned to be the portal through which this transition to a new model of delivery will be achieved.

Michael Caltabiano AAPA CEO

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ASPHALT REVIEW

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT TONY ALOISIO - AAPA CHAIRMAN

There is a growing sense of excitement, energy and achievement around our Association.

This energy is particularly evident in our newly formed National Leadership & Technology Committee (NTLC). Under the chairmanship of our CEO, and with additional membership from operationally focused representatives, along with the significant technical expertise already in place, this committee reflects the desire of the Association’s membership base to deliver high quality technical pavement solutions. I am very confident that our Technology Committee members will elevate industry delivery to our clients and key stakeholders to new heights.

As Board Chairman I cannot express how impressed I am to see members of the Australian industry stepping up to mix it

with the best in the world. Members of the 2014 AAPA International Knowledge Transfer tour to the U.S. are evidence of this. Together, this group has brought back learnings in pavement maintenance, preservation and equipment that will have an impact on everything we do.

I encourage you to get along to the 2015 AAPA National Workshop Series in your capital city in June, where we will be sharing the findings from this tour for all to benefit.

Along with the 2015 AAPA National Workshop Series, this year sees us launching into a series of stellar events and initiatives that are sure to benefit each of our Members and the whole of the industry.

The 2015 AAPA State & National Industry Awards and the 2015 AAPA International Flexible Pavements Conference on the Gold Coast are also must-attend events where we will discover new standards and celebrate achievements amongst our colleagues.

I look forward to seeing you at these events.

Regards, Tony Aloisio AAPA Chairman

MICRO-SURFACING OF CHRISTMAS ISLAND AIRPORT Downer EDI Limited (Downer) has completed the resurfacing of the Christmas Island Airport runway using micro-surfacing, a thin paver applied bituminous-based surfacing that uses emulsion technology.

Micro-surfacing has been successfully applied on many regional airports throughout Australia to preserve existing runway pavements and rehabilitate pavement characteristics to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s requirements for surface texture, skid resistance and shape.

The number of larger jet aircraft landing and taking off at Christmas Island Airport has increased in recent times, resulting in the deterioration of sections of the runway. The airport’s operators, Toll Remote Logistics, awarded Downer the contract to undertake a reseal of the runway.

Downer Infrastructure Chief Operating Officer, Sergio Cinerari, said that micro-surfacing was the obvious choice for this type of project.

“Texture depth and skid resistance are critical characteristics in a runway,” Mr Cinerari said.

“Micro-surfacing’s performance exceeds the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s requirements for these criteria and this is a key reason we chose to go with this solution.

“Micro-surfacing can be applied quickly which minimises disruptions to airfield operations and, from a safety perspective, it uses cold 24

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emulsion technology that doesn’t produce fumes. This lowers the risk to people and the environment.”

Christmas Island is located in a remote region of the Indian Ocean approximately, 2,600 kilometres north west of Perth and 360 kilometres south of Java. The extreme humidity and the Island’s remote location posed some early challenges and the project was completed in late August after minor delays.

Toll Remote Logistic’s Program Manager, Colin Fort, said he was pleased with the final result.

“I was first introduced to micro-surfacing in mid-2013 and since it was applied at Christmas Island it has exceeded my expectations. I’m confident the runway will continue to provide many years of maintenance-free service to the remote community of Christmas Island.”

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For more information on compaction machines, mixing plants and pavers go to www.ammann - group.com.au

Ammann Australia 5 / 29 Business Drive, Narangba, 4504 Queensland Phone: + 61 7 3293 1111 Fax: + 61 7 3293 2222 info.aau@ammann-group.com

ASPHALT REVIEW

2014 AAPA INTERNATIONAL KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER TOUR TO THE USA For more than 20 years, AAPA’s biannual international study tours have traversed the globe to bridge the gap between research and practice by actively exposing members, road agency staff and consultants to new and innovative technologies.

In 2014, the study tour travelled to the United States to discover new and innovative tools and techniques to benefit Australia.

The tour was called the “International Knowledge Transfer” (IKT) to reflect the true nature of the visit. This recognised that the group not only learned from our hosts, but also shared Australian experiences and breakthroughs in meetings with federal and state departments of transport (DOT’s), research centres, universities, asphalt paving associations and key contractors.

Tour group members were well balanced across industry, government, consultants and research. This international outreach program is key to AAPA’s commitment to international knowledge sharing to bring the best to Australia from around the world.

The visit took place between 25 October and 10 November with a varied and exciting itinerary crossing Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, Washington D.C., Virginia, Alabama, Minnesota and California.

At each stop, the tour group split into two streams of Construction and Pavement Engineering.

As with previous visits, the group had key topics to consider during their meetings and site visits. The seven key topics were: • Best practice and safer construction works; • Advances in pavement engineering and design; • Treatments of rigid pavements, including replacement with full depth asphalt or crack-and-seat with overlays; • Thinlays for pavement preservation; • Introducing innovation and sustainable pavement solutions; • Government decision making for road infrastructure investment; and • Perpetual Pavements.

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IKT Tour Group at the Texas Asphalt Pavement Association

To help achieve the above outcomes, the group was exposed to actual construction works and measures promoting safer construction.

Visiting construction projects, members saw in action the latest techniques in asphalt placement and compaction, including the process to remove rigid pavements and replace with full-depth asphalt.

The group was also provided access to advances in pavement design through innovative and sustainable solutions at the International Conference on Perpetual Pavements in Ohio, where the Australian Perpetual Pavements developmental works was also shared.

Additionally, reviews of US pavement design MEPDG systems were undertaken at Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

Exposure to product and system development through the use of

Accelerated Pavement Testing devices also helped spread innovative and cost reducing pavement materials and surfacing technologies throughout the group.

Findings from the tour will be presented at an AAPA Breakfast session in your State Capital. To hear study tour participants initial impressions and implementable findings visit the AAPA website to register for a breakfast.

Early observations from the tour included:

Crumb Rubber Asphalt

In California, the group encountered innovations in the use of waste products.

Driven by political directive, California has provided surprising outcomes for the use of “Ground Tire Rubber” (crumb rubber) in asphalt. High volumes are used (20%+) and three options were considered in asphalt – dry blending of the rubber crumb, partial digestion (field/

Charlie Potts and the Australian visitors – “Innovation is a shared activity with your client”

IKT Tour Members Industry

HVS testing at the University of California Pavement Research Centre (UCPRS)

plant blend) and fully digested (terminal blend). Extensive full-scale and accelerated pavement testing was undertaken by Caltrans and the University of California Pavement Research Centre (UCPRS).

The performance advantage of the blended products was obvious as both allow for significant reductions in asphalt thickness with the terminal blend suited for bases and the improved fatigue properties of the field/ plant blend best for the wearing course and upper asphalt layers.

Pavement preservation

the US and the different practices captured in National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) and National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) documents.

Practical advice and active use of the material was demonstrated in Austin, Texas, where Thin Overlay Mixes (TOM) have delivered good crack resistance and friction performance as overlays through their durable and flexible properties.

TOM’s are placed between 13mm and 25mm thickness on structurally sound pavements. With the high binder content and modified binders, TOM’s are best suited to pavements cracking through ageing, block cracking and ravelling, longitudinal rutting, polished and oxidised surfaces.

The US experience shows that thin overlays are possible using a generic specification and offer a viable solution to provide safer, durable and resilient-holding actions for worn, but structurally sound pavements.

The US economy has experienced a long period of decline and significant reduction in road construction and maintenance funding.

This has resulted in a concentration of shortterm, stop-gap solutions to asset preservation and resulted in the development of generic approaches and specifications for thin and ultra-thin surfacings.

Termed “ThinLays” the product was supported widely across the industry in

Government • • • •

Greg Stephenson (Brisbane); Paul Morgan (South Australia) ; Peter Evans (Queensland); Travis Edmonds (Victoria)

Consultants

• Eduardo Alcazar (Aurecon); • Russell Clayton (GHD); • Mark Moro

Research

• Erik Denneman, Mike Moffat & Peter Damen (ARRB); • Stuart Yeaman (USC)

AAPA

• Michael Caltabiano (CEO); • Robert Vos (QLD Executive Officer).

Thermal imaging Thermal imaging when laying Thin Overlay Mixes

TOM’s being paved in Texas

• Bevan Sullivan & Richard Pearson (Fulton Hogan); • David Smale (Astec Australia); • Max Dall’ Armi (Boral); • Jonathan Hoffman (Sunstate Road Services); • Nick Argyropoulos (Road and Civil); • Nigel Preston (Viva Energy); • Robert Row & Damian Long (CCF Queensland); • Wayne Boston & Tony Wehl (RPQ)

In Texas, the advantage of thermal imaging to help deliver uniformly compacted thin and ultra-thin pavements was seen as the next big step after using material transfer devices.

This was also confirmed at other DOT’s the group visited, with thermal imaging starting to find its way into their contracts.

As a compaction management tool, the visual representation of the pavement temperature can quickly be linked to changes to the rolling pattern and to nuclear gauge compaction testing. Consideration should be given to evaluating the potential ROADS FEB/MAR 2015

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advantages of thermal imaging in Australia when paving thin asphalt overlays.

Rectification of Rigid Pavements

Extensive use of heavily modified thin overlays with Crumbed Rubber to improve the rideability of old concrete was a common theme across the US. The problems experienced with old failing concrete pavements was truly extraordinary as the disruption to traffic to rubblize, remove and replace was deemed largely unachievable due to the traffic volumes and disruption to traffic.

These failed rigid pavements pose an enormous risk to the DOT’s who are committed to smooth, safe and well maintained roads.

These necessary performance outcomes simply cannot be achieved with rigid pavements.

Plant and Equipment Innovation

During the visit to Tennessee, Astec Inc. kindly organised a briefing from industry doyen, Charlie Potts.

Charlie provided insights from his years of experience in the introduction of new products and systems in DOT’s, industry and through his board role on NCAT. His key message was that innovation is a joint effort and partnership with the “clients” is essential. Best changes occur when the client’s needs are well understood, and good contractors are given the freedom to innovate.

The construction stream saw sites, quarries, traffic control operations, plant and equipment suppliers. The extensive range of opportunities provided great insight for tour participants, particularly in regard to next generation plant and equipment that will be available in Australia in the near future.

This forward thinking was on display during a visit to Caterpillar Headquarters in Minneapolis that revealed new engine technologies and screed treatments

which have potential to save industry considerable energy costs and deliver a high quality finished product.

The construction stream was also lucky enough to have the opportunity to see first-hand the operation of high volume Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) production plants. The group was able to derive some key learnings on drum flights to achieve efficient use of RAP material and more environmentally sustainable ways to operate this type of plant.

Safety at Roadworks

The US has achieved a 50% reduction in deaths at road works sites. This was explored with both the contracting sector and road agencies to get a true insight into the management of road and surfacing works in the US and discover how the learnings may be applied to Australia.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PERPETUAL PAVEMENT 2014, OHIO The Ohio conference provided an opportunity for U.S and international participants to share progress on the introduction of updated designs for long life pavements, and to report on project performance from the NCAT test track and full-scale projects.

Keynote speakers were Mike Acott, NAPA President, and Prof. Matt Witczak of Arizona and Maryland Universities. The speakers covered the role of Perpetual Pavements meeting customer needs and also redefined the meaning of Perpetual Pavements.

A presentation of importance to the Australian delegates was delivered by Bevan Sullivan, Fulton Hogan’s National Technical Manager, who reported findings from a paper titled “Development of a Validated Design Procedure for Australian Long Life Pavements”. The paper, supported by AAPA, was well received with much interaction from the conference participants.

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Also presenting at the conference was Dr David Timm of Auburn University providing an update on the “Perpetual Pavement Research at the NCAT Test Track”. David will be joining us at the 2015 AAPA International Flexible Pavements Conference in September on the Gold Coast to share his latest design knowledge and research findings.

Findings from the outreach

The findings from the outreach tour to the US will be widely circulated in the coming months.

Come along to an AAPA Breakfast session near you to hear study tour participants initial impressions and implementable findings. Visit www. aapa.asn.au/events and click on Brand & Social Events to register.

Presentations from the breakfasts will also be available to download via the AAPA website.

Bevan Sullivan presenting at the Ohio Conference

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ASPHALT REVIEW

ONLINE SAFETY TRAINING Study online with two fantastic new safety focused courses from AAPA – committed to flexible and affordable online learning for all in road construction.

Quality training, quality roads.

TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS: SAFETY AT ROADWORKS Common Hazards and mitigation strategies for Traffic Controllers working on road surfacing sites.

It’s a dangerous place to work. It’s even more dangerous if you’re on the frontline controlling the traffic.

According to the Work Safe Australia report, Work-Related Traumatic Injury Fatalities Australia 2012, two-thirds of worker fatalities involve vehicles with half of the vehiclerelated incidents occurring on public roads.

Traffic controllers are responsible for protecting workers in our industry, yet they too are exposed to many of the same hazards that confront workers directly employed in the application of surfacings.

AAPA, in consultation with the Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA), has developed a new on-line safety training resource, Traffic Controllers: Safety at Roadworks.

While there are numerous courses on traffic control planning and implementation, these do not provide knowledge of how the unique requirements of road surfacing can impact traffic control.

The course is intended to raise the awareness of workers to the hazards on sealing and asphalt sites, with the aim of reducing the risk of workers exposing themselves to harmful situations. The course also provides knowledge of the sequence of surfacing operations so that traffic controllers will know what to expect from day one.

AAPA Members are committed to improving safety, and as such will be strongly recommending that traffic controllers on their sites complete this training. To find out more and register go to www.aapa.asn.au/events and click on Training Courses.

Course code: TCS203A AAPA Members fee: $190 Non-members fee: $220 Level of difficulty: Introductory Delivery method: Online Duration: Approximately two hours

TRAINING Centre

SAFELY HANDLE BITUMEN

To reduce the risk of accidents and injury to people working with or coming into contact with hot bituminous materials, and provide them with the knowledge to respond to an emergency.

This is a safety induction and refresher course for people who work with, or may be exposed to, hot bituminous materials.

The course provides an introduction to bituminous materials commonly used to construct and repair roads in Australia, and advice on how to reduce the risk of incidents or injury when transporting, heating and transferring hot bituminous materials.

This course is a must for anyone who works with, or may come into contact with hot bituminous materials, including work crews, sales and administrative staff who support crews and people administering or supervising contracts.

AAPA Members are committed to improving safety of all who use flexible pavements. To find out more and register go to www.aapa.asn.au/ events and click on Training Courses.

2015 AAPA National Workshop Series: Quality

Course code: SHB201B AAPA Members fee: $190 Non-members fee: $220 Level of difficulty: Introductory Delivery method: Online Duration: Approximately two hours

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FROM OUR EUROPEAN COUNTERPARTS Asphalt.

ADVANTAGES Get the Advantages of Asphalt Pavement

AsphaltAdvantages.com

>

Economics

ADVANTAGE 35 Noise reducing asphalt stops noise at its source and saves money.

Asphalt benefits made clear with “Asphalt Advantages” Did you know that asphalt is quick to pave, reducing congestion, waiting time and thus fuel costs for users?

Did you know that noise-reducing asphalt stops noise at its source and saves money?

Did you know that asphalt provides the best visibility during rainy conditions?

And did you know that asphalt containing reclaimed asphalt is cost-effective and just as good as new?

Advantages such as these are now available at the fingertips of decisionmakers who are involved in roadway infrastructure through a new user-friendly and educational campaign titled “Asphalt Advantages”.

The campaign has been launched jointly

by Eurobitume and the European Asphalt Pavement Association (EAPA).

“Asphalt Advantages” raises awareness about the many benefits of asphalt as a material for all types of pavements.

The campaign is supported by a new website www.asphaltadvantages.com, which acts as the hub for all information and is efficiently categorised into four key themes for easy reference: Sustainability, Comfort, Safety, and Economics.

“The website’s focus is to promote the benefits and value of asphalt pavement to those who use, buy and design roads. The campaign highlights the advantages of asphalt pavements and how asphalt is meeting the challenges of today’s environment and user demands”, said Carsten Karcher, EAPA Director.

For more information: Website: www. asphaltadvantages.com; Facebook: www. facebook.com/AsphaltAdvantages and Twitter: https://twitter.com/asphalteu.

SUMITOMO PAV ER S

Track Pads Australia Pty Ltd 695 Castlereagh Road, Agnes Banks NSW 2753 email: ken.kerr@bigpond.com | phone: 1300 669 294 Ken Kerr mobile: 0403 828 876 | Paul Kerr mobile: 0412 848 553

www.trackpads.com.au

ASPHALT REVIEW

2015 AAPA NATIONAL WORKSHOP SERIES: QUALITY ROADS, FIXED BUDGETS No matter what your role in the road sector, you will need to join the discussion as we unravel what it takes to produce quality roads on a budget and remain competitive in today’s market.

International guests and local experts from all sides of road construction will travel to state capitals to discuss and share best practices, challenge existing norms, and lift-the-lid on solutions to keep the quality of your next road project up, and the costs down.

Built on the back of the resounding success of the 2014 workshop, which attracted over 900 participants around Australia, we expect an even bigger turnout at this year’s workshop.

Our audience will include contractors, consultants, engineers, government representatives and equipment manufacturers and suppliers who will join the discussion as we unravel what it takes to drive quality on a budget and remain competitive in today’s economy.

Topics

The workshop will provide insights every road project can benefit from, including access to: • Steps to minimise risk and future-proof road assets; • Understanding “what good looks like”: Unravelling public and organisational expectations; • Measures to create an efficient and productive workforce; • Case studies and learnings from flagship road projects within Australia and abroad ;

• Simple strategies to help produce quality roads in a challenging funding environment; • International and local road construction experts who will help apply their know-how to your project; and • Proven and emerging equipment, technologies and techniques delivering value

Speakers

We have compiled an impressive selection of speakers, including: • Dr RITA LEAHY, P.E., California Asphalt Pavement Association; • Dr JOHN WHITEOAK, Lecturer of Organisational Change and Development, University of Sunshine Coast; • JULES FULTON, Group Executive Manager, Fulton Hogan; • MIKE CUSH, General Manager, Asset Maintenance Planning, Roads and Maritime Services; • Prof SHERIF MOHAMED, Professor at School of Engineering, Griffith University.

Workshop Dates • • • • • •

BRISBANE - Wed 3 June; SYDNEY - Thurs 4 June; PERTH - Mon 8 June; ADELAIDE - Tues 9 June; MELBOURNE - Wed 10 June; and HOBART - Fri 12 June.

Venue locations are to be announced. Stay tuned to the AAPA website.

Cost per delegate is:

• AAPA Members: $270 (inc. GST); and • Non-members: $280 (inc. GST);

Register online: Visit www.aapa.asn.au/events and click on Conferences & Workshops.

Want to know more?

Contact Stacey Hutcheon, AAPA Membership Coordinator, on (03) 9853 3595 or via Stacey.Hutcheon@aapa.asn.au 32

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2015 AAPA INTERNATIONAL FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS CONFERENCE: MEET SOME OF OUR SPEAKERS FROM THE USA Get to know some of our speakers set to visit the Gold Coast in September: • • •

David E. Newcomb, Ph.D. Senior Research Scientist, Texas Transportation Institute; David H. Timm, Ph.D. Brasfield & Gorrie Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Auburn University; Chuck Fuller, President, J. D. Ramming Paving Company, Ltd.

What makes you want to be a part of the 2015 AAPA International Flexible Pavements Conference?

Dave Newcombe: It will be the premier event for the exchange of ideas in asphalt technology. The Australian asphalt community has always been on the cutting edge of innovation and implementation. I especially look forward to hearing a progress report on the new Perpetual Pavement design with the EME mixes.

Dave Timm: I have participated in two previous AAPA conferences and was impressed by the technical content and networking opportunities. I look forward to contributing to the 2015 conference and reconnecting with friends and colleagues.

Chuck Fuller: To be part of the conference gives me a real opportunity to discuss and learn new, global ideas and technology. I have never participated in this conference and look forward to attending.

Tell us about your career to date, and what is your current role?

Dave Newcombe: I have 38 years of experience in asphalt technology.

I have been fortunate to be involved in the design and operation of the Minnesota Road Research Project and as the Vice President for Research & Technology for the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA). Currently, I am a Senior Research Engineer with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute.

Dave Timm: I currently hold the Brasfield & Gorrie Chair of Civil Engineering at Auburn University. I have been at Auburn since 2001 after completing my BCE, MS and PhD degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

Chuck Fuller: I’ve been involved in the asphalt industry since 1976. I have worked with the Texas Department of Transport and spent 15 years with Austin Road Company building roads throughout Central Texas. I am past president of the Texas Asphalt Paving Association (TxAPA) and serve on several asphalt committees with TexAPA, AGC and NAPA. Currently, I am the Vice President of Ramming Paving.

What areas of expertise can you offer the conference delegates?

Dave Newcombe: Perpetual Pavement design, mechanistic pavement analysis, asphalt mixture characterization, asphalt pavement construction.

Dave Timm: My career has been focused around flexible pavement modelling, performance characterization and design. Since joining Auburn, I have been working in full-scale accelerated flexible pavement testing at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) Pavement Test Track 34

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and have developed pavement design procedures that facilitate Perpetual Pavement design and analysis.

Chuck Fuller: Over the last five years I’ve been heavily involved with the production and placement of thin-lay asphalt as part of pavement preservation. I’m Co-Chairman of NAPA’s pavement preservation task group, focusing on thin-lay asphalt as the go-to preservation tool.

Innovation Driving Value is the theme of the 2015 AAPA International Flexible Pavements Conference. What does Innovation Driving Value mean to you?

Dave Newcombe: Implementation is taking innovation and using it to the advantage of the stakeholders. Whether it is reducing costs, saving time, enhancing safety or improving performance, innovation needs to result in value for the driving public.

Dave Timm: Innovation driving value means finding creative ways to deliver high performance pavements at lower cost. This is achieved through the combination of incorporating new material types with creative design strategies that produce long-life pavements.

Chuck Fuller: Budget constraints throughout our industry means we need to preserve our existing structures with innovative, cost efficient products that utilise all the tools in the tool box.

What do you know about Australian roads and how are they similar to roads in the United States?

Dave Newcombe: Australia has congested urban roadways like those found in large US cities where construction must take place in a way that minimises impacts on motorists and where long-lasting performance is paramount. Australia also has many low-volume rural roads with spray and seal surfaces over granular bases. These roads are very similar to many roads in the western US and present special challenges in order to keep them functional in an economical manner.

Dave Timm: I know a healthy road infrastructure is viewed as critical to economic growth and vitality in both countries with asphalt being the material of choice for both nations.

Chuck Fuller: I know the preferred choice of material to produce roadways for both Australia and the US is asphalt. And I know we both need to maintain our existing infrastructure keeping them safe, smooth, and quiet.

What do quality roads look like to you?

Dave Newcombe: Quality roads are constructed and maintained with a great attention to detail. The result is a smooth, quiet riding surface

that provides the greatest amount of safety possible and is maintained to provide the greatest possible level of uninterrupted service.

Dave Timm: Quality roads, in my opinion, are well constructed structures that exhibit smooth, safe riding surfaces with minimal maintenance needed over an extended period of time.

Chuck Fuller: Quality roads exhibit smooth surfaces, high skid values, tight mats that help reduce noise levels, constructed in a manner that prevents joints from being directly in the wheel path – this will insure durable, safe, long-lasting pavements.

What’s the biggest obstacle in creating quality roads?

Dave Newcombe: The lack of education and training at all levels of design, materials testing, construction and maintenance creates conditions where constructability and quality can be jeopardised. Centres such as AAPA need to be fully engaged in the dissemination of technical information so that agencies and contractors alike can constantly improve their operations.

Dave Timm: In the US, the biggest obstacle is usually funding related.

As engineers, we know what to do, but often a lack of sufficient resources limits us in achieving the high-quality mileage we would like to see.

Chuck Fuller: Funding is the number one obstacle in creating a quality road. Sequence of construction is number two in preventing the project from being built to the highest quality.

Tell us about the current state of road funding in the United States? Is it new construction or maintenance?

Dave Newcombe: The US has a mature infrastructure requiring a great deal of both maintenance and reconstruction. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of political will in recent decades to provide the funding necessary to keep up with the damage. There is hope that our political leaders have come to an understanding of the dire need for infrastructure upgrades and will soon answer the call for decisive action.

Dave Timm: The current state of road funding in the US isn’t very positive. Our highway trust fund, supported by an 18.4 cents/gallon federal gas tax that has not increased for over 20 years, is expected to be insolvent in 2015 without a $15 billion transfer into the fund just to maintain current levels. Much of our funding currently goes toward maintenance of a national system that is now about 50-years-old. Meanwhile, the American Society of Civil Engineers has given the US road network a grade of “D” and estimates that $170 billion in capital investment is needed on an annual basis to improve conditions and performance.

Chuck Fuller: The current state of funding isn’t very positive. The highway trust fund is expected to be insolvent in 2015 without a transfer into the fund. Congress continues to issue stop-gap plans to prevent a funding lapse, but without continuous funding, our road system will struggle to be maintained. I believe that roadway construction for capacity and reconstruction will be a major topic during the 2016 election.

What projects have you been working on lately?

Dave Newcombe: We have finished two major national studies on the short-term ageing of asphalt mixtures and the use of foamed asphalt in producing warm mix. Both of these studies required field work throughout the country in order to address the many variables we had to deal with.

We are also in the midst of helping TxDOT cope with the devastating heavy vehicle damage to low-volume roads in our energy sector areas.

Dave Timm: Most recently, I have been wrapping up an experiment at the NCAT Test Track that featured “green” technologies which included ground tire rubber, recycled asphalt shingles and high RAP contents in the mixtures. I have also been working on a project for NAPA to provide guidance documents to agencies and pavement engineers as they transition from our old empirically-based design systems to mechanistic-empirical and Perpetual Pavement systems.

Chuck Fuller: I have been working with TxDOT in deploying thinlay asphalt as a preservation tool. Working with TxDOT and the Texas Transportation Institute, I have been lucky enough to have participated in several research and development projects on thin lays, ultra-thin overlays and bonding material for thin lays.

What do you foresee the major challenges to be for road construction worldwide in the next 10 years?

Dave Newcombe: Increased congestion will force the development and implementation of novel ways to maintain and rehabilitate roads under traffic. The speed of construction will be a priority for agencies world-wide. Keeping up with the educational outreach needed to fill the gaps that currently exist in formal education settings will continue to be a vital activity.

Dave Timm: One of the greatest road construction challenges to face in the next 10 years will be related to maintaining and rebuilding ageing highways under increasing traffic demands.

Chuck Fuller: Availability of funds and natural resources – we will need to provide more for less using recycled products, new technology and focus on rejuvenating materials and additives.

Where are some of the key immediate opportunities for road construction worldwide?

Dave Newcombe: Adopting a more uniform terminology would be a big help. We should also take advantage of the internet to provide better access to information and share workable solutions to common problems.

Dave Timm: I believe a key immediate opportunity lies in developing new construction techniques and procedures that will increase, even further, the rate of construction while also improving safety. This may come from developing new equipment, new techniques and specifications and new innovative materials.

Chuck Fuller: Key immediate opportunities for road construction lie in getting industry leaders together to discuss new technology, new construction practices, and innovative ideas that are already in use. We do not have to re-invent the wheel; let us all share the tools in the tool box and see what works for the industry.

What are you looking forward to most about visiting Australia’s Gold Coast?

Dave Newcombe: In addition to seeing all my Aussie friends, I’m hoping to see the Great Barrier Reef (truly a global treasure) as well as visit the Outback!

Dave Timm: There is certainly a lot to look forward to; great location, great conference, great technical content and great people!

Chuck Fuller: The Gold Coast looks to be a truly beautiful place and I look forward to meeting my Australian colleagues, and hearing their views on the shared challenges and opportunities our industry faces.

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ASPHALT REVIEW

RESURFACING OF RACETRACK AT HIDDEN VALLEY MOTORSPORT COMPLEX, DARWIN In July 2014, Downer was awarded a contract for the resurfacing of the racetrack and associated civil works at the Hidden Valley Motorsport Complex in Darwin, Northern Territory.

Works included, survey and modelling of the track surface, removal of the existing track surface and patching of distressed areas, overlay of track, sealing of pit parking and scrutineering areas, bulk earthworks and shoulder regrading, concrete kerb, drainage, stone pitching and landscaping.

The contract was to be completed under a fast-tracked program immediately after the completion of the 2014 V8 Supercars event to minimise the impact on planned race meetings at the track. This required Downer to hit the ground running with detailed planning, logistics and mobilisation to site to commence works immediately upon contract award.

In planning for this tight timeframe, Downer mobilised an asphalt plant, paving equipment and a project team which had extensive experience working on race tracks such as Phillip Island, Albert Park, and Adelaide among others.

The greater work group involved included team members from Downer’s local Northern Territory business, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, as well as various subcontractors and service providers.

The 180-tonne-per-hour mobile asphalt plant was rapidly deployed from New South Wales and set up on site at Hidden Valley. The plant was mobilised, established and commissioned within two weeks producing high quality asphalt specifically designed by our research and development laboratory for racing conditions in the Territory.

The project team working collaboratively with the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Infrastructure (DoI) and its independent consultant ensured that all parties were kept in the loop as to progress, site issues and other factors from external parties.

This approach ensured that all matters were identified, addressed and outcomes agreed before they became an issue, possibly affecting the progress of the project. This approach ensured a strong cooperative and positive outcome was achieved for the project.

Pre-works involved resurfacing of access roads around the site and various civil works. Survey and profiling operations were also completed to remove and scarify the top surface of the existing asphalt on the 36

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track, and rectify any failures in the existing pavement. Detailed survey and level control systems were used on both profiling and laying operations to ensure surface smoothness and achieve a high standard of ride quality on the track.

The overlay of the prepared track surface was completed over three days and was a significant logistical exercise in which over 4,000 tonnes of asphalt was laid using a combination of echelon paving and single paving methodologies to complete the works.

In areas where a single paver was used, longitudinal asphalt joints were treated at turns in the track and matched joints heated to ensure a high level of compaction was achieved.

The final surface, delivered within a very short timeframe from award will provide an excellent racing surface for the V8 Supercars, and many other events, for many years to come.

SITE IN FOCUS: RPQ GROUP, SWANBANK Where’s your site located?

Our Head Office is located at Swanbank in Ipswich, QLD. On this site is an Astec T200 Asphalt plant, foam bitumen pugmill, laboratory, workshop and office facilities.

We also have Spray Seal depots at Pinkenba, Warwick, Dalby, Townsville and Chinderah. A Benninghoven mobile asphalt plant is also based at Warwick.

What’s special about the locations of the site?

We have chosen key sites to be able to provide quick and efficient service to customers. The Swanbank site is located in the growth area of Southeast QLD. The 18hectare site is an old underground coal mine and whilst it has some geotechnical challenges, it also provides plenty of buffer area to neighbouring properties.

In December 2014, we also opened a purpose-built spray seal depot at Pinkenba. The site has all the latest equipment to allow for product storage, wash bay, equipment maintenance and calibration.

How long has your site been in operation?

We started operating in 1984, and have transitioned through several sites as the business has grown and diversified. The Swanbank site was established in 2010.

How many people work at your site? Tell us about what makes your team great.

RPQ employs over 100 people with a strong direction and commitment by the team to provide quality products and personal service to our customers. As the company has grown we have been able to recruit a wide range of industry professionals. We pride ourselves on the wealth of in-house expertise.

What mobile equipment do you have at the location?

We own and operate a fleet of diverse equipment to service the road maintenance and construction sector. The fleet includes bitumen

sprayers, profilers, pavers, mobile asphalt plants, foam bitumen roadbase pugmills, mobile crushers, live bottom semi-trailers and flocon patching trucks.

What about fixed plant equipment? Tell us about what you have on site

The heart of our operation is the Astec T200 plant located at Swanbank. This plant has many features including eight cold feed bins, two RAP feeders, Fibre feeder, as well as the Astec Green System for warm mix asphalt.

Tell us about the products you produce

RPQ produces a wide range of asphalt mixes from light to heavy duty, RAP, WMA, SMA, and Open Grade. We also specialise in producing plant mixed Foam Bitumen Stabilised Base utilising either virgin and or recycled road base. We are also developing a thin-lift asphalt to be used with a high performance tack coat.

Tell us about some of the memorable road projects this location has been involved with?

We have completed many projects we are proud of. These include Warrego Highway, Cunninghams Gap, Greenbank Army Training Facility, the rebuilding of Grantham, Inner Northern Busway and Pacific Hwy Maclean.

Tell us what it feels like to your team to complete a quality project?

We are fortunate in our industry that we create something that is highly visible and used by the public. Our teams take great pride in completing work to the highest standard, and many of them drive over roads they have worked on with their family or friends and say “I helped make that”.

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37

ASPHALT REVIEW

NEW AAPA WEBSITE LAUNCHED It is with great pleasure that we launch the new AAPA website. Packed full of new features, the site is designed to make your interaction with the Association more enjoyable and efficient.

You can now login to the site using your username and your new password. Once logged in, click on the Member Centre button at the top of the page to check and update your details.

Login to the Website

Troubleshooting, problems and issues

Logging in to the website gives AAPA Members access to discounts for Training, Industry Events and Social Functions. Simply follow the instructions below to login and automatically receive discounted rates.

Your username to login to the website is your email address, already registered with AAPA. If your email is not registered with us, visit the News & Events section of the website to sign up.

38

1.

Visit the website and click on Login.

2.

Click on Forgot or need to set your password?

3.

You will receive an email from the AAPA website. Follow the instructions in the email.

4.

When prompted, enter your new password.

Remember, your username to login is your email address registered with AAPA.

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The new website is a very powerful tool and is as new to us, as it is to you. While we have thoroughly tested the system and done all we can to ensure things “go as planned”, we do anticipate a few teething problems as we settle it in.

So, if things don’t look right or don’t work as you think they should, please let us know. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Membership Coordinator, Stacey Hutcheon, by phone on (03) 9853 3595 or by email via Stacey.Hutcheon@aapa. asn.au.

Thank you for your support, and we hope that you enjoy the new website.

Kohby Poole AAPA Director Communications & Strategy

Build and maintain roads?

See you on the Gold Coast in September

We’ll be here...

SPONSORS PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

www.aapa.asn.au www.aapa.asn.au

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ASPHALT REVIEW

CALL FOR SPONSORS: 2015 AAPA INTERNATIONAL FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS CONFERENCE We are pleased to invite our members and supporters to sponsor and exhibit at the 2015 AAPA International Flexible Pavements Conference on the Gold Coast.

In September 2015, all roads lead to Australia and the warmth of the Gold Coast.

AAPA is bringing to all participants access to the best minds and most up-to-date technologies in the flexible pavement field. We will have the opportunity to see and hear firsthand new developments and design techniques aimed at delivering better value outcomes.

Building on the resounding success of the 2014 AAPA National Workshop Series with more than 900 delegates, sponsoring the 2015 AAPA International Flexible Pavements Conference offers a perfect opportunity for providers of services and equipment to the roads sector to build, consolidate and grow networks.

Speakers for this event will come from the Americas, Oceania and Asia and will provide insight and knowledge which can be directly applied to all parts of the roads, ports and airports sectors across Australia.

Sponsor Packages: • PLATINUM: AUD$50,000 (including GST) • GOLD: AUD$30,000 (including GST) • SILVER: AUD$20,000 (including GST) • BRONZE: AUD$10,000 (including GST)

Our Sponsorship Prospectus available via www.aapa.asn.au provides an overview of the various sponsorship levels for quick reference and easy comparison.

Sponsors will be given: • Opportunity to be involved in the most prestigious event in the Industry • Chance to align your brand with an unmatched list of Global and Local Speakers • Unequalled range of pertinent and usable agenda topics • Unrivalled Networking and Social Events with fantastic access to delegates, speakers, Government and Industry representatives.

We are dedicated to matching packages to our sponsors’ requirements. We have developed an exciting range of sponsorship opportunities to ensure a successful outcome for all sponsors and stakeholders.

Current Sponsors We already have commitments from industry leaders, including: • Caterpillar • SAMI Bitumen Technologies • Viva Energy • Puma Bitumen • Kraton Polymers • Protech

Custom Sponsorship Packages The 2015 AAPA International Flexible Pavements Conference is organised with the assistance of YRD Event Management.

To discuss or design a package that best suits your marketing needs, please contact: • Kohby Poole, Director Communications and Strategy at Australian Asphalt Pavement Association on (03) 9853 3595 or via Kohby.Poole@aapa.asn.au, OR • Phoebe White, Event Coordinator at YRD Event Management on (07) 3368 2422 or via Aapa@yrd.com.au

U.S. DRIVER SURVEY REVEALS NEED TO FOCUS ON DRIVEABILITY Drivers in the US want a focus on increasing road maintenance and ensuring smooth pavements. What can Australia learn from this survey?

A recent survey from the Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA) found drivers were increasingly frustrated with the state of US roads. The national survey found that drivers preferred well-maintained, safe, and smooth roadways; moreover, they understood these qualities required periodic maintenance and financial investment.

Specifically, the survey of 3,085 drivers revealed the following driver and commercial trucker roadway preferences: • Eighty-four per cent of drivers and 73 per cent of commercial truckers wanted well-maintained roads without the inconvenience of roadway 40

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shutdowns by having maintenance performed during off-peak hours and the road open for rush hour.

• When presented with 14 factors for officials to consider when building a road, 56 per cent of drivers selected safety as one of their top three priorities.

• Most drivers, 69 per cent, said they were willing to accept periodic maintenance delays if it meant they were able to enjoy a smooth driving experience. Smooth, well-maintained roads were more comfortable for drivers; they also caused less wear-and-tear on vehicles, reducing operating costs.

• Eighty-six per cent of drivers and 78 per cent of commercial truckers felt spending priorities should focus on the maintenance and repair of existing roads, rather than on building new roads.

• A majority, 51 per cent of drivers and 52 per cent of truckers, supported new or additional funding mechanisms to ensure adequate funding for roadway maintenance and construction.

“These results emphasise the need to increase investment in our nation’s ageing infrastructure and to put a greater emphasis on ensuring a consistent level of drivability for road users,” said Mike Acott, President of the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA).

Peter Grass, President of the Asphalt Institute stated: “Asphalt pavements offer the affordability, ease of construction, ease of

maintenance, and structural longevity necessary to meet public demands for smooth pavements with a high level of drivability.”

Smooth pavements result in lower fuel consumption and reduced wear and tear on vehicles. With long-life Perpetual Pavement designs, asphalt roads can be built with a structure that lasts many decades with only periodic surface renewal and maintenance, making it an ideal choice for drivers, engineers, and US roadways.

APA partnered with Edelman Berland to survey the 3,085 drivers, including commercial truckers from eight regions throughout the US. For more information, visit www.DriveAsphalt.org/Drivers.

2015 AAPA STATE & NATIONAL INDUSTRY AWARDS Know a great Industry Leader or Innovator deserving recognition?

Nominate them online, it only takes 5 minutes.

The awards provide a unique opportunity for all sectors of our industry to participate across a range of categories and achieve true marketplace recognition.

Award Categories & Online Nominations

Award Nights

State Industry Awards Nights State winners will be announced at Awards Nights in their respective capitals. Stay tuned for venue locations.

National Industry Awards Night For the first time, all state award winners qualify to be recognised as the best in the country at the 2015 AAPA International Flexible Pavements

Conference where we will announce the National Industry Awards.

Each of the Awards Nights will bring together the whole of industry for what promises to be spectacular event. So dress in your finest and join us.

Want to know more?

To find out more, and to submit your nomination, please visit the News & Events section at www.aapa.asn.au.

• INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AWARD (Individual) • INNOVATION IN DESIGN, PROCESS OR PRODUCT AWARD (Company) • OUTSTANDING PROJECT AWARD (Company) • SAFETY INITIATIVES AWARD (Individual)

Tony Wehl, RPQ and AAPA CEO Michael Caltabiano at the 2014 AAPA Queensland Industry Awards Night

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41

ASPHALT TECHNOLOGY

F-SERIES PAVER EXPERIENCE Fuel efficiency, technological advances key features Screed Heating System enhanced Performance improvements and technology with a customer-friendly interface are key benefits of the new F-Series Pavers from Cat® Paving Products.

Fuel Consumption Several features help improve fuel economy while maintaining high performance levels.

Engine performance is aided by the 167 kW (225 hp) Cat C7.1 ACERT™ engine, which meets European Stage IV and U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final Emissions regulations without sacrificing power. On some F-Series models, a Cat C7.1 engine is also available that meets emissions equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3 and E.U. Stage IIIA. It provides power of 186 kW (249 hp).

Eco-mode is standard on F-Series pavers.

When used with automatic engine speed control, Eco-mode efficiently manages engine RPMs to optimise fuel economy, reduce sound levels and keep the paver running cool. The control automatically adjusts RPMs when the engine reaches a high-load threshold or needs additional cooling.

Screed Heating System An integrated generator, the power behind a new screed heating system, is another fuelsaving enhancement. Exclusive to Caterpillar, the F-Series generator was developed by the same team that designed and engineered the highly innovative Cat D7E Dozer.

The integrated generator is directly connected to the paver engine and operates as a core part of the machine. The SE60 Series screeds’ refined heat distribution combine with the generator to bring the screed to the proper temperature in approximately 15 minutes, compared with the previous 30-45.

The F-Series pavers run at about 1,300 rpm while heating, compared with the more common 2,200 rpm of some competitive machines. The lower rpm requirement lessens sound levels and can lead to earlier start times in residential areas.

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Technology Touch screen displays provide increased flexibility for operating and adjusting the machine. The colour display offers high visibility and more user-friendly options.

New feature controls are accessed through the touchscreen. The most frequently used functions are still controlled by switches.

The new single-switch auto-fill feeder system simplifies setup and helps provide consistency for operators of varied experience and skill levels.

The screed-heating system diagnostics enable uninterrupted paving in the event a screed temperature sensor fails. The system automatically compensates, allowing consistent, uninterrupted paving.

Ratio control for the conveyors can now be controlled from the screed. Likewise, the tractor operator can now adjust the mix height for increased flexibility. Previously, only the tractor operator could control conveyor ratio.

A pendant control that enables the screed operator to stand alongside the machine is now available.

Operator Console The operator console features enhanced functionality.

New Console Features ⊲ User-friendly, raised buttons help operators more quickly identify functions. ⊲ The console is highly water resistant and built for demanding environments. ⊲

If repairs are required, separate sections of the console can be replaced for a cost-effective solution versus other designs.

Controls are as simple and flexible as the contractor needs. Crews who prefer limited options have an organised, efficient control system at their fingertips and mostly in the same locations as on earlier models. Those who want to utilise more functions can do so by accessing various menus through the touchscreens.

Propel and feeder system settings transfer between stations with the touch of a single switch.

Speed, as well as operation and travel modes, also are automatically adjusted at both stations.

Paver operators can make various screed adjustments without leaving their seats. Cat Grade Control now can be operated from the tractor consoles if desired.

A single-button auto-feeder system does the work of four switches. An auto-fill button alternates between running the augers and conveyors; helping operators build a proper head of material from the start.

A warm-up/clean-out mode runs the feeder system at a reduced speed, enabling the operator to perform wash-down duties.

It also automatically lifts the auger for simplified transport.

If a crew doesn’t want to utilise all controls and the associated technology, “lockouts” are provided on the screed to prevent accidental access.

6 Features Your Crew Will Love

The Hopper Two hopper designs include a standard-entry height and a low-entry height. The length of both hoppers has increased by 90 mm (3.5 in.) over the previous model, providing more clearance for tailgates on haul trucks.

The standard-entry design features an inclined flat floor plate and large tie-down loops on the sidewalls, making it ideal for use with hopper inserts.

The design includes a narrowed entry width of 3,224 mm (10 ft. 7 in.) for improved visibility in narrow paving applications.

The low-entry design accommodates a wider range of truck heights. It reduces the entry height by 33 mm (1.3 in.) and maintains the lower height for 529 mm (21 in.). The hopper is 3,490 mm (11 ft. 6 in.) wide and features improvements that reduce spillage.

Mobil-Trac™ Undercarriage The F-Series pavers feature innovative undercarriages. Fully-bogied support rollers maintain contact with the surface regardless of irregularities. The oscillating bogies minimise deviations and tow-point movement, leading to smoother mats.

The Mobil-Trac System (MTS) features oscillating bogies and a rubber belt instead of the standard steel track. The rubber belt is friction-driven, and is available with treaded or smooth tracks.

MTS enables travel speeds that match the pace of wheeled pavers. The system essentially combines the traction of track pavers with the speed and mobility of wheeled pavers. Enhanced manoeuverability is another key benefit.

Wheeled Undercarriage Wheeled F-Series pavers offer six-wheel drive as an option. Six-wheel drive utilises enhanced hydraulics to optimise traction and provide 200 per cent more front pull-

force over previous models. A front wheel assist or four-wheel drive option increases front-wheel pull-force by 50 per cent over previous models. A new radial tyre offers increased traction. When testing on compacted gravel base and asphalt, the tyre provided 20 per cent more pull force over existing radial sand-rib tyres.

Options Three screed options are available: SE60 V, SE60 V XW and the SE60 VT XW. The XW models share common frame structures, with the V XW providing vibratory only and VT XW offering vibratory and tamper bars.

Screed plate life is extended with the utilisation of abrasion-resistant steel that is proprietary to Caterpillar. The same steel is used in motor grader cutting edges as well as the AS3301C, AS3251C and AS4252C screeds.

Screed extensions are equipped with exclusive two-speed proportional control for enhanced responsiveness near obstacles and more precise control on highway applications.

A pendant control adjusts the height of optional hydraulic end-gates, as well as extender width and tow-point height.

The control provides the screed operator with much more flexibility regarding their location. The addition of a machined screed frame eases installation of the screed plates, which bolt flat to the frame. The SE60 V screed delivers excellent ride and mat qualities, while providing versatility in urban areas, thanks to its smaller footprint and lighter weight. This screed replaces the current AS3301C vibratory screed.

The SE60 XW-Series screeds deliver extremely tight mat textures, with higher densities. The XW-Series also features full hydraulic control of crown, extension slope and extension height at the full width of 10 m (33’). This is particularly important in widewidth paving applications to ensure optimal mat texture and density.

⊲ Quiet Generator The screed can be heated in only 15 minutes, and at a quiet and fuel-efficient 1,300 rpm. ⊲ 2-Speed Screed Extenders (Variable Speed) They offer improved responsiveness near obstacles and more precise control on machine applications. ⊲ Single-Touch Auto-Fill Feeder System The system simplifies setup and helps provide consistency for operators of varied experience and skill levels. ⊲ Mat Quality Easy setup optimises smoothness and density for improved quality. ⊲ Airflow Design The exclusive design pulls fresh air from the sides of the paver, cooling components for maximum durability. Discharge air is directed upward and forward through the top-mounted front radiator, keeping the crew cool and alert. ⊲ Cat® Grade Control The technology now can be operated from four locations: both tractor consoles and each side of the screed.

Ease of Maintenance Much of the F-Series engineering has focused on reducing owning and operating costs. The integrated generator is designed for the life of the paver. Screed plates, conveyor chain guards and conveyor floor plates are easier to change, helping reduce labour costs.

The Cat screed heating system monitors heating elements for failure conditions and enables the system to continue heating in the event of an element failure.

An F-Series paver will be on display at the 16th annual Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA) International Pavement Conference, to be held Sept. 13-15 on the Gold Coast, Queensland. The theme of the conference is “Innovation Driving Value,” and the F-Series paver certainly fits that theme.

Attendees will have an opportunity to see features of the new paver. Experts from Caterpillar Paving will be available to answer any questions about the machine’s features.

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43

ASPHALT TECHNOLOGY

COVERING NEW GROUND: AFFORDABLE ASPHALT IN PILBARA

Karratha Asphalt, with its brand new ALmix ECO 100 tph Asphalt Plant located at Lot 111 Exploration Drive, Karratha, is producing the cheapest, finest quality asphalt in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The plant has recycling and warm mix asphalt capabilities. Karratha Asphalt is producing Main Roads, Shire and IPWEA Spec asphalt.

“The supply and delivery of ALmix asphalt plant was to the highest of quality standards and it meets Australian standards. We are extremely pleased with the end result and the multiple of capabilities that the asphalt plant has come with such has RAP, warm mix, and cold mix. By having the newest and highest standard of asphalt plant, we are able to produce asphalt efficiently and well below our competitors’ costs,” said Vaughan Corps, owner of Karratha Asphalt.

“We worked with ALmix Asia Asphalt Equipment very closely on our requirements and made the decision to go with them after visiting their factory and a couple of their customers’ plants.”

Peter Greenland, Plant Manager said: “We continually communicate with ALmix Asia to ensure that our plant is highly maintained and are up to date on all the latest developments in the Asphalt production market.

“ALmix is at the forefront of asphalt plant production and we will definitely be purchasing our second plant through ALmix – Karratha Asphalt’s owner on ALmix plants.

ALmix ECO 100 TPH Plant” is ALmix skid mounted Uniflow Series Model 60UFK that is a Counter-Flow Asphalt Mixing Plant with RAP, warm mix, and cold mix capabilities added.

For the best quality and value for money, contact Karratha Asphalt on the following numbers: 0499020966 - Peter Greenland and 0409372176 Kevin Manning or go to www.kasphalt.com.au

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ASPHALT TECHNOLOGY

ASTEC HOLDS KEY TO HIGHRAP MIX PRODUCTION Astec V-Pack™ Stack Temperature Control System Receives Patent In today’s market, many asphalt producers are producing a wide range of mixes at a single plant. Switching between virgin and high RAP mixes, hot mix (HMA) and warm mix (WMA), along with significantly varying tonnage rates, can cause large swings in stack temperatures.

If these temperature swings exceed the limits of the Baghouse, adjustments to the flighting arrangement must be made to prevent any damage to the Baghouse. These changes can be costly and time consuming, especially if they are needed when the mix type changes.

To solve this problem, Astec has created the V-Pack™ Stack Temperature Control System. The V-Pack™ System can extend the range of mixes that can be produced without requiring the flights be adjusted.

The system’s unique drum “V-flights” has a deep V-shape and its use of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) provides control of the drum rotational speed which is the key to the control system managing an asphalt plant’s exhaust gas temperature and increasing overall efficiency.

The V-Pack™ Stack Temperature Control System automatically controls exhaust gas temperature across a range of mix types and operating conditions by making drum speed changes.

The system keeps Baghouse temperatures relatively stable as the mix temperature changes and even as mix types change from hot mix to warm mix; from virgin to high RAP and from

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dense-graded to open-graded mixes. These kinds of production changes would cause Baghouse temperature changes of over 100° F (38° C) without the V-Pack™ Stack Temperature Control System.

The system uses the V-flights to produce a uniform veil of virgin aggregate across the entire drum, regardless of how full the drum is, the plant’s production rate or the RAP percentage used. This is what enables drum speed changes to be effective as a means of controlling stack temperature. Since the V-flights shower uniformly without regard to how much material is in them, they never leave a hole in the veil.

The Astec V-Pack™ Stack Temperature Control System monitors the exhaust gas temperatures at the Baghouse inlet as the primary reference for control. As the exhaust gas temperature rises, the control system checks it against a set point.

When the temperature exceeds the set point, the control system speeds-up the drum rotation, controlling temperature to the set point. The drum speed can be varied by the system from a minimum of about seven rpm to a maximum of about 12 rpm (eight rpm is the normal speed for Astec drums without this system).

Applications of the V-Pack™ Stack Temperature Control System enable Astec to provide asphalt plants that produce mix with RAP content from zero to 70% without any physical changes to flights or other plant equipment and without loss of production rate capacity or fuel efficiency.

Astec-equipped plants are also able to produce dense-graded virgin mixes and opengraded friction course with the same ease and efficiency.

Pictured: (Above) Without V-Pack™ and (below) with V-Pack™ .

an Astec Industries Company

CIVIL WORKS

NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY GOVERNMENT CITY CENTRE EXPANSION EXAMINING APPROVED MOOREBANK DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

A $95 million education and business precinct proposed for the centre of Newcastle has been given planning approval by the New South Wales Government.

Minister for Planning, Pru Goward, announced the approval of the University of Newcastle’s proposal to expand into the city centre.

Ms Goward said the government had contributed $25 million towards the landmark project.

“The new campus will be one of the first projects to be completed in the central business district since the government released the Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy in 2012.

“This is a true urban renewal project, with a significant portion making use of a disused site while protecting and regenerating the heritage-listed University House.”

Ms Goward said the approval meant the University’s ‘NeW Space’ proposal could proceed, including: • building a 10 storey education building in the Newcastle city centre, including lecture theatres, a library, teaching and learning spaces, and office and retail areas; • refurbishing University House; • establishing pedestrian walking routes around the development and between the new building and University House; • expanding the existing Laman Street car park; and • various landscaping and work on utilities and surrounding streets.

“The new campus will bring increased numbers of new students and staff to the CBD every day, which is exactly the kind of injection of people and activity that will help stimulate the local economy and accelerate the city’s rejuvenation,” Ms Goward said.

Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Andrew Parfitt, said the planning approval would pave the way for work to start on the project.

“This is a transformational project for our university and city, and it will deliver sector-leading innovation in education and benefits for business, industry and the community across Newcastle,” Professor Parfitt said.

“As we move into the next stage of this significant project, we look forward to working closely with our stakeholders to deliver an outstanding asset for the future of Newcastle.”

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The Federal Government is undertaking due diligence of a submission from the Moorebank Intermodal Company outlining its proposed approach for developing the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal.

The Boards of Qube Holdings and Aurizon Holdings are also considering the proposal. Qube Holdings is a major logistics and infrastructure company and Aurizon Holdings is a leading rail freight operator – the companies form the Sydney Intermodal Terminal Alliance.

Moorebank has been identified as a priority location for a freight terminal development since 2004. This site connects key road and rail networks with major freight markets in Australia and around the world.

The proposal put forward by the Moorebank Intermodal Company suggests a joint precinct, encompassing the Commonwealth’s former School of Military Engineering site and adjoining land owned by the Sydney Intermodal Terminal Alliance.

The proposal is the result of direct negotiations between company and the alliance, following an expression of interest process.

The joint precinct would be developed by the alliance and include an import-export freight terminal connected by rail to Port Botany, with capacity for 1.05 million containers a year.

It would also feature an interstate freight terminal with capacity for 500,000 containers a year. Both facilities would provide open access, to maximise competition.

The government’s examination of the submission will determine if the proposal delivers value for money for taxpayers and achieves the government’s objectives for the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal development.

The terminal will be required to deliver significant economic, environmental and social benefits, including: • reducing constraints on container volumes moving through Port Botany; • relieving traffic congestion on Sydney’s roads; • enabling faster freight times and reduced costs to business; • creating jobs in south-west Sydney throughout the construction and operation phases; and • reducing diesel emissions by encouraging a modal shift from road to rail.

Moorebank Intermodal Company has also released an Environmental Impact Statement that considers environmental and planning issues.

Further planning and environmental approvals will be sought for the precinct should the agreement between Moorebank Intermodal Company and the Sydney Intermodal Terminal Alliance receive the required government and Board approvals for the commercial arrangements.

INLAND RAIL PROJECT CRITICAL TO AUSTRALIA’S PROSPERITY - NATIONAL MPS National Party MPs have reaffirmed what Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, calls their “fervent support” for the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project. The MPs made clear their support for the key infrastructure development at their first party meeting for 2015 at Wodonga on the Victoria-New South Wales border.

They declared at the 5 February meeting that the line was part of ensuring the right infrastructure was in place to meet Australia’s growing freight task.

Mr Truss emphasised the Inland Rail was a critical investment in jobs, growth and Australia’s future prosperity, especially for the regional areas along, and around, its route.

“It will be a game changer for how we move freight through this region, as well as across Victoria, New South Wales and Southern Queensland, linking to the existing national network to move freight around the nation,” Mr Truss said.

“It will connect regional communities with capital cities and producers with export markets.

“This project has been a signature policy for The Nationals – it is a priority for us in Government. We are making it happen with $300 million included in the Government’s infrastructure program to get construction underway.

“We know Australia’s freight task will double by 2030 and triple by 2050,” Mr Truss said.

“The Inland Rail will connect key production areas in regional Victoria and NSW with ports in Brisbane and Melbourne. Inland Rail will boost regional economic growth to drive national productivity.”

Mr Truss said the government was awaiting a report of the Inland Rail Implementation Group, headed by former Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson.

“The Implementation Group is working to determine construction priorities, engage with the community and stakeholders, settle the alignment and examine financing options,” he said.

“Inland Rail will enable Australia’s freight rail services to strongly compete with road, through substantially reduced transit times and improvements in rail service quality and pricing.

“It will boost national productivity, helping consumers through lower transport costs and supporting economic development along the corridor as a major fillip for agriculture, mining and other regional industries,” Mr Truss said.

“This is strategic infrastructure investment for the future, providing capacity to serve the east coast freight market for the next half century and beyond.”

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CIVIL WORKS

TRENDS DRIVING GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT A report which focuses on 100 world-class infrastructure projects deals with key trends driving global infrastructure investment.

The Infrastructure 100: World Markets Report, released late in 2014 by KPMG, put the spotlight on infrastructure that the consultancy said “balanced solving problems of society while preparing for demands of the future”.

The total estimated value of the projects was over US$1.73 trillion.

A panel of industry specialists identified the projects showing how governments were coming together with the private sector to overcome funding constraints to finance and build projects that could improve quality of life.

The report looked at infrastructure based on four key markets: • Mature International Markets (like Australia, Canada, UK); • Economic Powerhouses (including the US and BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China); • Smaller Established Markets (like Chile, Sweden, New Zealand, Korea); and • Emerging Markets.

The panel selected the final 100 projects, based on: • Scale – How does the scale of the project relate to similar development in its class?

• Feasibility – Is the project plan feasible and sustainable?

• Complexity – How challenging or complex is it to get stakeholder support?

• Innovation – Is there a particular challenge the project overcomes?

• Impact on society – Does it improve quality of life or promote economic growth?

KPMG said many of the projects were designed to drive economic growth by connecting people and resources to global and local markets (40% of projects); others would help provide better access to reliable power and clean water (30% of projects); while others were focused on improving society through factors like healthcare and education.

The report also dealt with affordability concerns and the need for governments to make difficult choices about where to spend at a time when funding was in short supply.

“Each country has its own approach to developing and funding infrastructure, yet all share the universal challenge of creating 50

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the right conditions to attract investment so desperately needed,” said James Stewart, KPMG’s Chairman of Global Infrastructure.

“Private capital continues to play a critical role, but investors need economic and political stability before committing.”

The report also highlighted what it called the critical role of private investment in meeting the infrastructure challenge, with different investment dynamics in each market category: • Economic powerhouses – have significant infrastructure needs – either to support rapid growth and urbanisation or to rebuild, repair or upgrade aging assets.

• Emerging markets – represent a frontier for private finance in infrastructure, although a lack of funds, inadequate planning and unstable political environments have limited the availability of projects that could attract private money.

• Mature international markets – a combination of privatisation, regulation and a wide range of investors has heightened competition for infrastructure in these markets.

• Smaller established markets – tend to favour domestic financing, with international financiers restricted by the lack of major projects, competitive local capital and currency risk.

The report noted, however, an increasing need for these markets to consider collaborative, cross-border infrastructure projects that delivered regional economic growth and brought the scale of major projects that international investors were seeking.

On the issue of new technology, the report questioned when it would have a meaningful impact on the infrastructure industry in the same way it had transformed other sectors.

But it also acknowledged the continued ability of the sector to innovate, with trends such as capital recycling and asset management helping to make better use of budgets and generate vital funds for further investment.

“Ultimately, we see a better world supported by infrastructure projects that are desperately needed; those that are opportunistic, and others that are truly visionary,” said Stewart.

AUBIN GROVE STATION DESIGNER SELECTED A joint venture – known as CAMPS – has been selected by the Western Australian Government as the lead design consultant for the $57 million Aubin Grove train station, which will be Perth’s largest Park ‘n’ Ride station.

The joint venture comprises Coniglio Ainsworth Architects Pty Ltd and M. P. S. Architects. In addition, Georgiou has been appointed as the early contractor involvement (ECI) contractor.

“CAMPS will work closely with Georgiou under an early contractor involvement model,” Dean Nalder, State Transport Minister, said.

“This ensures project planning is on the right track before the construction tender is finalised, and gives the government greater certainty on delivering the Aubin Grove Station on time and on budget.

“Projected patronage figures show there will be 3,900 boardings expected at the station every day, so it’s important that we get the planning and design right.”

Design and construction of the $57 million station will begin in 2015 and be completed late 2016.

With 2,000 bays, it will become the largest Park ‘n’ Ride station on the Transperth network and will service the communities of Aubin Grove, Mandogalup, Wandi, Atwell and Hammond Park.

“The Government has also committed another $23 million toward funding two new three-car train sets to cater for increased demand once the station comes on line,” Mr Nalder said.

“I hope the new station and its associated public transport options will encourage more commuters to leave their cars at home and use our excellent public transport system.”

Aubin Grove will be connected to existing shared access pathways on both sides of the freeway via two footbridges, which will provide access for the hundreds of passengers who will walk and cycle to the station. The station will be serviced by six new bus feeder services and bicycle facilities will also be incorporated into the final design.

STRONG INTEREST IN NORTH EAST GAS INTERCONNECTOR Expressions of Interest from companies wanting to construct the proposed gas pipeline linking the Northern Territory to the East Coast gas grid are being assessed by the Northern Territory Government.

Fourteen EOIs were lodged by the deadline in mid-December 2014 and

Territory Chief Minister, Adam Giles, said the government wanted to release a shortlist of companies as soon as possible because there was no time to waste on the project.

“I am thrilled to see such strong interest from both local and overseas pipeliners in

this important nation-building project,” Mr Giles said.

“This pipeline has the potential to create jobs and industry in the Territory, as well as relieve the East Coast gas crisis.”

Mr Giles said it was estimated the Territory had more than 200 trillion cubic feet of gas resources in six onshore basins and 30 trillion cubic feet of offshore gas reserves.

“We have the gas the country needs to develop new industries and meet demand for domestic energy, but the gas isn’t currently accessible.

This pipeline could change that, opening up new economic opportunities for the Territory.

“By creating new market access for NT gas, the pipeline has the potential to unlock investment capital and increase the level of exploration and development across the Territory.”

The project will also generate substantial economic activity and employment during the construction phase and long-term operational phase.

“Much of this employment will be generated in regional areas of the Territory where jobs are needed most,” Mr Giles said.

“The Territory has a growing reputation as a gas hub with most of the services required to plan, construct, own and operate significant pipelines already available here. This is a huge opportunity to expand that reputation further.”

FORRESTFIELD-AIRPORT LINK EOI Industry is lodging expressions of interest (EOI) in tendering for the design and construction of the $2 billion ForrestfieldAirport Link, described by the Western Australian Government as a “transformational project”.

The EOI period was due to close on 12 March.

An industry briefing focused on the project attracted more than 200 representatives from some of the best and most innovative construction companies in Australia and internationally, according to WA Transport Minister, Dean Nalder.

“It was clear from the level of interest in the briefing that the attendees recognised

the ground-breaking nature of this project.

The government is now ready to invite industry to show us their readiness to build Perth’s newest rail line.”

The Forrestfield-Airport Link will open up a new rail corridor to Perth’s eastern suburbs, as well as connecting the city to Perth Airport. It will create a 20-minute rail journey from Perth’s eastern suburbs to the city and will feature three new stations; Airport West (Belmont), Consolidated Airport and Forrestfield.

The new Forrestfield Line will spur off the existing Midland Line near Bayswater and run underground for eight kilometres in twin-bored tunnels beneath the Swan River

and Perth Airport.

Minister Nalder said the contract would be awarded as a single design and construct package, which would include tunnel and civil infrastructure, track, stations and rail systems including signalling, communications and power.

“Once the EOI period is complete, the Public Transport Authority will select a shortlist of companies - either as an individual company or in consortia - and invite them to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP).

“The RFP will provide us with all the information we need to select the best company for the job by mid-2016, so construction can begin later that year.”

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ANOTHER STEP TOWARDS WA COMPANY WINS PERTH STADIUM A WESTERN SYDNEY CONSTRUCTION AIRPORT Work described by Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, CONTRACT Warren Truss, as a crucial step in planning for the proposed Western Sydney airport was undertaken in late January 2015.

Geotechnical analysis of the northern parts of Commonwealth-owned land at Badgerys Creek took place over about a week from 20 January – a team of engineers profiled the subsoil and rock at several locations.

Mr Truss said a drilling rig drilled several boreholes to a depth of 20 metres, and pits up to five metres deep were dug by an excavator – the samples were taken away for analysis.

“This is part of the critical planning work to develop detailed construction plans and cost estimates for the first stage of a Western Sydney airport, which will be among the nation’s most impressive and exciting civil engineering projects over the next decade,” Minister Truss said.

“At the end of last year (2014) the government commenced its new environmental assessment, which we aim to have concluded by the end of this year.”

In April 2014, the government decided that Badgerys Creek would be the site of an airport for Western Sydney. Work is underway to develop a commercial proposal for an airport which is expected to operate from the mid-2020s.

Mr Truss said an airport for Western Sydney would be a major boost for the local economy and create thousands of jobs during construction, and a pipeline of jobs once the airport started operating.

Perth-based construction company, CASC, has been awarded a $30 million contract to supply formwork and concrete for the 60,000 seat new Perth Stadium. The contract is expected to create more than 80 new jobs and is one of many expected to be awarded to local companies over the coming months. More than 100 tenders will be awarded during the stadium’s threeyear construction phase, with 5,700 workers estimated to be involved.

CASC is the contracting division of Redcliffe-based Global Construction Services and was part of the team that delivered Perth’s Fiona Stanley Hospital. It will start work shortly on the Burswood site and will be on site for around 12 months. The work will involve providing formwork, concrete supply, concrete pumping and concrete placement. The first concrete slab will be poured in mid-2015.

Stadium construction began in December and, over the next three years, West Australians will see the five-level stadium built to a height of 42 metres. The structure will be built using more than 10,000 tonnes of structural steel and more than 52,000 cubic metres of concrete.

Brookfield Multiplex is part of the Westadium consortium appointed last year to design, build, partially finance and maintain the new Perth Stadium.

It is also responsible for sourcing and securing the procurement packages for the construction phase.

The stadium will be open in time for the 2018 AFL season.

UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL FRAMEWORK RELEASED

BY TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT The Tasmanian Government has released an Unsolicited Proposal framework as part of its initiative to promote the opportunities available in the state to investors from around the world.

Matthew Groom, Minister for State Growth, said unsolicited proposals to the government might bring clear value and benefit for the state, but the government did not currently have a way to assess or assist with such proposals.

For example, Mr Groom said, current procurement policies meant that government disposed of surplus land or buildings through an open sale or competitive tender process.

“If a proponent approaches us with a unique use for governmentowned property, the government can’t deal directly with that proponent, even if the proposal has clear value and benefit.”

Mr Groom said several other jurisdictions including the ACT, New South Wales and Victoria had Unsolicited Proposal Guidelines.

“This is about attracting and facilitating new investment and creating jobs in Tasmania. It’s about taking Tasmania to the world.

“The framework will mean that a proponent’s intellectual property is protected while a transparent and consistent assessment of the project’s values and benefits takes place.

This ensures developers can have the confidence to come forward with ideas for job-creating Tasmanian projects,” Mr Groom said.

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“It also means the public can be assured there is a transparent process for assessment of ideas which will ensure any proposals approved are in the public interest, represent value for money, are viable, and align with the government’s policies and strategic objectives.”

Mr Groom said the framework was underpinned by five principles, with proposals needing to: • be unique or innovative and not able to be delivered via normal procurement processes; • align with the government’s policies and strategic objectives; • represent value for money and benefit the government and broader community; • demonstrate a need and appetite for the project and be in the public interest; and • be financially, economically, socially and technically feasible.

Assessments would consist of a three-stage process and include high levels of probity at each stage before a proposal could advance to the next stage.

Proposals would be lodged with the newly established Office of the Coordinator-General, which would oversee the process.

The framework would apply to unsolicited proposals that had a minimum private investment contribution of $10 million or would create of a minimum of 100 direct jobs in Tasmania.

FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO SYDNEY HOSPITAL $307 million has been pledged by the New South Wales Government to build a seven-storey Acute Services Building at St George Hospital.

The unit is set to be the centrepiece of the St George Hospital redevelopment project, first announced in June 2014. It will be constructed on top of the recently completed $41 million emergency department.

The new Acute Services Building at St George Hospital will include: • intensive care; • high dependency; • cardiac intensive care; • extra operating theatres; • extra acute inpatient beds; and • sterilising services department The old emergency department building will be demolished and transformed into a new entry with drop-off zone and additional parking.

Photo courtesy of NSW Government.

WORK RESUMING ON ROYAL HOBART HOSPITAL PROJECT Work was due to resume in early 2015 on what the Tasmanian Government described as a “better, safer and more affordable” Royal Hobart redevelopment.

The hospital’s redevelopment project team – including the managing contractor, architects and engineers – started meeting in mid-December 2014 to map out the recommencement of the project, and Health Minister, Michael Ferguson, said critical works were expected to start this February.

Mr Ferguson said the reworked redevelopment included the addition of a helipad, a temporary structure to facilitate a new on-site decanting plan, and a new

hyperbaric chamber. The minister said managing contractor, John Holland and Fairbrother Joint Venture, had already signed a new contract which enabled the project to be delivered under the new specifications, without adding to the estimated $70 million cost blowout incurred by the previous Labor-Green Government.

“There is no doubt the revised project that we are proceeding with will deliver Tasmania a state-of-the-art health facility that will help reduce surgery waiting times and improve health outcomes.

“Almost as importantly though, the economic benefit of this project will start to

flow almost immediately, with sub-contractors being engaged to begin works in early 2015.”

Mr Ferguson said the $657 million project, of which $154 million has already been spent, would create more than 4,000 jobs in Tasmania and generate $1.6 billion in economic activity.

“The recommencement of the project gives important certainty to the contractor, the construction industry, doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital, and the Tasmanian community.

“We now have a project that all Tasmanians can have confidence in, can be delivered safely, and will improve health outcomes in Tasmania without breaking the bank.”

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PIPELINE TECHNOLOGY

REPLACE OR RENEW: PIPED AND STORMWATER CULVERT MAINTENANCE As our population increases, the performance demands on our ageing water and wastewater assets are also increasing, yet critical planned maintenance programs are being delayed or sidelined in the continual drive for the cost savings.

Pipes, culverts, tunnels and sub-surfaces conduits are all prone to damage and degradation.

With the addition of today’s traffic, loading and increased demand factors [that were never conceived at the time of the asset’s original design], we’ve seen greater requirements for supply continuity while being sensitive to the impact on budgets, environment and the surrounding communities.

Regardless of how these structures were originally built, much like the above-ground infrastructure that they sit under, regular maintenance is required and, from time to time, major upgrades are necessary if the assets “uptime” is to meet performance and safety demands.

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If all of the above is true, then cost effective planned maintenance is paramount if these critical assets and services are to remain intact and serviceable in the years to come.

RENEWAL OPTIONS The cost of replacing underground assets is high and inevitably new construction causes large-scale disruption in the vicinity of the work. Replacing assets often carries an unacceptably high carbon footprint, which can impact the environment, community and local businesses.

Several pipe and culvert remedial systems exist that are designed to eliminate the need for costly full replacement and/or open cut civil works.

This suite of solutions and technologies ranges from CCTV camera inspection and audit, robotics and point lining localised defect repairs, pipe-bursting and relining through to full structural culvert rehabilitations.

These state-of-the-art remediation solutions achieve results that often provide 50-to-100year design life for many of the challenging situations found in a variety of industries such as water, sewer, road, rail, local government, energy and mining; often without the need for open-cut replacement.

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PIPELINE TECHNOLOGY

DRAFT POLICY TO INCREASE USE OF RECYCLED WATER IN THE TWEED A new policy outlining arrangements for Tweed Shire Council to provide financial assistance to recycled water schemes is expected to bring recycled water use closer to its long-term target of 15 per cent.

Currently, between five and 8.9 per cent of recycled water produced at council’s wastewater treatment plants is used.

This figure, according to council’s Manager Water, Anthony Burnham, is considerably lower than the longer-term target of 15 per cent.

“Recycled water schemes can involve significant financial outlay for infrastructure

delivery, planning, studies and testing and consultation – all of which are barriers to implementing recycled water schemes,” Mr Burnham said.

“To bring the water recycling levels closer to the long-term target, council is proposing to provide financial assistance for recycled water schemes. Assessment of these schemes would be on a case-by-case basis.”

The policy provides advice for people seeking council support, as well as guidance for council to assess water recycling scheme proposals.

“Water recycling is becoming a critical element for managing our water resources and is a key component of council’s Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy,” Mr Burnham said.

He said he expected the nature of applications for financial assistance would vary considerably.

“Recycled water schemes may involve irrigation systems for crops (cane), recreational uses (race courses and golf courses), environmental initiatives (koala food plantations) or even nurseries.”

WASTEWATER UPGRADE FOR LOGAN’S EASTERN CATCHMENT A $6 million project to construct nearly two kilometres of new 500mm diameter wastewater pipeline is underway within the City of Logan in south east Queensland.

The new pipeline is being delivered to help transport growing wastewater flows from Logan’s eastern catchment to the Loganholme Wastewater Treatment Plant more than three kilometres away.

The project is being managed by Logan Water Alliance – a team that has successfully delivered more than $200 million of new water and wastewater infrastructure for council over the past five years.

Logan Water Alliance (LWA) is a publicprivate sector enterprise comprising Logan City Council and engineering service providers Tenix, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Cardno.

All works are expected to be completed

by May 2015, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Council’s Roads and Water Infrastructure Committee Chair, Don Petersen, said the population growth in the city’s eastern catchment meant an upgrade of the local wastewater network had become a priority.

“There are a number of new developments nearing completion in Bethania and Waterford, and several more planned within the next few years,” Cr Petersen said.

“Current estimates indicate that upon ultimate development of the area, Logan’s eastern catchment will have grown by more than 55 per cent.”

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Cr Petersen said as well as providing network capacity benefits for Logan’s eastern catchment, the new pipeline would free-up much needed capacity within the nearby Beenleigh network.

Cr Luke Smith said the new pipeline would be installed through government and privately-owned parcels of land in Bethania, Loganholme and Tanah Merah, using a variety of construction methods.

“Most of the pipeline will be installed via open trench, but where it crosses waterways and the Queensland Rail

corridor, trenchless construction methods will be used.

“This includes installation of the pipeline across the Logan River via horizontal directional drill, and beneath the Queensland Rail corridor and other local waterways via pipe ramming,” he said.

Cr Smith said surrounding residents may notice increased levels of noise and dust, more frequent truck movements, vegetation clearing, and temporary closure of some council-owned spaces during the construction period.

Stormwater Review contains case studies of leading stormwater projects as well as timely updates about developments within the stormwater industry. For further information about how to contribute an article please email Rex Pannell at rex.pannell@commstrat.com.au

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STORMWATER REVIEW

IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF TUGGERAH LAKES Wyong Shire Council on the New South Wales Central Coast will receive more than $3 million in Federal funding to help upgrade the water quality in the Tuggerah Lakes.

The $3.3 million will be given to the council over three years as part of the National Landcare Program.

The money will be used to upgrade stormwater treatment zones and gross pollutant traps, including the removal of sediment and other organic matter, and re-profiling the Canton Beach foreshore to recreate a natural beach shoreline.

Tuggerah Lakes is one of five waterways across Australia to share in more than $9 million of Coastal River Recovery funding.

In addition to this funding, there is potential for other National Landcare Program and Green Army projects to deliver action to further improve the environmental health of rivers and lakes.

UPGRADED FITZROY GARDENS INCLUDE WATER HARVESTING FACILITY One of Melbourne’s largest water harvesting facilities is a key feature of a $14 million makeover of the iconic Fitzroy Gardens by the City of Melbourne.

While unveiling the makeover on 11 February, Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, said the stormwater harvesting and re-use system would preserve heritage sites while future-proofing the gardens from the effects of climate change.

“Visitors will notice new lawns and better views of Captain Cooks’ Cottage, but what they won’t see is a sophisticated underground stormwater tank that is securing the water supply for these 167-year-old gardens,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The stormwater tank is twice the size of an Olympic swimming pool and provides half the annual watering needs of the gardens.

“It will save 59 million litres of potable water each year to keep the gardens lush and green.”

The Fitzroy Gardens is home to some of Melbourne’s oldest and most magnificent trees, the Scarred Tree, the Fairies’ Tree, the

River God fountain, the Tudor Village and the impressive floral displays at the Conservatory.

The four-year, $13.9 million redevelopment includes: • Installation of a five million-litre underground stormwater tank; • A new visitor centre and 80 seat café; • Reconstruction of an original creek line at the southern end of the Gardens; • Planting of more than 150 new shrubs and ferns, 45 new trees, and 500 new ground covers; and • A new works depot for Fitzroy, Treasury and other city gardens.

CALIFORNIA LOOKS TO MELBOURNE TO HELP BEAT DROUGHT A 16-member US delegation visited Melbourne for several days in late 2014 to learn about how the city coped with the record-breaking drought of the late 1990s and 2000s, and how those lessons could be applied in Los Angeles.

The Californian city is experiencing one of the worst droughts in its history.

“Los Angeles is in a similar situation to Melbourne in 2009, when we faced severe water restrictions, record breaking heatwaves and devastating bushfires,” Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, said.

“We responded by planting thousands of trees and expanding our stormwater harvesting capacity so we can collect, clean and reuse our city’s most precious resource.

“We are proud that our city’s investment in climate change resilience initiatives, which won a C40 & Siemens City Climate Leadership Award in New York in September (2014), can be used to help the people of Los Angeles and other cities across the world.”

The US delegation inspected stormwater harvesting infrastructure at a number of locations around the city.

The group included Federal Government representatives, California state and local officials, CEOs and directors of water agencies, researchers and policymakers, including Nancy Sutley, who spent six years as President Obama’s chief environmental adviser.

Chair of Melbourne City Council’s Environment Portfolio, Arron Wood, said Melbourne was the first city in Australia to develop a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.

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“We commenced the implementation of our Urban Landscapes Adaptation Program in 2010 to protect our people, businesses and trees after a decade of drought, low rainfalls and record-breaking extreme heat,” Cr Wood said.

“In the last four years we have spent $40 million above businessas-usual on a program of works to transition Melbourne’s urban landscapes from vulnerability to resilience. “We’ve reduced our reliance on potable drinking water through stormwater harvesting and planted 12,000 new trees.

“Both California and Victoria face long dry summers and the increasing risk of bushfires and intense heatwaves. By sharing our responses to these challenges we can continue to build resilience into our cities and show leadership in responding to climate change,” Cr Wood said.

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NEWS

ROADS INVESTMENT KEY TO DEVELOPMENT OF SECOND SYDNEY AIRPORT Investing in roads and finalising plans to secure employment land around Sydney’s second airport site in the west of the city is key to a New South Wales Government plan to generate employment in the region, according to Planning Minister, Pru Goward.

Ms Goward said up to 8,000 new jobs could be created following an investment of $30 million in new roads.

And – in addition – the government had finalised plans to lock-in land around the site of the airport making way for more than 57,000 jobs over the next 30 years.

Ms Goward said infrastructure remained a critical factor in the take-up of industrial land, with roads paving the way forward to activate employment precincts like the Western Sydney Employment Area.

“This is smart planning as we work to rebuild NSW – locking in employment land and investing in the infrastructure we need to secure jobs in western Sydney now and into the future.

“With about 40 per cent of all jobs in our west located in an industrial precinct, it’s critical we harness the potential of western Sydney as the nation’s third largest economy by investing in infrastructure.”

In total, around 420 hectares of employment land will benefit from recently

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announced road projects as part of the Australian and NSW Government, jointly funded, $3.6 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan which includes: • $1.6 billion to upgrade The Northern Road between Narellan Road and the M4 Motorway; • $1.25 billion to build a new motorway between the M7 Motorway and The Northern Road as part of the Local Roads Package, which is fully funded by the Australian Government; • $500 million to upgrade Bringelly Road between Camden Valley Way and The Northern Road; • $70 million for Werrington Arterial – Stage 1 to improve connections to and from the M4 Motorway; • $17.5 million for an upgrade to Eagle Vale Drive; • $5.8 million for intersection upgrades for the Cumberland Highway (between Fairfield and Cabramatta, improving local connections to the arterial road network); • $5.7 million for an upgrade of Wetherill St; and • $1.1 million to undertake a traffic, safety and scoping study to determine intersection upgrade requirements on

The Northern Road and Erskine Park Road (improving connections to the M4).

These projects will unlock employment land in six parts of the Western Sydney Employment Area including 183 hectares at Erskine Park, 78 hectares at North Penrith, 73 hectares at Smeaton Grange, 36 hectares at Turner Road, 33 hectares at Wetherill Park and 18 hectares at Oran Park.

Ms Goward said the investment was in addition to the recently opened $280 million upgrade to Camden Valley Way which linked the M5 and M7 motorways to the South West Growth Centre.

“We estimate these employment lands with improved infrastructure and access can accommodate over 8,000 new jobs, once fully developed.

“Although we have about 40 years’ worth of future employment land earmarked for our growing economy, we need to keep rolling out new infrastructure to bring these precincts online and transform them from undeveloped land, to jobs generators for our state’s future.”

Significant road infrastructure projects boost business and investor confidence in NSW with the value of industrial development approvals boosting from $510 million in 201112 to $650 million in 2012-13.

ROAD AND RAIL PROJECTS FUEL ECONOMIES IN AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST Billions of dollars in investment in road and rail projects is helping to drive economies in the Middle East and Africa, according to a report

by Timetric’s Construction Intelligence Center.

The Construction and Intelligence Center specialises in data and analysis relating to the global construction industry.

The report showed Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates took the top three positions relating to investment in the transport infrastructure sector.

It said the region had two diverse markets: the resource-rich but relatively undeveloped African countries requiring and attracting huge overseas investment in transport infrastructure; and the oil-rich countries in the Middle East that were forging ahead with rapid metro developments in major cities such as Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh and Mecca.

Timetric estimated that US$791 billion of road and rail-related projects were being

planned or underway in the 21 countries studied, with Nigeria accounting for US$108 billion of these projects.

Rail projects dominated overall and accounted for US$490 billion of total projects valued. Large-scale rail and metro developments were driving the second and third placed markets of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, according to the report.

The top 11 countries of Algeria, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Republic of Guinea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE accounted for US$645 billion or 82% of total projects value.

“Investment in railways and metro projects in the Middle East and Africa is outstripping road investment, with governments attracting large investment and participation from overseas, particularly from China in African countries where huge funding has been forthcoming,” says Neil Martin, Manager at Timetric CIC.

“The US, following the efforts of Europe and China, is now promising more funding and participation in the development of infrastructure in African countries, as demonstrated by the August 2014 US summit with African heads of state, when large investment was pledged for the continent.”

The report said major rail projects had been planned for Nigeria, Iraq and Qatar, with Iraq’s planned National Rail Network worth US$70 billion and Nigeria’s West Coast High Speed Rail worth US$59 billion. Qatar was undertaking an Integrated Rail Network worth US$43 billion.

The largest value road developments were found in Algeria and Qatar with examples of many high value projects including the US$11.2 billion East-West Highway Development in Algeria and the US$5 billion Qatar – Bahrain Causeway.

NEW GOVERNMENT NEEDS BLUEPRINT TO PROTECT QUARRY RESOURCES Protecting Queensland’s quarry resources needs to be a key part of infrastructure planning under the new State Government, according to peak industry group, Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA).

CCAA called on the Palaszczuk Government to deliver a long-term plan for accessing and protecting quarry resources from incompatible development.

“Labor’s commitment to well targeted and efficiently delivered infrastructure in its Building Queensland Policy is dependent on the planning, protection and approval of quarries and construction materials’ facilities,” said CCAA State Director, Aaron Johnstone.

Mr Johnstone said quarries, particularly in south-east Queensland, had been under increasing pressure in recent years from encroaching urban development and council approval delays.

“If this continues, it will become more and more difficult for these quarries to operate efficiently, which will impact on the cost of delivering concrete and other construction materials for the state.

“Each and every Queenslander requires at least 10 tonnes per annum of quarry material to support the building of the state’s roads, hospitals, houses and other infrastructure.

“Quarry materials are sourced from highly specific geological areas. The further away they are from end-use, the higher the cost.

That’s why it’s critical that we protect our quarry resources and facilitate more timely approvals,” Mr Johnstone said.

CCAA has released its Policy Priorities statement, Providing the Materials to Build Queensland, which outlines challenges and recommended actions for the new government.

“With a population heading towards eight million by 2044, an uncertain economy and an environment where extreme weather events occur regularly, we need to plan for our future,” Mr Johnstone said.

“To ensure quarry materials are available now and into the future, the government should establish a ‘one-stop shop’, specifically charged with overseeing its plan for construction materials.”

Mr Johnstone said the industry also wanted to see stronger provisions within the State Planning Policy for protecting Key Resource Areas (KRAs), and for the state to be the main decision-maker for quarries - particularly major quarry projects - with local government a key stakeholder.

He said CCAA also wanted to see more robust systems to prevent incompatible development near concrete plants and cement facilities, and a continuing focus on reducing red and green tape.

“Successive governments in Queensland have put in place a number of important reforms which support our industry, such as the introduction of the Key Resource Areas policy in 2007, as well as more recent planning and vegetation reforms.

“However, much more needs to be done, and we want to work closely with the new government to help drive the changes to protect and access our resources for the benefit of all Queenslanders.”

The CCAA Policy Priorities 2015 document is available at the CCAA website ROADS FEB/MARCH 2015

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NEWS

IMPROVING CAPACITY OF TIGER BRENNAN DRIVE More than $100 million of Federal and Northern Territory Government funds are being invested in new works to increase the capacity of Tiger Brennan Drive.

Works to upgrade the key Darwin arterial commenced on 9 December 2014 and construction of various elements of the project is expected to be completed in mid-2016.

Tiger Brennan Drive links Darwin’s Central Business District with suburban Berrimah and continues to a connection with the Stuart Highway at Palmerston.

The two-lane single carriageway currently carries more than 22,000 vehicles a day, and is already at capacity during peak hours.

Once completed, the project will reduce traffic delays and ease the frustration of drivers by increasing the road capacity.

Northern Territory Minister for Transport, Peter Styles, said construction would include the duplication of nine kilometres of inbound lanes and one additional bridge structure at Hidden Valley.

“There will also be four major intersection upgrades and installation of a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians. Most of the works will be done adjacent to the current road to minimise any traffic impacts,” Mr Styles said.

“This project will also improve investment opportunities for local business in the region through improved productivity on the road.”

The Tiger Brennan Drive duplication is jointly funded, with the Federal Government injecting $70 million and the Northern Territory Government contributing $33 million.

VITAL SAFETY UPGRADES FOR MIDLAND HIGHWAY Work is underway on improving the safety of the Midland Highway – one of Tasmania’s most strategic passenger and freight routes.

Contracts have been awarded to Tasmanian civil construction companies for six priority projects along the highway – projects that will employ about 180 people and inject $16 million into the local economy.

Work on the projects is expected to continue until April 2015: • South of Kempton road widening over 3km to install safety barrier – Hazell Bros ($4.4m); • South of Spring Hill road widening over 3km to install safety barrier – Hazell Bros ($4.3m); • North of Spring Hill road widening over 3km to install safety barrier – VEC Civil Engineering ($3.4m);

• South of Tunbridge curve improvement – Shaw Contracting ($1.1m); • Esk Main Road Junction to Conara northbound acceleration lane – Shaw Contracting ($1.6m); and • Kings Meadows Connector new roundabout to address queuing onto the Midland Highway – VEC Civil Engineering ($1.2m).

Rene Hidding, Tasmania’s Minister for Infrastructure, said the upgrades were about improving safety as soon as possible at high-risk locations and were part of the State and Federal Government agreement to invest $500 million in improving the Midland Highway.

Mr Hidding said the government remained committed to progressively upgrading the Midland Highway to four lanes, but safety issues had to be recognised.

“The crash history of the highway demands that the focus in the immediate term must be on safety improvements at targeted sites to help lower the risk of serious casualties.

“Using the AusRAP methodology – which is the national road safety audit approach initiated by the combined national motoring associations, including the RACT – our objective is to lift the safety standard of this strategic highway to a minimum 3 Star AusRAP safety rating over its entire length.”

Mr Hidding said between Bagdad and Perth, more than 70 per cent of crashes were singlevehicle loss of control or head-on crashes.

“That is why we’re installing median flexible safety barriers, which reduce the risk of serious injury crashes by up to 90 per cent, installing audible edge lines – rumble strips – and removing roadside hazards.

TOWNSVILLE PROJECT HELPS SECURE FLOOD-PROOFED ROADS The upgrade of Blakey’s Crossing at Townsville was completed last November with the new flood-proofed road now carrying traffic.

This upgrade will ensure Ingham Road at Blakey’s Crossing will no longer close during summer floods - the work realigned and raised about 800 metres of road and included two new bridges.

Townsville City Council Infrastructure Chair, Trevor Roberts, said the council’s project management team and contractor, BMD Constructions, had delivered an accelerated construction program to have the crossing open ahead of the original February 2015 deadline.

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“Our key objective was to get the crossing open to motorists before the onset of the wet season and the project team has done a fantastic job to get it over the line,” Cr Roberts said.

“The decision to close the crossing to all traffic back in April (2014) enabled crews to build the bridges and embankment with fewer disruptions and get the job done sooner for the local community.”

The project had been expected to cost $24 million, but careful management enabled $5 million of savings to be made.

Project statistics • The project provided around 350 jobs over

the duration of the work.

• Its total length is 1050 metres, plus intersection work and the service road at the Duckworth Street end.

• Approximately 75,000 tonnes of material was imported and used in the construction of embankments.

• Two bridges were constructed; the threespan, 60 metre bridge over Peewee Creek and the seven-span, 140 metre long bridge over Louisa Creek.

• A total of 80 piles were driven for the two bridges at depths of 20-25 metres.

• A total of 170, 15-20 tonne concrete deck units were used for the two bridges.

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NEWS

NEW BRIDGE FOR SHOALHAVEN RIVER

IMPROVEMENTS TO ‘FATAL’ STRETCH OF BRUCE HIGHWAY

Geotechnical investigations are underway into a new bridge to be constructed over the Shoalhaven River at Nowra on the New South Wales south coast. Planning and pre-construction works for the new bridge have attracted $10 million in Federal funding and $2 million from the NSW Government.

The works will provide important information about ground conditions under the river bed and inform the design of the bridge’s foundations. The existing bridge is 130 years old and not suitable for the increasing volume of traffic using it, with almost 50,000 vehicles crossing the bridge each day.

A new crossing over the Shoalhaven River would greatly reduce congestion on the Princes Highway, in particular at the Illaroo Road, Bolong Road and Bridge Road/Pleasant Way intersections.

A decision has not been made on what will happen to the old bridge and community involvement will be sought through community drop-in sessions, phone, email or social media.

Construction is expected to start in March 2015 on what the Federal and Queensland Governments describe as “urgent safety works” on the Bruce Highway south of Gympie.

The project will be permanently integrated with future works which will take place as part of the Cooroy to Curra upgrade of the highway.

From 2000 to 2010, there were 82 crashes along the section, involving seven fatalities; underlining the importance of fixing the road.

The works will involve road widening and establishing new medians. Further intersection works at Venardos Avenue and Six Mile Creek rest area will also be carried out.

The safety works on the highway south of Gympie will cost $26.5 million, with the Federal Government contributing up to $21.2 million and the Queensland Government spending $5.3 million.

FREIGHT INNOVATION TRIALS TO BEGIN IN VICTORIA The Victorian Government is sponsoring a new framework to trial technology on the Victorian road network – technology it says will improve the operation of heavy vehicles and promote the state as Australia’s freight and logistics capital.

Minister for Roads, Luke Donnellan, called on the heavy vehicle, freight and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) industries to contribute innovative approaches to using ITS and associated technology, to improve the productivity and safety of road freight transport.

Mr Donnellan said VicRoads and Transport Certification Australia (TCA) would assess proposals against a set of strategic and technical principles, and implement trials over the next 12 months.

He said the range of ideas could include technologies that: 64

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• improve traffic signals for heavy vehicles; • advise drivers of rest area locations so they can manage fatigue; • alert them of low clearance routes or other restricted routes; or • link them with the rail network to help avoid delays around rail crossings.

This initiative, Mr Donnellan said, was part of the Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan which aimed to develop freight technology demonstration projects that improved the way Victoria’s roads were managed and improved transport and logistics routes.

If a trial of a technology proved successful, VicRoads could build a business case for securing government funding to further develop and implement the technology across the road transport sector.

Mr Donnellan said the freight and logistics sector contributed between $19 billion and

$23 billion, representing eight per cent of Victoria’s annual Gross State Product (GSP).

He said the government was working with businesses and utilising their knowledge and ideas to make the freight industry safer and more efficient.

“If a trial of a technology proves successful, VicRoads can build a business case for securing Victorian Government funding to further develop and implement that technology across the road transport sector.”

VicRoads Director of Road Operations, Dean Zabrieszach, said VicRoads and Transport Certification Australia were asking the heavy vehicle, freight and ITS industries to come forward with innovative proposals to trial ITS and technologies that could make the freight and logistics sector safer and more reliable.

LOADERS

HITACHI EXTENDS CHOICEPLUS PROGRAM Following the popularity of the ChoicePlus programs, Hitachi Construction machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd (HCA), is extending the Wheel Loader and Excavator ChoicePlus promotion until 31 March 2015.

ChoicePlus gives Hitachi excavator and Hitachi and John Deere wheel loader customers the chance to choose their own reward, each worth thousands of dollars when they purchase a new machine.

Customers who order a new Hitachi excavator or Hitachi, or John Deere wheel loader until the end of March will be able to choose between 12 months of free servicing, a free four-year powertrain warranty, reduced finance of 3.99% up to five years, a trip to Hitachi’s factory in Japan and more options.

HCA’s Director – Sales (Construction, Forestry and Mining) Gilberto Pauleta said Hitachi and John Deere were well known as premium brands and his company was focused on delivering excellent value and return on investment.

“I think contractors who take a look at what they get when they choose Hitachi or John Deere will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the product and the price. We’re excited to extend the

ChoicePlus program allowing customers to choose the additional reward which suits them best.

“The free service offer is worth between $4,000 and $12,000 depending on the size of the machine. Our standard powertrain warranty is 36 months, so the ChoicePlus option is a significant stepup for customers interested in the extra peace of mind that comes from an extended warranty.

“As for the exclusive factory trip, we think this will be a real eye opener for those who have not previously been to our factories,” Mr Pauleta said.

ChoicePlus is available across the Hitachi excavator range from the 8-tonne ZX85 to the 82-tonne ZX870 and the Hitachi wheel loader range from 1.1m3 bucket ZW100 to 3.7m3 ZW250, as well as the John Deere wheel loader range from 3.6m3 724K to 5.5m3 844K, while stocks last.

“This is about delivering added value and thanking our customers for choosing HCA to do business with” he said.

For details about ChoicePlus, including terms and conditions, visit www.hcma.com.au/choice-plus-stage

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ROAD SAFETY

MORE FOCUS NEEDED ON SAFETY OUTCOMES OF INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT Debate on infrastructure investment focused on productivity benefits at the expense of safety outcomes, according to Assistant Minister for Infrastructure, Jamie Briggs.

Speaking in Federal Parliament in December 2014 on the release of a key Road Trauma Report, Mr Briggs said the safety benefits generated from better roads should not be underestimated.

“For instance, duplication of the Hume Highway has reduced annual fatalities by 85 per cent, and cut annual crashes from 2,499 in 1976 to 1,062 in 2013,” he told the House of Representatives.

“Similarly, fatalities have been halved on the Pacific Highway since upgrades began in the mid-1990s.

“The New South Wales Government has estimated that upgrading the Pacific Highway to dual carriageway will prevent 1,000 deaths and 7,400 injuries.”

Mr Briggs said Canberra’s record $50 billion investment in infrastructure would deliver new corridors in all major cities, making a massive difference to road safety.

“The Perth Freight Link in WA is expected to remove tens of thousands of vehicles a day from the surrounding road network.

Similarly, the WestConnex project in New South Wales is expected to remove 3,000 trucks a day from Parramatta Road.

“Each of these investments will save lives and reduce road trauma, not only on these major highways, but also on the nearby local road network.

“Road safety benefits will similarly flow from our investments in the North South Corridor in Adelaide, the Gateway Motorway North in Brisbane, and the Midland Highway in Tasmania.”

Mr Briggs said the government had allocated $229 million to establish the National Highway Upgrade Program which was designed to improve Australia’s key national highway networks by funding the types of minor works recommended by the report on road trauma.

“We are also investing an additional $200 million in the Black Spot Program, bringing our total commitment to $500 million over the next five years. A recent evaluation of 66

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the program found that fatal and casualty crashes are reduced at treated sites by 30 per cent, equalling one life per year for every 84 projects.”

Mr Briggs told the House that despite improvements in road safety and continued reductions in road deaths and injuries, the report showed road trauma remained a huge cost to the nation, at an estimated $27 billion per year.

This is the equivalent of 18 per cent of health expenditure and 1.8 per cent of Gross Domestic Product.

The Minister said every life lost on Australia’s roads was a tragedy and the government was committed to doing more to further reduce the road toll.

He said the National Road Safety Strategy championed the vision that no person should be killed or seriously injured on the roads.

“Everyone has a role to play in this vision; from each level of government to every road user.

“While state governments carry core responsibility for road safety, the Australian Government can make a valuable contribution by building better roads, improving vehicle safety, and driving a coordinated approach.”

Globally, Mr Briggs said, vehicle technology was on the edge of major transformations which would exponentially reduce the road toll.

“For instance, autonomous emergency braking systems are expected to save over 1,200 lives and prevent 54,000 hospitalised injuries by 2033.

“Critically, these improvements will be of key benefit to cyclists and pedestrians – some of our most vulnerable road users who are over represented in road toll figures.

“While this progress is being driven by industry, the government will have a key role in promoting this technology in Australia.

“Although the government has no direct control over road rules, we do determine which new vehicles enter the Australian fleet under the Motor Vehicles Standards Act. “In recent years, sections of the Act have become outdated as significant changes in vehicle technology and vehicle manufacturing have taken place,” Mr Briggs said.

“We need an efficient regulatory system that encourages innovation, improves productivity and provides for competition.

This is why I announced a major review of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act. “The Review will be focused on reducing the regulatory burden on business, and ensuring that consumers have access to the safest cars, at the lowest possible cost.

“Pending the outcomes of this Review, I have initiated a process to accelerate harmonisation of Australian Design Rules with international standards. Harmonisation will keep our standards in line with international best practice.”

“Critically, these improvements will be of key benefit to cyclists and pedestrians – some of our most vulnerable road users who are over represented in road toll figures.”

ROAD SAFETY

IMPROVING ROAD WORKS SAFETY IN TASMANIA The Tasmanian Government has engaged the Civil Contractors’ Federation to conduct traffic management audits on Department of State Growth road work sites to improve safety and consistency in traffic management.

Rene Hidding, State Minister for Infrastructure, said the audits were the first stage of delivering the government’s commitment to improve road works traffic management.

“Improving our road infrastructure is a strong priority and road works are a vital part of delivering this.

“We know drivers can become frustrated with delays during road works, particularly

when variable signage is used or speed limits seem to be unreasonably low,” Minister Hidding said.

“We also recognise that, in some cases, signage at road works sites can be inconsistent and that contractors can do better in this area.

“These new traffic management audits are designed to improve the safety and consistency of road works sites.”

Mr Hidding said safety at road works was an important issue around Australia and his department was working with its counterparts in other states and industry bodies nationally to address the issue.

“With a number of construction projects underway across Tasmania in the warmer months, including six sites on the Midland Highway, I am reminding motorists that traffic management is an unavoidable part of road works and the workers are there to make roads more efficient and safer for the travelling public.”

Mr Hidding said at times, it may not be obvious why road signs were posted but he urged motorists be patient, slow down, obey the signage and take caution while travelling through road work sites.

“Every worker deserves to go home safely at the end of each day”.

OPEN SPEED LIMIT REVIEW ON NT HIGHWAY The Northern Territory Government is in the initial stages of reviewing the results of an open-speed limit trial on the Stuart Highway.

Following an initial 12-month period, the Department of Transport is undertaking a review of the trial to determine its success and future viability. In the meantime, the open speed limit conditions will remain in place.

The review will include an analysis of the following elements of the trial: • vehicle number, type and speed; • vehicle crash data; and • enforcement data.

The department has undertaken a road user survey to gain an understanding of the experiences of road users and their views on the investment made to improve road safety along the trial section of the highway.

Minister for Transport, Matt Conlan, said while data analysis was being finalised for the last quarter, road users had generally behaved very well during the trial period.

“It was pleasing to see that Territorians have acted responsibly with the open speed limit’s trial. A review process will now be undertaken so government can assess all facets of the trial,” Mr Conlan said.

“The government will wait to see the review before we make any decisions about making the open speed limit zones permanent or looking at other locations for open speed limits.”

The open speed limit trial applied to a 204 kilometre stretch of road, starting 37 kilometres south of Barrow Creek extending to 10 kilometres north of Alice Springs.

An extension was added to include a 72 kilometre stretch of road between the Ali Curung Rail Overpass to just north of Barrow Creek.

‘AUSTRALIAN FIRST’ ROAD SAFETY INITIATIVE IN GEELONG An intersection in Geelong is the site of an innovative road safety initiative which the Victorian Government has labelled an Australian first.

A safety platform – to be installed at the corner of Kidman Avenue and the Surf Coast Highway in Belmont – is based on a successful program in the Netherlands where safety was improved substantially by combining raised platforms with traffic signals.

State Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, who inspected the site with representatives from VicRoads, TAC and Victoria Police on 13 January, said the upgrade was part of the Safe System Road Infrastructure Program (SSRIP).

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It will include traffic lights and safety platforms that will help control the speed of vehicles as they pass through the intersection, reducing the risk of collisions and injuries.

“We’re searching the world for the best ideas and trialling them here, because road safety matters,” Mr Donnellan said.

“This is an Australian first. Research suggests that the new, innovative design can save lives.”

The safety platforms are designed so drivers will slow down as they enter and pass through the intersection. They look similar to speed humps installed on some local roads.

Between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012, there were six casualty

crashes at this intersection, four of which involved right-turning traffic struck by through-traffic.

The intersection pilot is based on intersection safety research conducted in Victoria by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC). Road safety experts and independent consultants were involved in the design of the treatment.

VicRoads has completed traffic modelling of the safety platforms, indicating minimal impact to travel times. $1.4 million in funding was provided by the Victorian Government and TAC as part of the SSRIP – the centrepiece of the Victorian Government’s plans to reduce fatal and serious injuries on the road.

WA GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES ROAD TOLL RESPONSE The Western Australian Government has launched a three-pronged response to what it calls the “terrible road toll” in WA in 2014.

Road Safety Minister, Liza Harvey, said the response would target speed; motorcycle fatalities; and country road crashes.

“Speed cameras have a long-proven ability to slow motorists down and change their driving behaviour while the two reviews will come up with methods to drive down motorcycle fatalities as well as country road deaths,” Ms Harvey said.

Four additional fixed speed cameras will be installed in existing locations across the metropolitan area bringing the total operating at all times to five. The additional fixed cameras will cost $3.2 million The Minister said the Motorcycle Safety Review group would involve a number of

agencies which would conduct a detailed analysis of motorcycle fatal and serious crashes from the past five years.

“The group will look at crash types, locations and factors and then look to establish clear measures to improve rider safety in the areas of roads, vehicle safety, speed and rider behaviour,” she said.

The Motorcycle Safety Review group includes the Office of Road Safety, WA Police, Department of Transport, Main Roads and Insurance Commission of WA. Ms Harvey said the Wheatbelt trial of the Regional Highway Safety Review would see

multiple agencies travel notorious sections of highway and then identify practical safety measures to improve safety.

“Single vehicle crashes on country roads remains a significant factor in the road toll and this new method targets specific crash clusters which is aimed at having a greater impact on reducing fatal and serious crashes.”

Regional Highway Safety Review coordinated by the Office of Road Safety, WA Police and Main Roads The Government’s road toll response measures and review outcomes will be funded by the Road Trauma Trust Account.

SA MOTOR ACCIDENT COMMISSION AND EUROPCAR DRIVES SAFETY MESSAGE South Australia’s Motor Accident Commission has formed a partnership with Europcar Australia to improve road safety this summer.

Recognising that driver fatigue is one of the biggest dangers on our roads, Europcar will support the Commission’s Refresh campaign, which is designed to raise awareness of the need to take regular breaks from driving.

Europcar Australia Managing Director, Ron Santiago, said with fatigue contributing to more than one-in-10 fatal car crashes, it was important to address this serious safety concern.

“Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as drink driving and can affect anyone, which is why it’s so important to raise awareness of fatigue road safety messages,” Mr Santiago said.

“Summer is typically a peak period for driving holidays and road trips, which makes it all the more important to promote the need to take regular breaks and stay refreshed when on the road.”

As part of the partnership, all Europcar customers will receive free luggage tags in their vehicles that feature Refresh Your Drive campaign tips. The tips include: • Take a break from driving: at least 15 minutes every two hours; • Begin your trip after a good night’s sleep; • Avoid driving more than eight-to-10 hours in any one day; • Avoid driving at times you would normally be asleep; and • If possible, share the drive by rotating drivers every two hours.

MAC General Manager Road Safety, Michael Cornish, said fatigue could affect

any driver, with crash data spread evenly across all age groups. And fatigue could be even more of a problem in the afternoon than after midnight.

“Fatigue is one of the biggest risks on our roads and managing it depends on drivers assessing their own driving ability, which is why we are pleased that Europcar is supporting the Refresh Your Drive campaign with this pilot program,” Mr Cornish said.

Mr Santiago said Europcar had a proud history of supporting road safety.

“As one of Australia’s leading providers of rental vehicles, we believe it is our obligation to do everything we can to ensure the safety of our customers when they’re on the road, along with the safety of other drivers and passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.”

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ROAD SAFETY

HAZARD PROTECTION ON THE SOUTHERN EXPRESSWAY DUPLICATION The Southern Expressway is an 18.5 kilometre carriageway connecting Adelaide’s Main South Road at Darlington with Main South Road at Old Noarlunga.

Before the project, it provided for travel in one direction only. On weekdays, traffic flows north from two o’clock in the morning to 12.30 in the afternoon, and south from two o’clock in the afternoon to 12:30 in the morning.

During the 90 minute changeover period, access to the road is progressively closed and re-opened to traffic. On weekends and public holidays, the times for northbound and southbound traffic flows are reversed.

This was the world’s longest reversible one way freeway.

The Southern Expressway Duplication project has transformed the reversible expressway into a conventional two-way expressway opened to two-way traffic on 3 August 2014. The duplication was built entirely on the western side of the original roadway, with three lanes from Darlington to Reynella and two lanes from Reynella and Old Noarlunga.

The project also widened the existing expressway bridges over local roads, lengthened pedestrian and road bridges over the Southern Expressway, and added new onramps and off-ramps at existing interchanges.

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Design of the project coincided with the introduction of the Ezy-Guard Smart system into the Australian safety barrier market. Due to its proven high-performance characteristics, this MASH Test Level 3 system was chosen to mitigate many of the associated safety hazards from such a busy freeway.

Installations included median and verge applications to prevent run-off-road

vehicles from impacting rigid roadside hazards or entering non-recoverable embankments. These verge installations typically used the energy-absorbing ET2000 Plus or MELT end treatments.

Installation was carried out by SA Guardrail Pty. Ltd., one of the leading dedicated installers of road safety barriers in South Australia.

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SMART CUSHION APPROVED FOR USE ON AUSTRALIAN ROADS In a major step forward in Australian road safety, the high performance SMART CUSHION speed-dependent crash attenuator has been approved for use in Australia.

The first official acceptance, for use on the New South Wales classified road network, was issued at the start of July (2014) by NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS). The acceptance includes both the SCI100GM SMART CUSHION (tested containment of 2,000kg at 100km/h) and SCI70GM SMART CUSHION (tested containment of 2,000kg at 70km/h) variants.

The NSW RMS acceptance followed an in-depth assessment of the SMART CUSHION’s design and performance by the Austroads Safety Barrier Assessment Panel, which determined the system was suitable for use on the classified road network.

Paul Hansen, Managing Director of road safety systems and engineering specialists, and SMART CUSHION’s exclusive Australian distributor, LB Australia Pty Ltd, commented: “It’s a remarkable system that has proven its life-saving performance in thousands of vehicular impacts at locations across the USA and has set a new benchmark for crash attenuator performance during and after an impact,” he said.

As the world’s only speed-dependent crash attenuator, SMART CUSHION’s design is unlike any other crash attenuator on the market. It is the only barrier design that absorbs all the impact energy without deforming elastomeric materials, damaging the attenuator or rebounding the vehicle.

Recognised by road authorities and emergency services alike, the SMART CUSHION speed-dependent crash attenuator has been directly credited with significantly reducing the seriousness of injuries to vehicle 72

ROADS FEB/MARCH 2015

occupants during an impact and also with delivering a significant reduction in repair costs and repair times following an impact.

Its performance in the field has seen SMART CUSHION become the impact attenuator of choice for an ever-increasing number of road authorities throughout America and beyond.

Several US States have even applied for and been granted the right to sole source SMART CUSHION for all Federally-funded projects.

Proven Performance – Smart Design The key to SMART CUSHION’s performance lies within its unique design, which incorporates methodologies to dissipate energy by mechanical and by hydraulic means.

Paul Hansen explained: “The impacting vehicle’s momentum is safely reduced by three interacting processes simultaneously dissipating energy. It’s an innovative product which is well founded on good engineering design and is considered to be the leader in what may be a new generation of smart attenuators.”

There are two SMART CUSHION models depending on the road speed classification and the traffic mix. The most common model is the NCHRP350 TL3 tested model that is widely used across the USA. This model was tested at 100kph with a two tonne pick-up truck.

The other model is the NCHRP350 TL2 model tested at 80kph and commonly used in work

zones and, where needed, on secondary lower speed roads. Both models are fully tested and were approved by the Federal Highways Agency for use some 10 years ago.

“Unlike the old style attenuators, the SMART CUSHION attenuator does not reach maximum stopping resistance unless a vehicle is travelling at the maximum design speed.

“The hydraulic porting in the cylinder ensures that in the case of an impact into the attenuator that is equal to or less than the equivalent force of a NCHRP350 TL3 or TL2 impact, the vehicle will stop before it reaches the end of the cushion’s usable length,” Mr Hansen said.

Specifically developed to maximize safety and reusability, SMART CUSHION’s fully redirective, non-gating, bi-directional design delivers outstanding performance and durability before, during and after an impact.

The unit’s side panels are fabricated from 10-guage (3.4mm), 60ksi (414MPa) minimum yield steel with a G90 galvanized coating for maximum service life, even under the harshest operating conditions.

The panels’ outer profile delivers a significant increase in strength and, the fact that it also allows for the edges to be bevelled, helps to reduce the potential for sagging and damage during reverse direction impacts.

The unit’s side panels have also been designed to withstand side impacts and the tubular support frames are rarely damaged during an impact.

SMART CUSHION’s design has smart features.

The front sled is roller guided and the rollers help to reduce friction and resistance at the point of impact, resulting in a smooth, straight mobilisation of the sled during an impact.

The wire rope, the sheaves and the hydraulic cylinder are located in the base between the tracks for the frames. These components are protected from damage and provide easy access when exposed for repair work. The hydraulic cylinder does not have a return spring, so there is no danger of vehicle rebound causing a secondary accident or incident.

For further information on the SMART CUSHION crash attenuator, go to www. smartcushion.com.au or contact LB Australia Pty Ltd, Ph: (02) 9631 8833 or Email: roadsafety@ lbaustralia.com.au.

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