Highway Engineering Australia V47.3 Oct-Nov 2015

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Editor’s Column

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Cover Story

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ISSN 0046-7391

oct/nov 2015 Volume 47 Number 3

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39 Stormwater Report

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45 Major Projects 55 Bridges 65 Industry News

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76 Road Safety

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About the Cover When it comes to providing location-based data for an increasingly autonomous world, ‘close enough’ is definitely ‘not good enough’.

HERE uses data from a range of sources including its fleet of over 400 LiDAR equipped field cars to create world-leading 3D point cloud maps with the lane-specific road network detail required to facilitate autonomous navigation.

Turn to Page 12 for the full story.

EDITOR’S COLUMN

It’s not about apportioning blame...

it’s about giving a fair go to those who do the right thing Dear Readers, Following my recent editorial, entitled “Technology critical in meeting future demands on our transport infrastructure network” which appeared September issue of Highway Engineering Australia (HEA) magazine, I received a number of emails (some signed, and some not) accusing me - quite unfairly I believe - of laying the blame for all of the ills of the transport network at the feet of truck drivers. This was, it appears, primarily as a result of my suggestion that EWD’s (Electronic Work Diaries) are an excellent replacement for manual Log Books for the heavy transport industry.

While I always respect everyone’s right to hold a differing point of view to my own, I must reject any accusation that I am trying to blame truck drivers for all of the problems on our roads. Indeed, I am not looking to ‘blame’ truck drivers for anything.

As in all segments of society, there are some truck drivers that blatantly flaunt the law and give all a bad name; but I, for one, believe that these ‘cowboys’ are well and truly in the minority. And when I say ‘cowboys’, I am not only referring to rogue drivers, but also the rogue operators that entice or encourage drivers to flaunt the laws.

With that in mind, I believe that the introduction of new technologies such as EWD’s will effectively ‘level the playing field’ so that all drivers and operators will have to play by the same rules.

2 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

Again, I’m not suggesting that EWD’s are some type of ‘magic bullet’ solution for anything; or that all accidents involving trucks are the fault of the truck driver; or, perhaps most importantly, that all other vehicle drivers are blameless and/or comply with the road rules, or for that matter, display manners, common sense or common decency on the roads.

What I am suggesting, is that we must use the tools which are available to us to deliver the safest and most efficient road network possible - for all road users.

We have rules and regulations for ALL drivers, and while definitely not perfect, they MUST be adhered to. And those who do not comply with the rules and regulations should be penalised accordingly - regardless of whether they are driving a truck, car, motorbike, bicycle or are pedestrians.

EWD’s are not about victimising truck drivers - they’re about providing the safest possible workplace for truck drivers by eliminating the drivers that flaunt the mandatory rest break rules by cheating on their log books. I believe that EWD’s can deliver a range tangible benefits, including: a) improving OH&S conditions for truck drivers by ensuring that the mandated breaks are taken; b) eliminating the opportunity for unscrupulous operators to demand unrealistic (and illegal) delivery schedules from drivers by coercing or forcing them to forgo their mandatory rest breaks; and

c) improving road safety by eliminating the opportunity for irresponsible drivers (again, who I believe are in the minority) to forgo the mandated rest breaks and drive when they are in no condition to do so.

Put simply, I believe that EWD’s present an ideal opportunity to ‘level the playing field’ in the transport sector - ensuring that everyone has to play by the same rules. This, in turn, eliminates the opportunity for ANYONE (including owner operators AND transport companies) to promise what simply can’t be delivered safely and within the constraints of the law.

Hopefully, this will also lead to more realistic economies for ALL truck drivers. After all, if by law (taking into account maximum speed limits, required routes and mandated rest breaks) a trip must take 12 hours, NO ONE will be able to be promise that delivery at anything less than 12 hours. That delivery also won’t be able to be sustainably priced at anything less than 12 hours, so hopefully it will also play a major role in helping truck drivers to finally set realistic and sustainable benchmarks for remuneration. Pay that is based on ACTUAL hours driven and ACTUAL operating costs.

Anthony T Schmidt Managing Editor

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Report finds significant benefits from Australia’s toll roads

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oll roads in Australia have contributed billions of dollars a year in economic, social and environmental benefits, according to Transurban Limited.

Transurban manages and develops urban toll road networks in Australia and the United States – it has 12 roads in its Australian portfolio and two roads in the US. In Brisbane, its holdings include the Gateway and Logan Motorways, the CLEM7, Go Between Bridge and Legacy Way; in Sydney its holdings are Hills M2, Lane Cove Tunnel, Cross City Tunnel, the Eastern Distributor, Westlink M7 and M5 South West, while in Melbourne it operates CityLink.

Transurban’s holdings in the US are 495 Express Lanes and 95 Express Lanes in Virginia.

Group Chairman, Lindsay Maxsted, told the Annual General Meeting on 12 October that a report prepared by KPMG, one of the largest professional services companies in the world, estimated that Australia’s toll roads had directly contributed $52 billion in benefits over a 10-year period.

The report – Economic Contribution of Australia’s Toll Roads – said the benefits were realised in the form of travel time savings, reliability gains, and vehicle operating cost savings.

Mr Maxsted said in his address they included $24 billion in direct benefits to

business productivity, $28 billion in improvements to households and $336 million in environmental benefits through savings on greenhouse gas emissions.

Toll roads and their flow-on benefits had contributed $37 billion in increased GDP and provided 5,600 jobs a year.

The KPMG report contended that Australia’s toll roads had substantially increased accessibility to employment zones in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

“The report’s findings reinforce the importance of efficient transport networks in sustaining economic productivity and lifestyle standards in Australia’s biggest cities. ” Transurban Group Chairman, Lindsay Maxsted

4 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

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All photos courtesy of Transurban

SPECIAL FEATURE

“Reform to the funding model is critical and some difficult decisions will need to be made if we are to protect the liveability and productivity of our cities.”

“The most pronounced effect is in Brisbane where the Gateway Motorway, Gateway Extension Motorway and Logan Motorway connect major employment zones at Brisbane’s airport, port, and south west industrial areas, leading to an almost doubling accessibility to these areas relative to non-tolled routes” KPMG said the analysis undertaken in the report only considered the accrual of benefits to users of the toll roads – how much time and vehicle operating costs they saved.

It did not take into account the additional congestion that would be caused by road users if they had to use the non-tolled road network. Because of this, KPMG said, the analysis was deemed to be highly conservative.

Mr Maxsted said the report was commissioned to give Transurban a better understanding of the economic, environmental and social contribution of the toll roads in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

“The report’s findings reinforce the importance of efficient transport networks in sustaining economic productivity and lifestyle standards in Australia’s biggest cities.

“Our cities are facing increasing traffic congestion which is already threatening living standards and, as our population grows, we will face even further pressure.

6 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

“Transurban has continued to play a prominent role in progressing the public discourse on how to address this issue because we understand the importance of efficient transport networks in supporting continued growth.

“It will be impossible to get the best use of our networks and value for our investors, as well as our clients and customers, if our cities become consumed with congestion.”

Mr Maxsted said Australia’s current model for funding public road infrastructure was largely based on collecting the Federal fuel excise and State-based vehicle registrations and licence fees.

He said that funding model no longer generated sufficient revenue to meet current expenditure requirements, as revenue from fuel excise was declining with the move to more fuel-efficient cars.

“The system is complex and it is opaque with road users largely unaware of the contribution they make to fund the roads on which they drive. This means Australians are unlikely to appreciate the inherent inequities of the current system and the growing need for a solution.

“Reform to the funding model is critical and some difficult decisions will need to be made if we are to protect the liveability and productivity of our cities.”

Mr Maxsted said Transurban would undertake a Road Usage Study in Melbourne

over the next eight months involving about 1,200 drivers.

He said the study – the first of its kind in Australia – would monitor participants’ driving patterns under alternative forms of road pricing such as a rate per kilometre charge or fixed charge per trip.

“The purpose of the study is to provide a comprehensive insight into road user preferences and behaviour, and a pool of statistically meaningful data that can be used to inform the discussion about how to progress options for a sustainable road user funding model.

“This is an information gathering exercise and will have no impact on the current charging arrangements for our existing roads, which, of course, are bound by long-dated concession agreements with governments.”

Mr Maxsted told the AGM that proportional toll revenue increased by 39.6 per cent to more than $1.5 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation grew by 38 per cent.

He said for the first time, the results included revenue from Transurban’s Queensland network and Cross City Tunnel in Sydney, both of which were acquired last year.

The results also included toll income from the second Express Lanes project, which opened in the United States in late December 2014.

All photos in this article are courtesy of Transurban.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Labor’s blueprint for unlocking Australia’s infrastructure needs

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abor has unveiled its plan to unlock tens-of-billions-of-dollars in capital investment for key projects in all states of Australia and to create tens of thousands of jobs. The plan was released in the second week of October by Labor leader, Bill Shorten, and the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, who said a Labor Government would transform the way infrastructure was funded in Australia.

Mr Shorten and Mr Albanese said the plan would focus on elevating Infrastructure Australia to an active participant in the infrastructure market, mobilising private sector finance, Australia’s superannuation industry and international investors to bring online a national pipeline of investment.

Their initiative immediately drew criticism from Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister, Warren Truss, who said Labor had been left behind on infrastructure policy and their announcement had all the hallmarks of making policy on the run.

“Labor’s plan will leverage $10 billion of governmentbacked financing into tens of billions of dollars of private sector investment.

For example, in the case of the CEFC, every dollar of government financing is leveraging $2.20 in additional investment.”

8 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

Labor’s blueprint for infrastructure development was accompanied by an initial short-list of projects that the party supported and a commitment to work with State Governments to encourage development of an ongoing infrastructure project pipeline.

The initial list of projects included: • the Airport Rail to Badgerys Creek, connecting the Western and South lines; • the Melbourne Metro; • the Cross River Rail project in Brisbane; • the ‘G’ Light Rail on the Gold Coast; • planning work on the Ipswich Motorway Darra to Rocklea; • Tasmania’s Midland Highway; • Perth public transport; • Gawler Line electrification in Adelaide; and • the Pacific and Bruce Highway packages, projects that have been underway for several years, but need to be fast tracked to completion.

“Infrastructure Australia will be backed by a $10 billion financing facility that will give it the ability, as required, to deploy a

combination of guarantees, loans or equity to jump-start new projects,” Mr Shorten and Mr Albanese said.

“This will not be a grants program; the government will receive a return on these commercial investments.

“By 2025, Australia’s superannuation savings will be $4 trillion – this is money we should be putting to work on nationbuilding.”

Mr Shorten and Mr Albanese said Labor would establish this facility through the proven process for establishing the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

“Labor’s plan will leverage $10 billion of government-backed financing into tens of billions of dollars of private sector investment. For example, in the case of the CEFC, every dollar of government financing is leveraging $2.20 in additional investment.”

Using a conservative analysis, prepared

by Infrastructure Partners Australia, which assumes no additional leverage, a $10 billion infrastructure investment would directly create approximately 26,000 jobs and add

SPECIAL FEATURE

around an extra $7.5 billion every year to Australia’s GDP. “We will appoint an Expert Panel to determine a Financing Mandate and advise on the appropriate structure for the new facility within six months of coming to government.”

Mr Shorten and Mr Albanese said capital investment on infrastructure by governments was falling and Infrastructure Australia estimated the economic cost of underinvestment was projected to reach $53 billion a year by 2031.

“As the mining boom eases, quality infrastructure is central to driving Australia’s economic growth, creating jobs and boosting our productive capacity. Labor will work with the private sector to overcome market failures, to get good projects going.

“The old way of doing business, the traditional Commonwealth grant funding approach, simply cannot fund the infrastructure Australia needs. We need to look at new ways of securing private sector finance.”

Mr Shorten and Mr Albanese said Australia had a deep pool of domestic capital in superannuation, as well as significant global investors, that were searching for stable and reliable assets to invest funds over extended periods.

“Re-booting investment, lifting productivity and driving growth requires us to face-up to the sticking-points and stumbling blocks currently standing in the way of good infrastructure projects from being financed and taken to market.”

“The Coalition is rolling out the biggest infrastructure works program in Australian history and it is fully paid for. Labor is trying to play catch-up on infrastructure and falling short.”

10 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

Beyond the immediate priorities, Mr Shorten and Mr Albanese said, Labor would develop a long-term pipeline for projects and ensure the steady movement of projects through the assessment, development and financing phases.

Minister Truss said Infrastructure Australia was set-up to assess projects and to prepare and maintain a plan for infrastructure projects for the years ahead.

He said Labor’s bid to make IA a banker created a hopeless conflict of interest and would destroy public confidence in its independence.

“An independent assessor and funding body in one makes no sense and raises issues of propriety.

“There are also legislative impediments in making IA a bank. While legislation can be changed; it has to be passed. Labor’s promises would likely fail before they even start.”

Mr Truss said Labor’s list of priority projects, was a hotchpotch of underdeveloped proposals or projects already underway by the Coalition Government.

“Much of what Labor is announcing is simply a re-announcement of projects that are well underway and which are funded in the Coalition’s budget and forward estimates,” he said.

“The government’s $5.64 billion to complete the Pacific Highway duplication restores the 80 per cent Federal funding Labor abandoned and is on track to be completed by the end of this decade.

“The government is investing $6.7 billion to fix the Bruce Highway; more than $2.5 billion more than Labor was prepared to allocate up at the last election.

“Our $400 million investment in the Midlands highway in Tasmania is already well underway.

“And projects like the Melbourne Metro, Brisbane Rail and the rail link to Badgerys Creek and around Western Sydney are to yet to be planned, have no business case and unknown costs. They have not been through any Infrastructure Australia or detailed assessment process.

“There are existing sources of funds that could be drawn on for these projects, such as the Coalition’s $4.2 billion asset recycling initiative.

“For example; if the Victorian Government proceeds in privatising the Port of Melbourne, the proceeds of this could be supplemented with money from the asset recycling initiative to go towards the Melbourne Metro Project.

“The Coalition is rolling out the biggest infrastructure works program in Australian history and it is fully paid for. Labor is trying to play catch-up on infrastructure and falling short.

“There is plenty of money in the world to borrow. The problem is finding projects with sufficient earning potential to give investors the security and the return they want.

“The Coalition’s $50 billion infrastructure package is being delivered now. It is $12 billion more than Labor was promising in 2013 when it was last in Government.”

A different view of a familiar sight - Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge as seen by HERE’s mobile LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) 3D mapping unit.

COVER STORY

Creating the

DIGITAL WORLD Because before you can get to where you’re going, you first have to know where you are...

I

t’s hard to believe that as little as 20 years ago, satellite navigation and other location-based services were almost unheard of in the public domain.

What’s more, the limited Sat Nav services that were publicly available in the late 1990s were primarily the domain of only the most exclusive (and, by extension, most expensive) luxury vehicles; putting them firmly out of reach of the majority of people.

The past two decades have arguably seen the greatest technological advances in our history - both in terms of capability, availability and affordability - and it’s a growth curve that shows no sign of slowing. Mobile data and location-based services have moved from being the domain of the military, big

12 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

business and the very wealthy, to widespread, low-cost public availability.

From vehicles, mobile phones and computers, through to any number of portable devices (even household appliances), the majority of people are now fully connected with location-based data services 24/7 – sometimes without even realising it. Whether its driving, cycling, walking or using public transport, or for that matter, making a phone call, taking a photo with a mobile phone camera, or using any number of apps or devices, most people are unaware of how many location-based services they use and just how much Geo Tag data they generate throughout their day.

In short, location-based data and services

are no longer a luxury; for the majority of people, they play a critical role in their day-today lives - both professionally and personally - whether they know it or not.

Add to this, recent developments such as self-drive vehicles, autonomous mass transit systems, highly automated location-based freight / container management systems and automated drone-based delivery systems currently being developed, and it’s easy to see the pivotal role that accurate locationbased data plays in the modern world and the creation and operation of ‘Smart Cities’.

Indeed, it can be argued that having access to accurate, consistent and current locationbased data is the single most-important factor in creating a truly Smart City.

COVER STORY

CAPTURING THE DATA FOR AN HD MAP

HERE’s fleet of mapping cars utilise a range of technologies to gather the data required for the HD (High Definition) maps.

Each car is mounted with a 1.45M rig that contains the mapping hardware.

“The more automated the world becomes, the more detailed and accurate the location data needs to be. Whereas a driver historically may have been able to get by with a simple twodimensional street map, an automated system needs to have a highly accurate 3D ‘digital world’ with terrain and all aspects of the built environment included.”

DATA FOR AN AUTONOMOUS WORLD Importantly, when it comes to providing location-based data for an increasingly autonomous world, ‘close enough’ is definitely ‘not good enough’. Data accuracy, currency, consistency and availability are paramount... and the detail required extends far beyond traditional two-dimensional street maps.

A highly automated Smart City requires a detailed three-dimensional ‘digital world’ for reference and guidance. After all, before an automated vehicle or unit can get to where it’s going, it needs to know exactly where it is, what route options are available and the best route to take.

Brent Stafford, Director, Enterprise Sales Asia-Pacific with HERE, explained: “The more automated the world becomes, the more detailed and accurate the location data needs to be. Whereas a driver historically may have been able to get by with a simple two-dimensional street map, an automated system needs to have a highly accurate 3D ‘digital world’ with terrain and all aspects of the built environment included. This map has to be computable in the binary domain.”

Most importantly, even though this location data can be (and is) still rendered into images and maps for human users to view and utilise, the ‘digital world’ is constructed using only 1s and 0s... and it’s these 1s and 0s that the automated devices need.

“Human beings interpret data very differently to machines,” Brent Stafford explained. “In the analogue world, you can indicate on a map or with additional signs where a new road may be built in the future. Drivers at the location will be able to interpret whether or not the new road has actually been completed and is open for use, and then chose whether or not to use the new route based on their observations.”

“In the digital world of 1s and 0s, there is no grey area,” he added. “To machines such as navigation systems, logistics dispatch systems or other advanced learning machines, a road is either open and usable and part of a contiguous routable network, or it simply doesn’t exist.”

With that in mind, it’s clear that in the digital world, location-based data not only needs to be highly detailed and highly accurate, it also, perhaps most importantly, needs to be kept constantly up-to-date. A massive task on a global scale, certainly; but one that is being successfully delivered by global mapping and location-based data specialists HERE. Using data from a wide variety of sources, including its own dedicated fleet of over 400 LiDAR equipped field cars, HERE builds high-definition (HD) maps and combines them with cloud technology to deliver bespoke solutions for businesses, consumers and a number of global and local enterprise partners such as Facebook.

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At the base, is an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that collects positions, heading and attitude data (including yaw, pitch and roll) using accelerometers and gyroscopes. The IMU collects data on the motion of the car and enables hills and/or turns to be factored into the data collection.

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Further up the rig, clear street imagery is captured using four wide-angle 24-megapixel cameras for a panoramic (or 360°) view.

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On top of the rig, a small cylinder that resembles a soda can spins furiously.

This piece of hardware is the LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) sensor that gathers the data used to build the 3D representation of reality. This rotating laser scanner can collect about 700,000 3D data points per second – pinpointing the edge of a curb, the height of a tree and the depth of a sidewalk. Each week, a single HERE mapping car gathers up to 108 billion of these 3D data points.

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Finally, the top of each HERE mapping car is crowned with a high-accuracy global positioning system (GPS), which tracks the coordinates of where the data is captured (i.e. longitude and latitude) to add context to the galaxy of 3D data points collected by the LiDAR and pinpoint exactly where each image was recorded.

COVER STORY

“With so many things changing across the road network and the built environment on a daily basis, we need to be sure that the map data we provide reflects these changes accurately and in a timely manner.”

HERE’s world-leading 3D point cloud maps deliver unprecedented quality and detail, with accuracy to 25mm and the level of lane-specific road network detail required to facilitate autonomous navigation, including: • • • • • • •

traffic direction speed limits signage and traffic control peak-flow control bridge heights restricted manoeuvres weight limits and other vehicle restrictions

Importantly, the data contained in HERE’s 3D point cloud maps extends far beyond a simple network of streets, roads and highways. It can also be used to annotate building and awning heights, roadside assets, and even the minimum height of over-road infrastructure, such as a sagging power or communications cables strung across the road.

In short, these High Definition maps are a full three-dimensional laser and imagery fused digital rendering of not only the road network, but also the prevailing terrain and the surrounding built environment.

KEEPING IT CURRENT Together with accuracy and detail, the other critical factor in ensuring that the map data is usable, is making sure that it is kept upto-date. Peter Hawkins Director of HERE’s Regional Map and Content comments: “Currency and accuracy of the data is paramount,” Peter said. “With so many things changing across the road network and the built environment on a daily basis, we need to be sure that the map data we provide reflects these changes accurately and in a timely manner.”

14 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

“Whether it’s a change in a bridge height clearance as a result of road maintenance or resurfacing works; temporary or permanent closures of roads or lanes; or changes to peak flow traffic control, vehicle permissions and/ or load limits, any number of events can have a significant impact on selecting an appropriate navigable route - and that’s all before we even start to consider traffic flows, accidents, incidents and congestion,” he said.

“Again, it comes down to the fact that in a digital world, there are only 1s and 0s – a route is either open, appropriate and available to use, or it isn’t. Autonomous vehicles and devices aren’t able to interpret data in the same manner as a driver… we need to provide all of the relevant data,” he said.

“Even in the analogue world, if a driver is relying on his or her GPS system to provide them with a suitable route for a large vehicle, we need to ensure that all the bridge heights, load limits and vehicle permissions across the road network are kept up-to-date so their Sat Nav system doesn’t try and send them under a bridge that is too low for their vehicle, or across a bridge or road which isn’t able to cope with the vehicle weight,” Peter Hawkins added.

This massive data collection and processing task is carried out by HERE using a range of sources, including people on the road and data from RSS feeds and via Pier-toPier relationships with responsible authorities.

For example, where there are ongoing major works on key arterial routes (where traffic flows, lanes closures, and directional instructions will change over the course of the works) HERE aggregates the traffic control and regulatory data, together with dynamic live feed traffic data to ensure that the mapping system provides the valuable information that’s needed.

WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A SMART NATION With this level of data now available and affordable, Australia is now ideally positioned to lead the way in the establishment and expansion of ‘Smart Cities’ and to build its reputation as a ‘Smart Nation’.

Smart Cities are not, by their very nature, something that can be established in isolation, or for that matter, by one level of government or any specific industry sector.

First and foremost, Smart Cities and, by extension, the Smart Nation concept, require a high level of cooperation between all stakeholders. Federal, State and Local Governments working together with industry groups and the private sector to aggregate and share the data required to build ‘the digital infrastructure’- the ‘INFOstructure’.

Importantly, with much of this data now available as a high quality national centreline database and centimetre model of all our cities, it’s also critical that multiple stakeholders avoid wasting time, effort and resources unnecessarily ‘reinventing the wheel’ but rather add value where it makes sense.

For many stakeholders, having access to a high quality, highly detailed and affordable dataset, will deliver a range of benefits beyond simple data accuracy. It will also enable them to better focus their IT / GIS resources to meet their specific needs. Rather than investing time and resources trying to build a database from the ground up, they can now leverage the massive investment that has already been made by HERE in creating the national dataset - working with the existing data and enhancing it with their own stakeholder specific content.

COVER STORY

SEE HOW IT’S DONE Scan the QR Code for a detailed insight in HERE’s high-tech data collection and map making capabilities.

With that in mind, HERE is partnering with an ever-increasing number of public and private sector stakeholders to build detail on a ‘local’ or ‘stakeholder specific’ scale, enhancing the available national dataset to meet all needs.

Not surprisingly, this ‘partnering’ approach is already delivering significant benefits and positive outcomes across a number of industry sectors, and in many ways, is changing the way in which many public and private sector organisations utilise their inhouse GIS resources. It was not surprising therefore to learn that even Australia Post use HERE data for planning postal delivery routes.

Having an affordable, high quality national dataset available is also set to result in a paradigm shift in the way we think about the stewardship of such data. Creating maintaining this data not only requires a massive investment in capital infrastructure including data capture cars, global production centres (in one centre alone in Mumbai HERE have close to 2,000 production staff), but also a local presence (60 staff in Australia in each of the 197 countries in which they operate, which carries a significant on-going cost. In short, creating and maintaining a dataset with

level of detail and accuracy achieved by HERE is, quite literally, not a viable option for most public and private sector organisations today.

It must be outsourced - in the same way they outsource other non-core business functions such as IT or app development.

By working together with HERE (acting as ‘custodians’ of the national dataset), stakeholders including Councils, government agencies, industry groups and the private sector are able to invest their GIS resources into annotating a ‘central’ high quality map with additional spatial data (e.g. property boundaries for title, fire hydrant locations for emergency services, infrastructure and asset maintenance and management data) to provide a single, centralised, highly detailed and accurate dataset. By leveraging the commercial provider’s reach (Facebook, Amazon, Garmin, Navman, Holden, Samsung etc) , the same content can be made quickly and affordably globally accessible - without high development costs - to distribute as appropriate open or authenticated user only accessible data.

For further information please contact HERE, ph: +61 3 9420 5952 or visit: 360.here.com

About HERE

A global leader in maps and traffic, HERE was formerly part of Nokia, however, it was recently purchased by a consortia of BMW, Daimler and Audi. Working with a focus on data and software rather than hardware solutions, HERE builds high-definition (HD) maps and combines them with cloud technology to deliver bespoke solutions for businesses, consumers and a number of global and local enterprise partners.

HERE has created maps for 196 countries with more than half navigation grade. In addition, HERE has developed public transit maps in more than 950 cities and floor-by-floor indoor maps for more than 90,000 buildings across over 11,000 venues.

HERE has a staff of over 1,200 Geographic Analysts working in 188 offices across 50 countries, together with an additional 2,000+ Geographic Technicians in 6 production centers across the globe.

See more of their fascinating story at 360.here.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

AWARDED YOUNG ADELAIDE ENGINEER A BIG HIT ON THE WORLD STAGE Adelaide University engineering student, Andrew Bradley, was presented the Richard Cavagnaro Award at a recent function held for young geotechnical engineers from South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Resulting from a partnership with Adelaidebased manufacturer, Broons, the young PhD student reported his findings on Rolling Dynamic Compaction to the world stage in Scotland.

Used for deep soil compaction on many of the world’s largest civil engineering projects, including the Palm Islands in Dubai, the locally made Broons’ ‘Square’ Impact Roller has been the focus of Andrew’s PhD research.

He has computer modelled the finite element effects of Rolling Dynamic Compaction to better understand the science beneath the ground on this unique machine.

Working with Broons, he and fellow students are looking to accurately map the depth of influence and effectiveness of the Broons’ Impact Roller which has been exported all over the world.

According to Andrew, it is vital that industry and higher education work more closely together in local research and development projects.

“There’s an inherent experience that you can only get through the support of a company such as Broons. They provide us with documentation, in-field testing and design specifications that we can put into our models”.

Andrew presented his findings to the pinnacle of engineering minds at the 16th European Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Conference in Edinburgh Scotland during September.

Accompanying him was Professor Mark Jaksa from the University of Adelaide.

Right: Andrew Bradley receives award for research on Broons Square Impact Roller

16 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

ITS SPECIAL FEATURE

Intelligent Transport Systems News and Feature Articles

ITS SPECIAL FEATURE

ALL EYES ON MELBOURNE 2016

A high-powered Australian delegation has just returned from the 22nd ITS World Congress in Bordeaux after visiting the French port city with a two-fold purpose.

The delegation – heightened by the presence of Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss – went to Bordeaux to learn about the latest in ITS technology and present to the world Australia’s expertise in the sector, and importantly to promote the 2016 World Congress in Melbourne.

In this ITS Australia segment of Highway Engineering Australia, we feature the preparations for next year’s Melbourne event, some of the happenings in Bordeaux and associated developments it the ITS sector.

Those developments include legislation before the South Australian Parliament to allow for on-road trials of driverless cars, the growing momentum for the establishment of an Innovative Transport Cooperative Research Centre and the increasing use of driverless vehicles in Australia’s resources sector.

ITS Australia President and Chair of the Melbourne 2016 ITS World Congress, Brian Negus, holds aloft the “ITS World Globe” in Bordeaux as the focus shifts from the French port city to Melbourne as the next congress host.

18 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

ITS SPECIAL FEATURE

FOCUS ON MELBOURNE 2016 The 23rd ITS World Congress in Melbourne in 2016 will be a great spur to Australia’s intelligent transport systems industry, according to ITS Australia Chief Executive, Susan Harris.

“A world congress anywhere provides a great incentive to local industry and we’ve been really excited to see how people have come on board to support the event next year in Melbourne,” Ms Harris said while attending the 2015 World ITS Congress in the French port city of Bordeaux.

Ms Harris was a key member of the ITS Australia delegation at Bordeaux from 5-9 October along with Brian Negus, President of ITS Australia.

The delegation was headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister, Warren Truss.

It also included Australia’s Ambassador to France, Stephen Brady, the Victorian Agent General to Europe and the UK, Geoffrey Conaghan, and chief executives from key national and state transport agencies and leading Australian ITS companies.

Participating at the Bordeaux event presented Australia with the opportunity to reinforce its strong ITS credentials on the global stage amongst international counterparts at over 60 sessions.

Ms Harris said the presence of Mr Truss was significant in terms of Australia’s role at Bordeaux and in focusing attention on 2016.

“His presence, I think, represented the highest level of support that any country has been able to demonstrate for a World Congress.

“To have Mr Truss with us reinforced the importance, the significance the Federal Government places on technology and dealing with and managing transport and congestion in our cities.

“Australia has long been leading the charge with transport technologies, and to be accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister to further promote our performance in this sector was hugely important for us as an organisation, and for the future of the industry in Australia.”

Ms Harris said the Federal Government was a program partner for Melbourne 2016, the highest level of sponsorship for the event, and this clearly showed how serious it was about technology in the transport sector and leveraging it for the community.

From left: Paul Gray, CEO Cohda Wireless; Susan Harris, CEO ITS Australia; Warren Truss, Deputy Prime Minister; and Brian Negus, President ITS Australia.

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 19

ITS SPECIAL FEATURE

The Deputy Prime Minister helped set the scene for the Australian delegation by participating in high level discussions at the Ministerial Roundtable alongside Alain Vidalies, French Secretary of State of Transport, and other international transport leaders.

The Bordeaux Congress was co-hosted by ERTICO-ITS Europe, ITS America and ITS Asia Pacific.

More than 11,000 participants including over 4,000 delegates, 450 exhibitors, 35 live demonstrations and representatives from over 100 countries took part in the Congress.

The theme was “Towards Intelligent Mobility – Better Use of Space”. The technical program, demonstration and exhibition showcases were representative of the theme, as well as the seven main topics of the Congress: • Space technologies and services for ITS; • Cooperative ITS deployment challenges; • Multimodal transport for people and goods; • Urban trends driving ITS changes; • Solutions for sustainable mobility; • Automated Roads, Automated Management, Automated Driving; and • Are Big Data and Open Data transport’s “Silver Bullets”?

Keynote Speakers included Violeta Bulc, Commissioner for Mobility and Transport, European Commission; Alain Juppé, Mayor of Bordeaux; Cees de Wijs, Chairman, ERTICO-ITS Europe; and Florence Ghiron, President, Topos.

Australia’s high profile list of speakers included Mr Negus, Ms Harris, Paul Gray – Cohda Wireless CEO, Adam Game – Intelematics CEO, Rob Fitzpatrick Director, Infrastructure, Transport & Logistics, DATA61, CSIRO and Transport Certification Australia CEO, Chris Koniditsiotis.

There were about 130 Australians at Bordeaux and more than 50 of them were directly involved in the event as part of plenary sessions, general public sessions or technical discussions.

ITS Australia co-exhibited with internationally recognised Australian companies Cohda Wireless, Intelematics Australia and National ICT Australia (NICTA).

Ms Harris said Australia’s ITS sector was putting in a lot of effort to build on the achievements of Bordeaux.

“I received repeated comments from my peers that the level of organisation for the Melbourne event was well ahead of where other venues had been at a similar stage.

“Our delegation sent a very clear message to everyone at Bordeaux; that Melbourne was going to be very well organised and was going to showcase the latest technology - technology that was on another level to that seen in Bordeaux.

“2016 is well and truly on track and we’re continuing to work on the ‘financial backbone’ through sponsorship and exhibition sales.

“Given where we’re at with the sponsorship and exhibition sales we can focus on the program to make sure delegates receive the best possible experience. I’m really confident the delegate participation in Melbourne will be extremely high.”

Ms Harris said the atmosphere at Bordeaux clearly showed there was a great deal of enthusiasm by members of the ITS community to make the trip to Melbourne.

“There’s no reason to think we can’t attract 10,000 or 12,000 people to Melbourne – we’re looking at about 1,000 Australian delegates and the remainder from all parts of the globe.

“Australia and Melbourne have well established links with the Asia Pacific region, and the 2016 Congress will give people from further afield an opportunity to strengthen their ties with the Asia Pacific.

“A lot of people from the Asia Pacific have family in Melbourne – many of them studying here – so they will have a personal as well as business incentive to make the trip.”

Ms Harris said Melbourne had a large urban area and government and the ITS sector were looking to leverage intelligent transport systems to help make sure the city retained its hard won liveability status.

“And liveability is not just a challenge for Melbourne – it’s a challenge being faced by cities across the globe, so we’re looking at showcasing the lessons we’ve learned in Melbourne and enabling others to assess how they can progress to ensure their cities are increasingly liveable.”

Brian Negus, President of ITS Australia, said the Bordeaux Congress gave the ITS world a taste of what was to come in Melbourne 2016.

“It is a great honour for Australia to be selected as the host nation for this prestigious event next year, particularly for Melbourne, having been named the world’s most liveable city yet again for the fifth time in a row this August.

“Hosting a successful event in Sydney at the 2001 World Congress 15 years ago, we will be sure to build on that experience, and follow suit with what Bordeaux had to offer,” Mr Negus said.

Intelligent Transport Systems Australia promotes the development and deployment of advanced technologies to deliver safer, more efficient and environmentally sustainable transport across all public and private modes – air, sea, road and rail.

It advocates the application of communication, data processing and electronic technologies for in-vehicle, vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure and mode-to-mode systems to increase transport safety and sustainability, reduce congestion, and improve the performance and competitiveness of Australia’s networks.

In recognition of Melbourne’s reputation as the world’s most liveable city, the 2016 Congress theme will be “ITS – Enhancing Liveable Cities and Communities”.

Visit: www.itsworldcongress2016.com

“Australia has long been leading the charge with transport technologies, and to be accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister to further promote our performance in this sector was hugely important for us as an organisation, and for the future of the industry in Australia.”

20 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

André Reix, World Congress Board; Brian Negus, President ITS Australia taking over as Chair of the ITS World Congress Board; Hermann Meyer, CEO ERTICO.

From left: Hermann Meyer CEO ERTICO; André Reix, ITS Word Congress Board; Michel Labardin, Vice President, Bordeaux Métropole; Nathalie Delattre, Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux; Florence Ghrion, President of TOPOS and Bordeaux Host Organising Committee; Regina Hopper, President and CEO ITS ITS Australia President Brian Negus.

America, USA; Claude Carette, Chair of the 2017 ITS World Congress organizing committee, Montreal Hajime Amano, ITS Asia-Pacific, Secretary-General; Brian Negus, President ITS Australia.

From left: Adam Game, CEO Intelematics; Susan Harris, CEO ITS Australia; Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss; Brian Negus, President ITS Australia; Dean Zabrieszach, CEO/Director HMI Technologies Limited, Australia.

ITS Australia / Melbourne 2016 World Congress Stand in Bordeaux.

From left: Hajime Amano, ITS Asia-Pacific, Secretary-General; Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss; Brian Negus, President ITS Australia; Jill Ingrassia, Chair ITS America; Cees de Wijs, Chair ERTICO.

ITS Australia / Melbourne 2016 World Congress Stand in Bordeaux.

One of several networking functions hosted by ITS Australia.

Cohda Wireless demonstration.

Cohda Wireless demonstration.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss inside Cohda Wireless vehicle.

From left: Paul Gray, CEO Cohda Wireless; Susan Harris, CEO ITS Australia; Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss; Brian Negus, President ITS Australia.

From left: Susan Harris, CEO ITS Australia; Stephen Brady, Australian Ambassador to France;Jennifer Mackinlay, Senior Trade Commission, Australian Government.

From left: Paul Gray, CEO Cohda Wireless; Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss; Brian Negus, President ITS Australia.

From left: Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss; Bernd Luebben, Vice President Business Development, Cohda Wireless; Stephen Brady, Australian Ambassador to France; Paul Gray, CEO Cohda Wireless.

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 21

ITS SPECIAL FEATURE

EXCELLENCE IN ITS ACHIEVEMENT

The 2015 iMobility “Excellence in ITS Achievement” Award ceremony took place at the European Commission Stand during the ITS World Congress.

Lina Konstantinopoulou, iMobility Support Coordinator, highlighted the importance of the iMobility Award in recognising and promoting ambitious and innovative iMobility deployments, paving the way to safe, smart and clean road mobility.

Ms Konstantinopoulou paid tribute to the 14 award nominees for their high calibre and professionalism before giving the floor to Wolfgang Höfs from the European Commission DG-CONNECT who handed over the Award to the winner.

Alessandro Coda of EUCAR – European Council for Automotive R&D – was rewarded by the European Commission, DG CONNECT, for his work in defining the roadmaps of future ITS research.

Mr Coda is Research Coordinator and Acting Director at EUCAR where he coordinates the research and innovation activities of European vehicle manufacturers. He is also Chairman of the Research and Innovation working group of the iMobility Forum.

Mr Coda worked on the harmonised roadmaps to support the EU policy priorities for Horizon 2020 and beyond, during the 5th Plenary Meeting of the iMobility Forum in January 2015.

The outcome was the result of more than one-year’s efforts by working groups that identified European activities for research and development, large pilot scale actions, standardisation and deployment in seven main areas.

The final results took into account the input received through an open public consultation on the web and dedicated workshops with the main related stakeholders: • European Commission; • OEMs; • suppliers; • public authorities; • academia; • research organisations; • municipalities; • service and content providers; • transport and motorways operators; • users associations; and • telecom operators.

Mr Coda urged the ITS community to focus on the future and called upon all stakeholders to continue to work together to effectively deploy ITS in Europe.

ABOUT IMOBILITY FORUM

The iMobility Forum is an independent public-private platform with 228 members. Established in 2002, the iMobility Forum is chaired by the European Commission and co-chaired by ERTICO – ITS Europe, ASECAP and ACEA. It provides a platform for all ITS stakeholders in Europe to develop, implement and monitor work programs linked to road maps and international cooperation for the successful development and deployment of ITS. The forum has established nine working groups; Automation WG, Probe data WG, Safe Apps WG, HMI WG, Legal Issues WG, Research and Innovation WG, Implementation Road maps WG, International Cooperation WG and Vulnerable road users WG).

It has developed and is continuously refining recommendations for work items especially in the context of future R&D work to support the deployment of ITS.

22 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

INTELLIGENT LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS DRIVING DIGITAL ECONOMY

As well as hosting the ITS World Congress, Bordeaux was home to the 8th European Conference on ICT for Transport Logistics (ECITL).

One of the key speakers at ECITL was Nathalie Delattre, Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux, who stressed the importance of innovative transportation and the use of intelligent logistic solutions as a catalyst for the digital economy.

“To make our metropolitan area more attractive, we must achieve more seamless mobility, including digital mobility,” Ms Delattre said.

“Our objective is to support the multi-faceted development of digital technologies and their uses, and to place them at the service of the local territory and its power of attraction.

“The metropolitan area of Bordeaux therefore plans to be at the forefront of the French Tech initiative, to boost the digital transition of our economy and support the emergence of ‘technological champions’,” said Ms Delattre.

ECITL examined emerging trends in the deployment of ITS and focused on sub-themes including: • co-operative intelligent transport systems for logistics; • e-Freight; • intelligent cargo; • logistics in smart cities; • safety and security in logistics and • supply chains.

The theme of the ECITL conference had high priority for the ERTICO-ITS Europe Partnership, according to Hermann Meyer, CEO of ERTICO-ITS EUROPE. “The ERTICO Partnership has implemented different programs on ITS, with one of them focusing on freight and logistics to provide a specific direction to ERTICO activities relating to the deployment of ITS in logistics and freight in Europe and beyond,’’ Mr Meyer said.

Some of the trends are picked up already by CO-GISTICS, the European funded project co-organiser of the ECITL Conference.

CO-GISTICS is the first European project fully dedicated to the deployment of cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) applied to logistics.

CO-GISTICS services will be deployed in seven logistics hubs, Arad (Romania), Bordeaux (France), Bilbao (Spain), Frankfurt (Germany), Thessaloniki (Greece), Trieste (Italy) and Vigo (Spain).

CO-GISTICS is a consortium that has 32 partners including public authorities, fleet operators, freight forwarders, terminal operators and logistics providers.

FOLLOW US #ITSWC16

MEET IN ASIA PACIFIC FOR THE WORLD’S LEADING TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGY EVENT ACTIVATING GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

23RD ITS WORLD CONGRESS 2016

10–14 October 2016 | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

ITS - Enhancing Liveable Cities and Communities www.itsworldcongress2016.com PROGRAM THEMES

CALL FOR PAPERS OPEN!

Challenges and Opportunities of Big Open Data

Smart Cities and New Urban Mobility

The promise of Big Open Data is unlimited. The data and technology are there, and open access is increasing. The dramatic increase in data from infrastructure, vehicle and consumer sensors is complemented by organisations opening up access to their previously proprietary data. How do we now deliver the full promise of Big Open Data both within the industry and to consumers? How can we use this data to solve problems such as congestion, improving the practicality of car-pooling, multi-modal journey planning or simply keeping consumers informed? How can we manage issues such as privacy, data ownership and liability?

Automated Vehicles and Cooperative ITS

KEY DATES

Mobile Applications

There are many problems associated with road use – fatality and injury, congestion, stress, pollution… Could automated and connected vehicles offer a transport nirvana, and if so, how can we get there? What are the barriers remaining on the road to automated and connected mobility and how and when will they be overcome? How will we manage the mixing of automated and legacy vehicles and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists? Will the sharing economy mean that cars no longer sit idle for 23 hours a day and what might mobility as a service mean for our cities?

ONLINE SUBMISSION OPENS 31 October 2015 SUBMISSION DEADLINE 13 January 2016 REGISTRATION OPENS April 2016

Vehicle and Network Safety

AUTHOR NOTIFICATIONS April 2016 DEADLINE FOR RESUBMISSION OF CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED PAPERS June 2016

SPEAKER REGISTRATION DEADLINE August 2016

Its a mobile and increasingly connected world. Many of us knew a world where work could be done only at the office, but now every aeroplane, train, bus, café and home can also be a workplace. People demand information anywhere and at any time it is useful to them and the explosive growth of smartphones had led to all-conquering ‘app’. As these apps start to appear on our dashboard and our cars use smartphones for infotainment, do any boundaries remain? How can we continue to provide an ever better customer journey experience and move from customers searching for relevant information to that information proactively coming to them?

Future Freight including Aviation and Maritime

The guiding vision of a safe system is that no person should be killed or seriously injured on our roads. How can we use ITS to help make this vision a reality? How can ITS help safer roads and roadsides, safer vehicles, safer drivers and safer speeds to avoid crashes from occurring?

How can we improve post-crash responses so that more victims survive?

How can we protect our most vulnerable road users?

Environmental Sustainability

FINAL PAPER SUBMISSION August 2016

Cities continue to be engine rooms of global economic growth as well as prime centres of population growth. How can ITS help cities avoid being the victims of their own success, so that growth does not mean reducing liveability? Can new approaches to pricing help manage demand and provide more sustainable funding?

Can next generation traffic management and incident management help smart infrastructure cater for these changing demands as well improve customer journey experiences?

How can we make cities friendlier to people through integrated public transport, smarter parking and pedestrian friendly zones?

Our economies depend on goods moving safely, efficiently and reliably on road, on rail, on water, through the air and through terminals. How can we use ITS to achieve smarter future freight? What role might unmanned vehicles play, on road, on rail, on water, through the air and through terminals? How can we offer seamless multi-modal solutions to customers and differentiate solutions for differing needs?

Policy, Standards and Harmonization

We all share the world in which we live and we need to care for this world. How can ITS make transport more environmentally sustainable, reducing not only its carbon footprint but also pollution and noise? How can we make active transport more convenient and appealing as part of a more liveable city? How can we help reduce the number of cars with only one occupant? How can we help accommodate the electrification of the vehicle fleet?

Successful ITS requires not only smart technologies but also policy and regulatory frameworks, governance and collaboration, defined architecture and standards and successful funding strategies and business models.

How can we continue to strengthen these foundations for success and continue to address issues such as liability and privacy?

Over 7,000 attendees and over 300 exhibitors from around 60 countries

PROGRAM PARTNER

HEADLINE PARTNER

HOSTED BY

CO-HOSTED BY

SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

SUPPORTED BY:

ITS SPECIAL FEATURE

WARREN TRUSS CHAMPIONS MELBOURNE 2016 One of the Federal Government’s most senior ministers and long-term supporters of transport infrastructure has strongly supported Melbourne’s staging of the 2016 ITS World Congress.

Warren Truss – Deputy Prime Minister, Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister, and long-serving cabinet member of Liberal Governments – said Australia had, over the past decade, invested heavily in the future of sustainability and the role transport played in achieving sustainability.

And Mr Truss said Melbourne had long been known as “a world leader in its support for these causes”.

Mr Truss said the Congress was an opportunity for networking with Australia’s, the Asia Pacific’s and the world’s leaders in transport technology.

It was also an opportunity for participants to immerse themselves into one of the world’s most sustainable cities as it moved towards the 2020 goal of becoming carbon neutral.

“Melbournians have a deep passion for their city, and you will no doubt experience why.

“Take a walk through the vibrant young city and café filled laneways; relish the outstanding and culturally diverse food and wine in the city’s array of restaurants or

“Australia prides itself on being at the forefront of many innovative technology initiatives, with world leading cooperative ITS systems from Australia deployed in vehicles and cities across the globe. “ “Australia prides itself on being at the forefront of many innovative technology initiatives, with world leading cooperative ITS systems from Australia deployed in vehicles and cities across the globe.

“These solutions are helping to make significantly safer and more efficient public and private transport, something we all strive to achieve.

“With advanced technology trials in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, we are already shaping the future transport landscape here in Australia,” Mr Truss said.

“With the 2016 theme of ‘Enhancing Liveable Cities and Communities’, you will see just how Melbourne fits right into the spirit of the ITS World Congress series.

Mr Truss said it took considerable effort to be named the World’s Most Liveable city five years running and the theme of the Congress was in keeping with Melbourne’s global reputation.

24 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

perhaps experience the city’s focus on multimodal transport, including bikes, trams, buses and pedestrian precincts to facilitate mobility to our sports and entertainment precincts, parks and gardens.

“We look forward to seeing live demonstrations of the technologies that are helping to make Melbourne and Australian infrastructure reliable and adaptable to growth,” said Minister Truss.

“With various technical tours taking place around the country, be sure to take the opportunity to discover the ‘lucky country’.

“Experience first-hand our unique history and ancient civilisation, whilst taking in the iconic scenery that sets Australia apart from the rest of the world.

“We look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne for the 23rd World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems 2016 from 10-14 October.”

ITS SPECIAL FEATURE

MOMENTUM GATHERS FOR

INNOVATIVE TRANSPORT CRC More than 100 organisations in the Intelligent Transport Systems sector are strongly committed to the establishment of an Innovative Transport Cooperative Research Centre, according to one of the leading figures involved in the push.

“The enthusiasm within the ITS community is huge – really astounding,” said Ian Christensen, Chief Executive Officer of the AutoCRC, a body established in 2005 as part of the CRC Program to develop new technologies in the Australian automotive industry.

“We’ve talked to over 200 people from 130 organisations in the government, regulatory, industry and academic sectors, and each one of them has been enthusiastic, supportive and keen to see the CRC established.”

And Mr Christensen said from talks he had while attending October’s ITS World Congress in Bordeaux, he could confirm a high level of willingness on the part of overseas stakeholders to at least be aligned with the Australian initiative.

“Whether they would be fully fledged participants is not clear; it is more likely they would have an associate role involving an exchange of information and ideas rather than participating in Australian projects.”

Mr Christensen said that significant commitment of industry partners is needed in order to qualify for CRC funding and that this makes sense given the objectives of the program.

“It very much has to be industry investing in projects to which government would provide further financial backing – it has to be industry led and industry funded in significant measure.”

“We’ve talked to over 200 people from 130 organisations in the government, regulatory, industry and academic sectors, and each one of them has been enthusiastic, supportive and keen to see the CRC established.”

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 25

ITS SPECIAL FEATURE

Mr Christensen said at this stage, it would be hard to put a figure on the level of government support an ITS-CRC would attract, but he said a typical industrial CRC program would seek to attract $5 million of industry funding and $5 million of government funding a-year to operate.

“Ten million dollars of research money per year delivers a reasonable scale of operation, but it depends on the factors involved.

“In ITS there are a range of things to do.

Some of it is technology development and some is testing in the field to learn how to make the technology work effectively under local conditions.

“When you start trialling, costs increase quite substantially so it may be that an ITSCRC has to re-dimension its bid and its ask of government. The bid may have to be broken into funding for technical development and funding for piloting and trialling because the quantum of dollars needed for trialling could be quite substantial.”

Mr Christensen said if an Innovative Transport Cooperative Research Centre became a reality with acceptable levels of funding, it would be a major fillip for the future of the ITS industry.

“At the moment, there is extensive trialling being undertaken in Europe and the United States, and Australia is missing out. So we’re standing still while the rest of the world is moving forward.

“An injection of funds and focus on ITS at this time would be a major step towards Australia catching-up and keeping-up with the implementation of productivity enhancing technologies which become important to our national competitiveness.”

Mr Christensen said Australia was under pressure to lift its national productivity and export competitiveness.

“Not withstanding that individual companies within the freight and logistics sector perform diligently and effectively, it’s incumbent on Australia as a nation to use evolving technologies to further improve practices in the sector.

“For instance, in the food industry, the value of food in the hands of the consumer depends on freshness. So anything we can do to reduce the time taken to supply food to the domestic and export markets is going to add substantial value to the national economy.

“Australia badly needs to find new ways to be competitive overseas and we must maximise the effectiveness of the freight and logistics sector and export logistics to give manufacturers and exporters the very best prospects to be competitive in global markets.”

There would, Mr Christensen said, be several types of knowledge flowing from the CRC if it became a reality.

26 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

“If the CRC undertook trials, then one of its roles would be to disseminate information about the effectiveness of the trials and the technology involved.

“There’s a communications task around the outcomes of trials that is important and, in the same vein, we would want to learn from overseas trials.

“On the other hand, there would be technology development opportunities which would involve sub-groups of stakeholders in the CRC. “Those endeavours would be intended to build the competitiveness of Australia’s industry participants and there would be commercial-inconfidence information coming out of those trials that wouldn’t be shared.

“Hopefully that information; that technology would be embedded in new products and services from Australian companies that would develop international business.”

Mr Christensen said there was consensus building required around protocols and standards.

“For instance, everybody is quite concerned and focused on cyber security. It may be that CRC could play a role in developing cyber security standards and, if that was the case, it would absolutely want all parties to know about them and adopt them.

“So not only would we want to share information; we would want everybody involved in the auto cyber-security space to participate in discussions so we could achieve a well considered standard and substantial ‘buy-in’ to adopting that standard.”

Mr Christensen acknowledged that there had been a significant contribution to the

“An injection of funds and focus on ITS at this time would be a major step towards Australia catching-up and keeping-up with the implementation of productivity enhancing technologies which become important to our national competitiveness.”

development of the current CRC bid through the efforts of a previous attempt led by ITS Australia.

He said ITS Australia and members of the ITS community who realised there was an opportunity for Australia to make a concerted effort in technical development in the transport sector started organising a bid for a CRC in 2013-14.

“There was a sense in 2013 that technology was being rapidly developed in many places and a window of opportunity was open for stakeholders in Australia.

“There was a strong sense of ‘we need to get on board this train because it’s about to leave the station’.

“The bid was on track to be submitted in June 2014, but the CRC program was temporarily closed. Pleasingly the program has since recommenced and there are new CRC program guidelines being developed which are expected to be made public around November.

“We’re making a bold assumption,” Mr Christensen said “that bids would need to be in place by the end of June 2016, with a view to a decision being made by Christmas and activity starting in July 2017.

“The government has recommitted to having a CRC program and quite rightly wants to ensure it is strongly industry focused – that means in principle we’re back on track and the ITS community is very positive about the initiative and the opportunities it presents.

“We’ve spoken to everybody involved in the first bid and many more additional parties, and they’ve all welcomed the prospect of having an Innovative Transport Cooperative Research Centre to contribute R&D and coordinate development in that space.”

ITS SPECIAL FEATURE

SOUTH AUSTRALIA LEADS NATION

ON DRIVERLESS CAR LEGISLATION In an Australian first, legislation allowing for the on-road trials of driverless cars is before the South Australian Parliament.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Stephen Mullighan, introduced a Bill allowing for “real-life” testing of the technology, a move applauded by ITS Australia, the organisation, representing ITS suppliers, government authorities, academia and transport businesses.

ITS Australia CEO, Susan Harris, said: “ITS Australia wish to congratulate Minister Mullighan and the SA government on the release of this legislation consistent with their commitment at an ITS Australia Business Event in South Australia in April this year.

“The introduction of this legislation demonstrates that Australian governments are eager to pave the way to support emerging SA Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Stephen Mullighan

mobility options for the benefit of the Australian community and to support an established industry in Australia supplying sophisticated technology components to the global automotive industry.”

Minister Mullighan said the legislation would position the state at the forefront of an industry projected to be worth $90 billion in 15 years.

“We are on the cusp of the biggest advance in motoring since the Model T opened up car ownership to the masses.

“In July, when we announced that South Australia would host the first trials of driverless cars in the Southern Hemisphere, we sent a message to the world that our state is open for business.

“South Australia is now positioned to become a key player in this emerging industry

and by leading the charge, we are opening up countless new opportunities for our businesses and our economy.”

The Motor Vehicles (Trials of Automotive Technologies) Amendment Bill will provide for exemptions from existing laws to allow trials of automated vehicle technology on public roads.

“As the first state in Australia to regulate a framework for such testing, we are opening our doors to global businesses to develop and trial their technologies here, while also creating the right environment for local businesses to grow and flourish,” Mr Mullighan said.

“For instance, hardware and software from South Australian-based Cohda Wireless is being used in more than 60 per cent of all Vehicle-toInfrastructure and Vehicle-to-Vehicle field trials worldwide today.

“Cohda is currently working on software for General Motors’ connected vehicle, the Cadillac CTS, which is due for release next year.

“Companies like Cohda are leading the way in intelligent, connected vehicle programs aimed at driverless cars and we want to foster more of that innovation to generate the kind of highskilled advanced manufacturing jobs we want to develop in South Australia.”

Paul Gray from Cohda Wireless welcomed the announcement. “As a global supplier of Connected and Autonomous Sensors, Cohda is pleased to have the opportunity to test our products on SA roads.”

Mr Mullighan said that importantly, the legislation provides safeguards for the public.

“Companies looking to trial technologies on our roads will have to submit detailed plans to the government for approval, have sufficient insurances to protect the public and still be subject to penalties for breaching road laws outside the scope of the trial.

“It is critical the public has confidence that these trials will operate safely on our roads,” Mr Mullighan said.

The legislation also requires notice of any trials to be published at least one month in advance on the Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure website, www.dpti. sa.gov.au, and a full report to be tabled before both houses of Parliament within six months of the completion of the trial.

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 27

ITS SPECIAL FEATURE Courtesy of Rio Tinto Australia.

Autonomous Haulage Trucks, West Angelas minesite; credit Christian Sprogoe Photography

ITS HELPS DRIVE

AUSTRALIA’S RESOURCES SECTOR The key role of ITS technology in Australia’s economic growth was highlighted in an address during October by Greg Lilleyman, Group Executive Technology and Innovation, with the global resources giant, Rio Tinto.

Rio Tinto’s operations focus on metals and minerals including aluminium, copper, diamonds, gold, industrial minerals (borates, titanium dioxide and salt), iron ore, thermal and metallurgical coal and uranium.

It has a workforce of 60,000 people in six continents – Australia, North and South America, Asia, Europe and Africa.

Mr Lilleyman presented an insight into the operation of autonomous trucks in Rio Tinto’s Australian mining operations while addressing the Nikkei Asian Review Forum in Sydney on 15 October.

His speech – entitled Partnering for a New Era of Growth – looked at Rio Tinto’s relationship with Japan over half a century, how Australia and Japan could work to promote long-term growth and Rio Tinto’s view on China and the “new normal” in Asia.

Mr Lilleyman also highlighted Rio Tinto’s commitment to harnessing new technologies to drive its leadership position in productivity.

“We focus such an approach through what we call the Mine of the Future. We use

28 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

autonomous trucks and autonomous drills, we test and trial new technologies such as drones, and we use big data to optimise productivity.

“In our Australian iron ore business we have 69 automated trucks setting new benchmarks in efficiency and productivity,” Mr Lilleyman said.

“It was our pioneering work with Komatsu on automated trucks that helped lead the way in our industry. We can now compare fully autonomous mines with a manned operation.

“At our Nammuldi mine in the Pilbara we now have the largest autonomous truck fleet in the world. This fleet outperforms the manned fleet by about 12 per cent and we have seen a commensurate saving in load and haul costs due to the greater efficiency.

“The improved utilisation allows us to run the same mine using a smaller size fleet, which means lower capital expenditure.”

Mr Lilleyman said at another of Rio Tinto’s Pilbara operations, West Angelas, it operated the world’s first fully autonomous production drill site. You need to drill holes for production planning, blasting and grade control.

“The seven autonomous rigs have drilled over 2.25 million metres – that is a lot of metres and costs. These drills have delivered productivity improvement of about 10 per cent, again translating to cost savings.

“And let me touch on the power of big data for a moment.

“Across Rio Tinto we have about 900 haul trucks, each with about 200 sensors. In total they gather approximately 5TB of data every day. Through the use of big data analytics we can compare operations site by site, but also operations look at the entire fleet to detect or predict impending equipment failure and thereby extend the component life of these assets by planning ahead.

“In other words”, Mr Lilleyman said, “we not only better manage our on-site performance, but also the capital side of the equation too, in terms of spares, and useful asset life or capital replacement.

“As the example with Komatsu and automated trucks highlights, the best innovation happens in partnerships and collaboration. In many respects Japan’s thinking in machine automation and technologies have driven our iron ore business to its industry cost leadership position.

“It is that leadership position that builds resilience during times of market change or volatility. It is that embedded resilience that ensures we can provide Japan, Asia and the world with the metals and minerals they need.

ITS SPECIAL FEATURE

BORDEAUX VENUE FOR V2X RADAR LAUNCH

V2X-Radar – a technology that enables connected vehicles to interact with other vehicles (V2V) or with roadside infrastructure (V2I) was launched at the ITS World Congress in Bordeaux by internationally recognised Australian company, Cohda Wireless.

V2X Radar technology is a non-line-of-sight sensor with 360-degree coverage which extends a driver’s horizon of awareness.

It uses DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) to detect objects from which signals are reflected. DSRC is a low-latency V2V and V2I communication protocol.

V2X Radar is different to regular radar. Regular radar is directional, whereas V2X technology is omnidirectional.

Cohda Wireless CEO, Paul Gray, said V2X-Radar was a low-cost addition to a standard V2X system that added radar functionality to the V2X connected vehicle.

“This unique and innovative solution is standards-compliant, requiring no additional hardware in a V2X-equipped vehicle and no additional on-air messages,” Dr Gray said.

“All it needs is our software in the receiving vehicle. V2X-Radar currently works with the NXP Roadlink chipset.”

Dr Gray demonstrated the technology in front of delegates and the leader of Australia’s delegation to Bordeaux, Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister, Warren Truss.

MAAS TO PROVIDE

‘TAILOR MADE’ MOBILITY SOLUTIONS Twenty European organisations joined forces at the ITS World Congress at Bordeaux to establish the first Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Alliance.

The initiative will work towards a European and common approach to MaaS through public and private stakeholder cooperation, providing the basis for the economy of scale needed for a successful implementation in Europe.

The key concept behind MaaS is to put the users, travellers and goods, at the core of transport services, offering tailor-made mobility solutions based on individual needs.

This means that, for the first time, easy access to the most appropriate transport mode or service will be included in a bundle of flexible travel service options CEO of ITS Finland, Sampo Hietenan for end-users.

The MaaS Alliance builds upon the momentum and drive achieved during the last European ITS Congress in 2014 hosted by Helsinki, where MaaS received political support from the Finnish government.

“MaaS is a new approach to changing mobility markets. It relies on existing and developing transport services, and has a huge chance for global scaling”, said the man behind the concept, Sampo Hietanen, CEO of ITS Finland.

According to Rasmus Lindholm, ERTICO’s Director of Communications and Partnership Development, “MaaS has the potential to fundamentally change the behavior of people in and beyond cities, hence it is regarded as the biggest paradigm change in transport since affordable cars came into the market.”

Founding Partners of the Mobility as a Service Alliance include Aalborg University, AustriaTech, Ericsson, ERTICO – ITS Europe, Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA) Region I, Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications, Helsinki Business Hub, IRU, Connekt, ITS Finland, ITS Sweden, ITS Ukraine, MOBiNET, National Mobile Payment Plc. (Hungary), Swedish Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation, Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation (Tekes), Transport for London, Vinnova, University of Tampere and Xerox.

“Bundling services to simplify access to mobility is a key step to ensure the best use of all modes of transport,” said Jacob Bangsgaard, Director General FIA Region I. “I call upon the transport community to develop and combine these services based on the public’s concrete needs. In the FIA, we believe mobility must be safe, sustainable, accessible and affordable for all.”

The official launch took place at the Finnish Pavilion at the Congress in Bordeaux.

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 29

ITS SPECIAL FEATURE

THE ROAD TO

AUTOMATED VEHICLES “My feeling from Bordeaux is that automated vehicles will be on our roads well within 10 to 15 years.”

The words of Susan Harris, CEO of ITS Australia, who’s back home after attending the ITS World Congress in Bordeaux and now faced with the challenge of the 2016 event being held in Melbourne.

“We’re already moving along the path to potentially fully automated vehicles and we’re not even noticing it.

“Vehicles already have automatic window winders, satellite navigation, sensors, and cruise control moving towards adaptive cruise control,” Ms Harris told Highway Engineering Australia.

“The public is increasingly experiencing these technologies in new vehicles and it will be a gradual transition to increasing the level of those technologies and becoming familiar with them over the coming years.

“In the next five years, I think we’re going to see a rapid transformation of the new vehicle fleet and some of the safety technologies those vehicles will include.”

Ms Harris said the issue of security relating to automated vehicles was gaining a higher profile.

“We need to really understand the ‘nuts and bolts’ of that issue, and also the adaptation and implementation of policy relating to automated vehicles.

“Governments learn from each other and aim to have a standard approach to implementation that will facilitate a rapid adoption of these life-saving technologies across the globe, and to deal with community engagement.”

But Ms Harris conceded there were regional challenges facing the uptake of uniform standards.

“We come from a legacy of a range of standards and systems in place, but the opportunity is there to learn from one another and to move towards increasingly common and interoperable standards so we can achieve seamlessly connected transport systems across the globe.”

Ms Harris also said it was an ongoing challenge for regulators to continually engage

and interact at an international level to bring about the right level of harmonisation.

“That’s really the great opportunity of the ITS World Congress and the associated forums that take place there and throughout the year.

“Unlike many other industry forums, the ITS World Congress brings together industry and government leaders, policy makers, the heads of standards agencies and academic leaders who can really help inform those discussions.”

REPLACING WORK DIARIES

WITH EWDS Heavy vehicle drivers and operators are a step closer to being able to replace their onerous written work diaries with electronic work diaries (EWDs) with the passing of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2015.

Chief Executive of the National Transport Commission, Paul Retter, said the bill implemented the National Transport Commission’s reforms to permit the use of EWDs instead of written work diaries.

Mr Retter said the new laws would help heavy vehicle drivers comply with the existing requirements that set the maximum number of hours heavy vehicle drivers were able to work.

“EWDs make it much easier to comply with the law and stay safe on the road,” he said.

30 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

“The heavy vehicle drivers who choose to use an EWD will also receive extra benefits from using them, such as receiving alerts when breaks are required.”

The laws enact the recommendations put by the NTC to Australia’s transport ministers in May last year.

Importantly the laws ensure drivers who choose to use an EWD won’t be fined for small breaches of less than eight minutes.

This eight minute rule will not apply to rest time and drivers will have a total of eight minutes for a whole 24-hour period, starting from a major rest break.

For example, a driver who exceeds work time by five minutes in the first period of work may only

exceed work time by up to three minutes for the rest of that 24-hour period, unless the driver makes up for the five minutes at a later time in that day.

This is intended to make it impractical to deliberately schedule the additional eight minutes as work time.

“The implementation of EWDs will be voluntary, but we expect many drivers will choose them once they are widely commercially available,” Mr Retter said.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will now be charged with developing operational procedures to approve EWDs for use by transport operators and drivers, and to ensure transport compliance officers have the right technical equipment and support to read the data from an EWD.

ASPHALT IN FOCUS

Recycled tyre rubber hits the road Used tyres clogging landfill sites in Queensland could be hitting the road again under a State Government funded recycling project.

Minister for Main Roads, Mark Bailey, and Environment Minister, Steven Miles, said the government was leading a national plan to put more rubber into roads.

“The disposal of used tyres is a national problem, but Queensland has the opportunity to be the leader in this recycling strategy,” Mr Bailey said.

“The government is partnering with Tyre Stewardship Australia to develop and trial specifications for the use of crumbed rubber in road asphalt applications.

Tyre Stewardship Australia, a not-for-profit company funded by industry, is responsible for implementing and administering the tyre product stewardship scheme.

Each year, about 51 million passenger tyre equivalents reach their end-of-life in Australia.

A large number of tyres are currently disposed of in landfill, stockpiled, exported or illegally dumped, with approximately five per cent being recycled.

Ministers Bailey and Miles said the stage 1 research in partnership with Tyre Stewardship Australia found that crumbed rubber in spray seals could lead to improved road performance, now we want to see if this is also true for asphalt.

“We are about to enter the second year of a four-year study into tyre recycling, but road asphalt applications have already proven successful in Queensland trials.”

Minister Miles said recycling used tyres into roads made sense because it worked on several levels.

“Every year in Australia more than 51 million tyres reach their end-of-life and only 16 per cent of these tyres are recycled, with most ending up stockpiled or dumped in landfill.

“The previous LNP government de-regulated tyre storage, leading to a re-emergence of tyre stockpiling and a reduction in the flow of waste tyres into the Queensland market.

“The current government is committed to finding innovative solutions when it comes to waste.”

Touring the Chip Tyre recycling facility at New Chum – a suburb of Ipswich – Ministers Bailey and Miles said they were impressed by the work of local businesses that accepted old tyres for recycling.

“Chip Tyre shreds some 2.2 million used tyres each year for reuse in products such as adhesives, carpet underlay and road product,” Dr Miles said.

“From the end of this year, Chip Tyre will also crumb old tyres for road-based projects, preventing even more tyres from ending up as landfill.”

In addition, the government is also considering the feasibility of banning tyres, along with timber, green waste and concrete from disposal at landfills in a bid to boost recycling rates and market opportunities for these materials.

Dr Miles said while Queensland householders would still be allowed to take these items to the tip, alternatives to putting them in landfill would need to be offered.

“A disposal ban won’t affect residents; however, they can always help us by making sure old tyres are not illegally dumped.”

Earlier this year, the Department of Defence committed to ensuring its fleet tyres were managed and recycled in an environmentallysound way by joining Tyre Stewardship Australia.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Darren Chester, said the government encouraged all defence contractors, suppliers, partners and others involved in the recycling, tyre retail and transport business to have their tyres recycled and to consider becoming part of the voluntary scheme.

Mr Chester said joining Tyre Stewardship Australia with Defence’s newly-contracted National Waste Services Provider, Veolia, would ensure Defence’s continued commitment to best practice environmental management.

It is anticipated that Defence will ensure sustainable disposal of some 40,000 passenger tyre equivalents each year.

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 31

ASPHALT IN FOCUS

Changes in Nanoscaled Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binders Caused by Aging This article is based on extracts from a research paper prepared

by Ben Liu, Junan Shen and Xuyan Song of the Road Engineering Research Centre, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China. The article was first published in March 2015 by Hindawi Publishing Corporation.

Highway Engineering Australia has utilised extracts due to space limitations and the complete presentation can be found at: www.hindawi.com/journals/jnm/2015/961924/

In order to understand the changes in nanoscale caused by the aging of short and long terms, the frontier of atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to explore the nanomechanical forces. The adhesion, nanoforce curve, and rheological properties were tested on an asphalt binder before and after aging through rotating thin film oven (RTFO) aging.

Materials This research used Shell Pen 70# as asphalt. The properties of Pen asphalt were shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Properties of Shell Pen 70# asphalt.

Test index

Unit

Penetration (25°C, 5 s, 100 g)

0.1 mm

Ductility (5 cm/min, 15°C)

cm

Softening point (global method)

°C

Pen 70

Specs

Test method

68

60~80

T0604

>100

≥100

T0605

58

≥46

T0606

230

≥180

T0625

T0609

Abstract Aging of an asphalt binder causes the changes in the microstructure and, consequently, in the nanomechanical and rheological properties of the aged asphalt binder.

Short-term aging on asphalt binders was simulated using a rotating thin film oven (RTFO). These changes in the microstructure and nanomechanical and rheological properties were measured using atomic force microscope (AFM) and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR).

The results indicated that (1) the adhesive force of the asphalt binder from AFM tests was increased after RTFO aging; (2) the asphalt binder from DSR tests increased after RTFO aging; (3) the results from AFM were consistent with those from DSR, explaining the mechanism of the changes of rheological properties.

Introduction Asphalt binder plays an important role in the performance of asphalt mixture, which accounted for 29% of rut depth at high temperature, according to the strategic highway research program (SHRP) research.

Rheology is a very powerful tool for characterizing and quantifying materials’ properties. Since the rheological properties of asphalt change during production and continue to change subsequently in service, there is necessity to study the phenomenon of aging.

As a result of the global climate, air temperature of most areas in China in the summer is higher and lasts for a long time, making the rutting and water damage particularly more prominent than ever before.

The DSR is widely used for characterizing asphalt binders and is required for specifications in many countries. DSR can accurately measure the rheological responses of asphalt films adhesion to aggregate’s surfaces.

As a special material, asphalt binder has viscoelastic property and is more complicated than other pavement materials. The testing involves using rotating thin film oven (RTFO) aged binders to mimic the state of binder aging in the mixture beams.

Because of its complexity in compositions, the rheological properties of asphalt binder are dependent on the aging, the temperature tested, and the test methods. A number of studies have recognized that binders of nearly identical SHRP performance grades can show differences in fracture properties that vary significantly.

32 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

Dynamic viscosity (60°C)

Pa·s

The residue after thin film oven

Quality loss

%

0.04

≤±0.8

T0609

Ductility (5 cm/min, 15°C)

cm

27

15

T0605

Penetration ratio (25°C, 5 s, 100 g)

%

69

≥58

T0604

It is indicated from Table 1 that the asphalt conformed to the requirements of the Chinese specifications.

In addition, the materials used for atomic force microscope test including acetone solution and carbon disulphide solution are all commercially available.

Methods AFM analysis uses the BRUKER company’s icon type atomic force microscope. Its principle is that there is a small tip which is very sensitive to the weak force at the other end of micro-cantilever.

Tip gently contacted the sample surface, due to the extremely weak repelling force between needle tip atoms and the sample surface atoms; the force will be kept constant in the scan control.

A sharp tip probes the surface of a sample while collecting data.

The cantilever tip is usually only several micros in length, and is located at the free end of a cantilever. Vertical displacement and lateral distortion in the cantilever is measured and mapped as the tip probes the surface of the specimen.

The surface information will be measured by nanoscaled resolution.

The operation mode of the atomic force microscope was classified in the form of acting force between tip and sample classification.

There are mainly three kinds of operating modes: contact mode, non-contact mode, and tapping mode, with atomic force microscope structure model as shown in Figure 1.

ASPHALT IN FOCUS

Figure 1: Atomic force microscope used in the study.

The nanomechanical properties of the asphalt before and after aging are conducted by contact model. The probe model of the cantilever used in the study is SCANASYST-AIR, and its elasticity coefficient is 0.4 N/m. After correction, deflection sensitivity value of the cantilever beam is 51.48 nN/V, and the K of the spring coefficient is 0.4840 N/m.

This study followed the steps: (1) Weigh the asphalt before and after aging separately, with the weight ratio of carbon disulfide and asphalt 1 : 9; (2) Wipe completely glass slide with acetone solution to remove surface dust and make sure the slide surface is clean; (3) Absorb by glue rubber head a drop of the asphalt solution prepared and release it on a glass slide; and (4) Let the drop of solution be a thin film.

Dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) is a machine that determines the rheological properties of asphalt binders for Superpave system: rutting resistance at high temperature and fatigue resistance at intermediate temperature.

It belongs to the plate type rheometer. Asphalt samples were placed between parallel plates as shown in Figure 2, at a certain rate of rotating shearing, determining binder plural shear modulus G and phase angle of the δ, charactering its viscoelastic properties. G is material repeated shear deformation measurement of total resistance, composed of elastic (recoverable) part of G1 and G2 of part of the viscosity (irreversible).

The δ is elastic and viscous deformation amount of relative index.

The smaller the δ is, the closer the material is in the elastomer, complex shear modulus (G), and its two components: storage modulus (G1) and loss modulus (G2), as shown in Figure 3.

Summary and Conclusions In the study, the changes in nanomechanical properties were measured on base binder of both original and RTFO residuals using atomic force microscope (AFM) and the rheological properties were tested by dynamic shear rheometer (DSR).

Conclusions can be drawn as follows: (1) The nanoadhesion was successfully measured from AFM of the picture and curve, and it was found that it increased after RTFO aging for base binders. Nanoforce curve from AFM showed that adhesion force is 30.7 nN and 41.5 nN for asphalt and RTFO residuals, respectively.

(2) G of the binders was higher for RTFO residual than for the original one. The influence between the G of the RTFO residual and that of the original was temperature-dependent and decreased as the temperature increased.

(3) The rheological properties of the asphalt changed consistently with the nanomechanical properties with the aging.

(4) From the tests of AFM and RTFO, the results had a good correlation of base asphalt with the aging; SBS modified asphalt and other asphalt with different modifying agents should be tested in the future study to understand the aging mechanism of different asphalt better.

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 33

ASPHALT IN FOCUS

$4 million Flagstaff Gully Asphalt Plant development Downer EDI Limited (Downer) plans to redevelop its Flagstaff Gully Asphalt Plant in Tasmania at an estimated cost of $4 million.

The redevelopment of the plant will commence early next year and is expected to be completed by mid-2016, subject to the necessary approvals.

Sergio Cinerari, Chief Executive Officer, Downer Infrastructure Services, said the project represented a continued investment in Tasmania by his company.

“The new plant will produce a variety of high performance and high recycle content asphalt products not currently available in this state.

“These products include warm mix and low CO2 asphalt that incorporates up to 20 per cent recycled asphalt and other recycled materials that would otherwise end up in landfill, such as rubber tyres,” said Mr Cinerari.

“Sixty thousand tonnes of 20 per cent recycled asphalt, the typical volume used by Hobart each year, will see up to 600 tonnes of CO2-e emissions avoided.

“This is equivalent to 2.1 million kilometres of car travel per year or the carbon absorbed by more than 2,200 trees over 20 years.”

Tasmania’s Minister for Infrastructure, Rene Hidding, said Downer’s investment reflected the growth in business confidence in the state.

“The proposed redevelopment of the 25-year old Flagstaff Gully asphalt plant will require up to 25 local contractors and, once complete, will be run by a team of five employees and support an asphalt laying crew of 10 Tasmanians.”

34 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

Flying under pressure When Higgins Contractors took on a paving job of major proportions, it looked to Wirtgen New Zealand to supply reliable equipment in the form of Hamm rollers, Vögele pavers and Wirtgen milling machines to help complete the project.

Imagine being tasked with milling and resurfacing an entire 1.3 kilometre-long main runway and an additional 235 metre taxiway – all while the airport in question remained fully operational.

Being the only airport in the Hawke’s Bay region to service flights on Air New Zealand’s national Link service meant this complex undertaking at Napier Airport could only be completed at night. Napier is a coastal centre on New Zealand’s north island.

With scheduled flights due to depart early in the morning and the requirement that Higgins Contractors had all plant and work lights off the runway, as well as sweeping it for foreign object bebris (FOD) by six o’clock in the morning, the window of opportunity to complete the job done was tight.

But with aircraft flying into Napier typically using the runway up until 9.30 at night – and sometimes as late as 11.00 – in reality the ‘night shift’ often wouldn’t be able to swing into gear until the wee small hours.

This proved a major project for Higgins and for Wirtgen New Zealand, which supplied a line-up of milling machines, pavers and rollers in order to remove the existing open graded asphalt surfacing from the runway and complete the subsequent dense graded hot mix replacement work.

“It’s not often you see such an extensive selection of gear from across the brands on one project at one time,” said Richard Seay of Wirtgen New Zealand.

“But the Hawke’s Bay Airport runway resurfacing work was a harmonious opportunity for us, and a reflection of the ongoing relationship we have with Higgins.”

The project demanded a highly concentrated level of compaction work in the short spaces of time open to the team, so a total of five Hamm rollers – including HD75 and HD90+, articulated tandem rollers and rubber-wheeled GRW 280 static rollers – were used. Often, all five rollers were on the move at the same time.

The fleet of Hamm rollers proved a comprehensive solution under time-sensitive circumstances, offering not only a flexible double-vibrating and oscillating option, but driver comfort and visibility as well; paramount under the demands of full night-shift operations.

In addition to the Hamm roller fleet, two Wirtgen W130F milling machines were onsite for precise surface rehabilitation work.

Additionally two universal class Vögele pavers were required. The Vögele 1600-2 and 1603-2 are both members of the Super Series range; the former tracked, the latter wheeled and each boasting a 7-8 metre pave width and a maximum laydown rate of 600 tonnes/h.

“A project of this magnitude required a number of things to go to plan,” said Mr Seay.

“We ensured the contractor had suitable resources available to get the job done to schedule. It was critical for Higgins to have the assurance that all the plant it needed to produce the end result could be relied upon night after night.”

The finished paved product is proof enough of the attention to detail required of such a project as the Hawke’s Bay Airport Runway 1634 Resurfacing.

In all, over the course of five-and-a-half weeks, 26 separate shifts worked the runway and taxiway areas to get rid of the severely cracked and ravelling open graded asphalt and replace it with the new material.

A total of 9000 tonnes of asphalt was required to be produced for the job: roughly equating to half the normal annual asphalt production for Hawke’s Bay in less than two months.

It was critical for Higgins to have the assurance that all the plant it needed to produce the end result could be relied upon night after night.”

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ASPHALT IN FOCUS

UP TO

78PRODUCTIVITY GAIN %

E

very day, paving supervisors try to increase production any way they can and their efforts can add up by the end of a job with considerable dollars and even days saved.

As a paving supervisor, Wayne Thames of Ranger Construction Industries Inc. knows all about production and the effort that goes into making even marginal gains. That makes Ranger’s recent road-widening job all the more impressive.

“Productivity was dramatically increased from what we estimated,” said Mr Thames.

“We had a production bid based on placing 450 (US) tons per shift, and with the Cat® AP255E we’ve been able to increase that to over 700 tons and sometimes over 800 tons.”

36 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

ASPHALT IN FOCUS

The additional 250-350 tons represents an increase of 56-78 per cent over the planned 450 tons. “It’s been amazing,” Mr Thames said.

Crews for Ranger recently widened a shoulder on an increasingly busy Highway 80 near Belle Glade – just a few kilometres from the company’s headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida. The shoulder will eventually become another traffic lane. The work is being completed in both east and west-bound lanes.

“This paver has electronic grade controls. We’ve tested them out and they work beautifully.”

To accommodate increasing traffic, upgrades and widening have been in progress on prioritised sections since 2000. Ranger’s latest work covered about 23.75 kilometres.

Specifications called for two lifts – the first 50mm; the second 37mm – to elevate the shoulder to 16mm below the existing main road pavement. A 16mm overlay will then be placed over the entire shoulder.

Most of the paving required widths of 1.2m and less, too narrow for large pavers.

Mr Thames turned to the AP255E, capable of minimum widths of 150mm and a maximum of 3.4 metres.

Shoulder work can be slow, with high tonnage levels tough to reach given the narrow paving widths and, in the case of Highway 80, exits and turning lanes.

“We bid the job thinking we would use a road widener,” Mr Thames said.

Yet the more he thought about goals for production, smoothness and density, the more it seemed like a job best suited for a paver.

WAYNE THAMES, PAVING SUPERVISOR RANGER CONSTRUCTION

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 37

ASPHALT IN FOCUS

SEEING IS BELIEVING FOR AP255E USERS

Foreman, Kenny Newhouse, said he was skeptical before stepping on the Cat AP255E Asphalt Paver.

“I mostly operate the 10-footers (3m), and the AP255E is a lot smaller. I kept an open mind and it worked really well.

“The gates are consistent, and the controls are easy to handle. The mat is very good.”

“It’s very operator friendly. It has electronics and joint matcher. It’s a lot better than the smaller pavers I’ve used in the past, especially with the electronic controls for the operator.

“I was very surprised by the productivity. When I look at a paver like that, I think smaller parking lot applications, but after the first day, it really changed my outlook on what that paver could do.”

Wayne Thames, paving supervisor at Ranger Construction Industries, said: “The paver has electronic grade controls.

We’ve tested them out and they work beautifully.

“The visibility from the paver is impeccable; from the MTV, to the trucks in front, to the line you’re trying to hold.

It’s almost unrealistic. You basically control the whole job from a single operator station.”

38 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

Mr Thames spoke with the local Cat dealer and determined the AP255E would be ideal for meeting project specifications.

It didn’t take much testing for him and colleagues to be convinced of the machine’s benefits. Asphalt foreman, Kenny Newhouse, said: “After that first day, it really sold me on what that paver can do,” he said.

The AP255E has a hopper big enough to accept asphalt from a material transfer vehicle (MTV), helping the paver work continuously, and avoid the stops that can impact smoothness. The AP255E also has a vibrating screed, helping jumpstart density.

But it was the production that really caught Mr Thames’ attention. Road wideners stop more frequently and place material at a slower pace. They also require significant raking and more compaction behind the machine.

“It’s just a much slower process,” he said.

“The paver moves more quickly. We average about 5.5 metres per minute.”

Substantial density was achieved before the roller hit the mat. The “raking” crew and the screed operator weren’t needed.

“It’s a one-man operation,” Mr Thames said. “One individual can stand back there and operate the left and right-hand sides of the screed. He can operate the augers, the flight chains – everything that usually

takes two people, he can do from the centre console position.”

Mr Thames said Caterpillar engineers placed the catwalk so the operator stands above the vibrating screed.

“It keeps the operator away from the vibration,” he said. “The mat and the screed; not the operator, take the brunt of the force.”

Mr Thames thought the paver idea was worth testing, and expected the pros and cons to mostly offset each other. That wasn’t the case.

“Since day one, the paver has performed.

The machine has already paid for itself many times over.”

Stormwater Report

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STORMWATER REPORT

Stormwater drain key to planning for Green Square Sydney Water and the City of Sydney are constructing a major underground stormwater drain to service the city’s Green Square precinct.

The Green Square area is one of the fastest growing in Sydney, with nearly 10,000 new apartments due for completion over the next four years. The City has committed $540 million over the next 10 years to build world-class community facilities and infrastructure for Green Square, focussing on high-quality design.

Green Square Town Centre will be the area’s new commercial, retail and cultural hub.

The 2.4 km underground stormwater drain will run from Link Road, Zetland to the existing stormwater system at Alexandra Canal, Alexandria, and will provide stormwater services to accommodate growth and development in the Green Square area.

It is a key part of Sydney’s urban renewal and the Liveable Cities strategy.

The new stormwater drain will significantly reduce flooding in and around the Green Square Town Centre during torrential rain particularly at Joynton Avenue and on Botany Road.

Sydney Water and the City of Sydney formed the DG Alliance with UGL Engineering, Seymour Whyte Constructions, Parsons

Brinckerhoff and RPS Manidis Roberts to build the stormwater drain.

Detailed design continues for some sections of the stormwater drain. It is being built using a combination of open trenching and micro-tunnelling. Work will happen across multiple locations simultaneously.

Construction started in May 2015 and is expected to be completed in by late 2017.

The first microtunnelling machine arrives at Green Square.

Microtunnelling machine lowered into launch pit.

Photos courtesy Sydney Water/City of Sydney.

New wastewater facility for Murray Bridge SA Water plans to relocate its Murray Bridge Wastewater Treatment Plant to ensure the regional city’s future wastewater needs can be met.

A business case for the plant upgrade is included in SA Water’s Regulatory Business Proposal to the Essential Services Commission of South Australia for the 2016-20 period.

More than $66 million has been budgeted for this project for 2016-20, with additional expenditure in future years to be determined through detailed design and tendering processes.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Stakeholder Engagement, Matthew Bonnett, said the proposed upgrade would offer a range of benefits to both the community and SA Water.

“A new and improved plant will support growth in Murray Bridge and help improve our environmental performance by addressing odour issues,” Mr Bonnett said.

“Constructing a new plant away from the River Murray floodplain and residential areas will minimise impacts on the community and environment.

“This will also enable us to comply with odour standards set by the Environment Protection Authority as part of our Environment Improvement Program.”

Major stormwater harvesting and reuse project in Brisbane Seven stormwater harvesting schemes are being constructed in Brisbane with more than $5 million in Federal funding allocated to the Brisbane City Council.

Council submitted a proposal to the Federal Government for funding towards a stormwater harvesting and reuse project.

It was one of nine successful applicants around the country and has been awarded $5.39 million over four years of the total $10.78 million project cost to deliver seven stormwater harvesting schemes to sport and recreational parks across Brisbane.

Council will construct water storage basins, in-channel storage systems and above-ground tanks to supply filtered stormwater to seven local parks and recreational facilities to be used for irrigation purposes.

40 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

These schemes are being progressively built, with all of them to be completed by April 2016.

Stormwater harvesting and reuse projects are being undertaken in the following locations: • Whites Hill Sports and Recreation Reserve, Camp Hill - open water storage; • CB Mott Park, Holland Park - open water storage; • Ekibin Park East, Greenslopes - open water storage; • Langlands Park (Chadwick Place), Greenslopes - above-ground tanks; • Sexton Street Park, Tarragindi - aboveground tanks; • Norman Park Sports Precinct, Norman Park - in channel storage; and • Downey Park Sports Precinct, Windsor (Finsbury Park, Wilston) - in channel storage.

Council said the benefits of the project included reducing demand for potable water by up to 185 megalitres per year, fostering habitat creation within the project locations, increasing the amenity of open spaces within the Brisbane city area and improving waterway health.

It said the city had experienced extreme weather patterns in the last 10 years; from the worst drought in the region’s history between 2001 and 2009, to the major flood event in 2011.

The need to build resilience and manage risks in South East Queensland had been made clear by these weather events.

This project is jointly funded by the Federal Government’s National Urban Water and Desalination Plan and Council’s Clean Green and WaterSmart Initiative.

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STORMWATER REPORT

UNIVERSITY CULVERT – MT OUSLEY WOLLONGONG Combining traditional tunnelling technology with modern day rehabilitation techniques enabled ITS Pipetech to submit and provide a solution to RMS [Roads and Maritime Services] to extend the life of an existing set of culverts that crossed the M1/ Princes Highway outside The University of Wollongong.

The prime objective of the work was to provide structural integrity and equalise the bores of a triple cell culvert that passed beneath one of the busiest arterial routes in Australia and to achieve a design life of 100 years.

A secondary consideration was to devise a methodology and a sequence of works that caused the least disruption to the motorway that carries over 18,000 vehicle movements a day just two metres above the top of the culverts.

The university culverts carry the Dallas Street branch of Fairy Creek which crosses under the motorway via a three cell precast concrete pipe.

Over the years as the Princes Motorway was upgraded and widened, the original 1350mm triple culvert set was extended to take additional traffic lanes.

42 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

The northern extension, however, was sized at 1200mm, which at times of heavy rain, was restricting the flow of water into the culverts causing flooding to the upstream creek valley and threatening local property and the university campus.

The project identified the probability of one or more of the culverts becoming blocked under a one-in-100-year storm event; therefore the feasibility review recommended that the pipes at the upper ends of the culvert set be enlarged to a common profile similar to the remainder of the culvert.

It also recommended that an inclusion of debris barriers with vehicle access be installed to the culvert entrance for access to undertake maintenance and routine debris clearance under the project scope.

ITS Pipetech’s submission was to develop a methodology to tunnel around the existing inlet pipes to standardise the three cells into a common profile to meet the hydraulic demands and reduce the potential for blockages and water retention in the upstream valley.

Once this had been engineered, the void profile of the existing culverts had to be created and structurally lined together with

STORMWATER REPORT

the existing pipe to complete the structural rehabilitation process.

The proposal also took into consideration any potential damage to the riparian zone and the effects this would have on damage to local flora and fauna, as well as designing an access down from the motorway level to the culvert level with an associated structural retaining wall.

It had been identified that any blockage of the culvert would result in significant flooding to the surrounding area during periods of high intensity rainfall.

This would bring the possibility of an eventual collapse of the culvert that would risk the security of the motorway above causing possible closure and widespread traffic disruption.

The section of motorway is a key link between the Port Kembla industrial area and the Hume highway, with an AADT of approximately 18,000 vehicles per day of which 16 per cent is heavy goods.

Closure of this stretch of motorway would have had serious ramifications on the local economy, as well as resulting in negative exposure for the client.

The proposal was to remove the restrictions in the head pipe, create a structural element to create a 1350mm void and then to reline this with a fully structural element to provide the required diameter and negate the need for extra works to maintain capacity and avoid road closures.

The proposal; to remove the initial 6.5 metres of 1200mm id concrete pipework to

44 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

each of the three cells and replace with a cast insitu reinforced structural pipe bore.

Matching the existing diameter, it could be structurally relined with a UV cured Berolina GRP liner to provide the client with an uninterrupted free-flowing three cell underpass to meet hydraulic requirements.

The initial 6.5 metres of each culvert progressed from a headwall intake under the breakdown lane and inside carriageway of the north bound lanes of the Princes Highway.

The contract scope preference was to avoid any closure of the highway. In order to remove the pipes without disruption to traffic, ITS proposed a modified tunnelling system using a three-stage heading arrangement commencing with the outer right; then the outer left before finishing with the middle bore.

As the heading advanced, the existing concrete pipe could be broken up and removed from the workings leaving a space large enough to facilitate casting a structurally reinforced surround to form a bore at a diameter similar to the existing downstream pipework.

Prior to the above, ITS had to construct an access to the site; a reinforced concrete driveway with spray concrete retaining wall was built to allow plant movements to the tunnelling site.

The cover to the motorway above was less than 1600mm above the existing pipe, with allowance for working room to build the tunnel reducing it to 1200mm. ITS’ designs needed to accommodate SM1600 and 45 ton axle loadings.

ITS opted for the use of its Tunneline cast insitu structural lining system to construct the three bores that were set at 1350mm id to match the internal main cell diameters. Each bore was cast in a single operation using a 40Mpa structural concrete The final stage in the operation was to install a 1350mm high strength UV cured fibreglass Berolina lining through the culverts to provide the client with a smooth bore structural lining with a design life of 75 years.

The adoption of old techniques and new technologies enabled ITS to complete the works efficiently, effectively and to the client’s specification.

ITS was able to deliver the project without accidents, incidents or lost time events. The work was completed within program, with numerous benefits and at a significant allround saving to the client and the community.

MAJOR PROJECTS

Toowoomba Second Range Crossing contracts signed The Nexus consortium will deliver the landmark $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project.

The consortium comprises Transfield Services, Plenary Group, Cintra Infraestructuras Internacional S.A., Acciona Concesiones S.L., Acciona Infrastructure Australia and Ferrovial Agroman Australia.

The project will be delivered as a Public Private Partnership, with the Queensland Government contributing up to $321 million.

The Federal Government’s contribution is $1.285 billion.

Construction will commence this year and work is expected to be completed by late 2018.

Transfield Services’ scope of work includes operations and maintenance services to infrastructure commencing upon construction completion.

Managing Director and CEO, Graeme Hunt, said the selection of Transfield Services as part of the consortium endorsed its position as a leading operations and maintenance services provider for transport infrastructure.

“This long term partnership with the Queensland Government will provide a strong and expanding revenue base for our infrastructure business and we look forward to delivering a positive outcome for our client and all stakeholders.”

Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, said Nexus was selected for the project because of its expertise, innovative design and ability to deliver a value-for-money project that would support the movement of freight to the Port of Brisbane.

Mr Truss said more than 1,800 full-time jobs would be supported during construction of the crossing, which would save up to 40 minutes in travel time for heavy vehicles compared to travelling on the existing Range Crossing.

The project will include a separated connection to Mort Street in Toowoomba, which will benefit freight operators who need to travel in and out of the city.

The final design will see two lanes built each way from the Warrego Highway East Interchange to Warrego Highway West and grade separated interchanges at Warrego Highway West, Toowoomba-Cecil Plains Road and the Gore Highway.

A 30-metre deep cutting at the top of the range will also be built as an alternative to a tunnel proposal, enabling safer travel for

all heavy vehicles, including ones carrying dangerous goods.

Queensland Treasurer, Curtis Pitt, said the project had cleared the final stage of the procurement process, which formally commenced with the issuing of Expressions of Interest in June 2014.

“I’m delighted through this process we’ve been able to deliver an outcome that demonstrates innovation, value for taxpayers and is environmentally responsible.

“As the Surat Basin and Lockyer Valley are important for the agriculture and mining sectors, the Second Range Crossing also will improve efficiency for freight operators and free up local roads for residents.”

Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said the crossing would deliver real benefits for Toowoomba by enhancing safety on the existing range crossing and across the CBD road network, significantly reducing travel times.

“This is a project that has been on the drawing board for far too long – it can’t come soon enough for motorists and for workers who will benefit from new jobs.

“The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing will bring $2.4 billion over 30 years of productivity gain for business and industry to Toowoomba,” Mr Bailey said.

Final stage design of Gateway Upgrade North project Work on designing Brisbane’s $1.162 billion Gateway Upgrade North project between Nudgee and Bracken Ridge has progressed to its final stage.

The upgrade is described as a vital piece of infrastructure for the tens of thousands of motorists who commute on the road every day and the expansion will reduce bottlenecks that happen during peak times and improve the local road network.

Since the release of the preferred plan in 2013, an interactive tender process had produced solutions to reduce congestion and improve safety on the Gateway Motorway – one of Queensland’s busiest motorways.

State Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety, Mark Bailey, said the wider community would benefit from the increased capacity and safety upgrade for the thousands of motorists who used the highway every day.

“Major construction is expected to start early next year, and will involve widening an 11.3-kilometre section from four to six lanes between Nudgee and Bracken Ridge,

upgrading the Nudgee Road interchange and widening the Deagon Deviation to two lanes in both directions,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Nudgee interchange upgrade will involve lengthening the on-and-off-ramps significantly to provide safer merging and exiting opportunities for motorists.”

The Australian Government has committed up to $929.6 million and the Queensland Government $232.4 million to the Gateway Upgrade North project.

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads and Transurban Queensland will jointly manage the delivery of the project.

Lend Lease Engineering will design and construct the project.

Aurecon to design Beresfield intersection upgrade Aurecon Australia has been awarded the design contract for an upgrade of the Weakleys Drive and John Renshaw Drive intersection at Beresfield – a north western suburb of Newcastle.

The intersection upgrade at the northern end of the M1 Motorway is one of three projects in the Australian and NSW Governments’ jointly funded $392 million M1 Productivity Package.

The project will help reduce travel times between Newcastle and Sydney, improve road freight efficiency and cater for the expected growth of freight traffic.

New South Wales Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast, Scot MacDonald, said the extensive upgrade would improve driving conditions for motorists using the intersection.

“The existing two lane roundabout at Beresfield is used by around 4,000 vehicles an hour during the weekday peak and the upgrade will enable the road to cater for increasing demand,” Mr MacDonald said.

“This intersection upgrade involves replacing the existing roundabout with traffic lights to improve motorist safety, traffic flow and to ease congestion.

“The upgrade will also complement future upgrades across the road network, including the proposed extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace to improve safety and travel times.”

Subject to planning approval, the intersection upgrade will be completed by 2019.

The Australian and New South Wales governments have each committed $195.8 million towards the M1 Productivity Package.

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 45

MAJOR PROJECTS

Milestone for Metro North West tunnellers Tunnelling on the $8.3 billion Sydney Metro North West project passed the 70 per cent completion mark in mid-September, with at least 22 kilometres of the 30 kilometres of tunnelling completed.

Sydney Metro North West is one of two core components of Sydney Metro – Australia’s largest public transport project Sydney Metro Northwest was formerly the 36 kilometre North West Rail Link – the project will open in the first half of 2019 with a metro train every four minutes in the peak.

The second component is Sydney Metro City & Southwest – a new 30 kilometre metro line linking with Metro Northwest at Chatswood, and then going under Sydney Harbour, through the CBD and south west to Bankstown.

It is due to open in 2024 with the capacity to run a metro train every two minutes each way under the centre of Sydney.

Sydney Metro North West includes Australian-first innovations such as a $1.2 million tunnel simulation centre and state-of-the-art 3D goggle technology to train a new generation of tunnellers.

The centre features a life-size replica of a Sydney Metro tunnel which provides a real-life perspective from within a tunnel boring machine.

New South Wales Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance, said the venture was an investment in producing skilled workers for the future.

“Tunnelling is a highly specialised skill and we’re nurturing it for the future – I congratulate the tunnel builders on Sydney Metro Northwest for investing in their workforce for the future,” Mr Constance said.

More than 420 tunnellers have graduated from the training centre at Sydney Metro Northwest’s Showground Station site since the program began.

Delivering the Northern Connector The Federal and South Australian Governments are investing $985 million to build the Northern Connector as part of a shared plan to deliver a fully upgraded North-South Corridor in Adelaide in a decade.

The Northern Connector will involve construction of a new six lane 15.5 kilometre road linking the Northern Expressway with the South Road Superway and Port River Expressway, saving up to seven minutes on travel time and avoiding six sets of traffic lights.

The project will support, on average, 480 jobs a year during construction and unlock the economic capacity of South Australia’s transport network.

46 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

With more than half of Adelaide’s freight task located to the north and west of the city, the project will significantly reduce heavy vehicle travel times and lower operating costs for the transport industry.

More than 52,000 vehicles are expected to use the Northern Connector on weekdays and the more efficient movement of freight and commuters along the North-South Corridor will drive economic growth, and boost productivity in South Australia.

With planning works well progressed, early works will commence in January 2016, with major construction on the Northern Connector expected to commence by May of that year and be completed by the end of 2019.

The project, along with major infrastructure investments, like the Torrens Road to River Torrens and Darlington Upgrade projects, will drive economic growth in SA. A fully upgraded North South Corridor will also help stimulate urban renewal, strengthen local communities and create economic growth.

The Northern Connector is funded on an 80:20 basis with the Federal Government providing $788 million and the South Australian Government $197 million.

Both governments will work with industry on developing road pricing reforms for South Australia, including the possible introduction of heavy-vehicle network charging.

Early opening for Grand Gateway The Grand Gateway near Perth airport opened on 13 September – four months ahead of schedule.

The Federal and Western Australian Governments said in a statement to mark the opening that thousands of motorists would have their travel times slashed following completion of the final section of the Tonkin Highway/Leach Highway interchange, a major part of the Gateway WA project.

They said the upgrade at Grand Gateway, which supported more than 1,000 construction jobs, would significantly improve access around the airport and surrounding industrial areas meaning businesses could get their products to market more quickly and efficiently.

Gateway WA is the largest road project to be undertaken in Perth and is jointly funded by the Commonwealth ($676 million) and the Western Australian Government ($310 million). The entire project has created 7,000 jobs.

When complete, the Gateway WA will deliver a fully upgraded road network around the consolidated Perth Airport terminal and nearby Kewdale and Forrestfield industrial estates.

The two governments said the project was vital to Western Australia’s future economic prosperity with passenger air travel and the road freight task around Perth expected to double over the next decade.

Combined with the consolidation of the Perth airport domestic and international terminals, there was a clear need to deliver the upgrade quickly to reduce congestion and improve safety for motorists and freight operators.

The Tonkin Highway/Leach Highway intersection has been plagued by heavy congestion and lengthy traffic delays at peak periods, which is stifling Perth’s productive capacity.

The governments said the new free-flow interchange would unlock the surrounding road network and ensure motorists enjoy uninterrupted movement in all directions.

To date, Gateway WA has invested more than $500 million in third party suppliers and subcontractors. The vast majority of this work has

MAJOR PROJECTS

been delivered by more than 600 Western Australian businesses.

The Gateway WA project includes: • 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.

Other major upgrades will continue on the Tonkin/Roe Highway interchange and other associated road sections which are expected to be completed by March 2016.

Tullamarine project to cut congestion and create jobs Construction has started on Melbourne’s $1.3 billion CityLink Tullamarine Widening project between Bulla Road and Bell Street.

The major infrastructure development started on 5 October with the installation of protective barriers and the relocation of utility services. It will create around 1400 direct and indirect jobs.

“This will mean less congestion on CityLink and Tulla for motorists and more jobs for Victoria,” said Premier, Daniel Andrews, when he spoke to workers on the project at Essendon Fields with Victoria’s Minister for Roads, Luke Donnellan, and Senator Scott Ryan.

Mr Donnellan said the project would increase the road’s capacity by

up to 30 per cent and support the growth of Melbourne Airport, and the rapidly growing northern and north western suburbs.

“The M2 corridor will be safer and more reliable, with a new freeway management system that will manage traffic flow and reduce crashes.”

Mr Donnellan said the majority of works would be undertaken at night to minimise the impact on motorists, although they should allow extra travel time when planning their journeys.

“To assist with the safety of motorists the speed limit between Bulla Road and Bell Street will be reduced to 80 kilometres-an-hour during the day, and lane widths will be adjusted, although the number of existing lanes will remain unchanged during peak periods.”

Senator Ryan represented the Federal Minister for Major Projects, Paul Fletcher, at the project site.

“Increasing the capacity of this major transport corridor will contribute to meeting the demands of Melbourne’s growing population and increasing freight while supporting economic growth,” Senator Ryan said.

Mr Fletcher said the Tullamarine Freeway was one of Melbourne’s busiest road corridors. The Australian Government has committed $200 million towards the upgrade of Section 1 from Melbourne Airport to Melrose Drive.

“This project represents an important partnership between the Australian Government, Victorian Government and private enterprise working together to provide much needed city-shaping infrastructure in Victoria,” Mr Fletcher said.

All construction works are expected to be completed in 2018.

MAJOR PROJECTS

Government releases delivery plan to build inland rail The multi-billion dollar Inland Rail project – connecting Melbourne to Brisbane with a high performance freight line – took another step in mid-September with the Federal Government releasing the delivery plan.

The freight line will take an estimated 200,000 trucks from Australian roads each year and generate economic benefits of around $22.5 billion.

The delivery plan outlined a 10-year construction timeframe to complete the 1,700 kilometre project, including some 600 kilometres of new track, and put the cost at $10 billion. Accompanying the plan was a detailed business case, developed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation.

The release of the plan and business case on 11 September coincided with the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, receiving the final report of the Inland Rail Implementation Group.

“This report and business case provides the information needed to consider how best to build the Inland Rail network to meet the freight challenge of the coming decades – expected to treble along the eastern seaboard to 2030,” Mr Truss said.

“Inland Rail will complement existing road and rail networks and will dramatically boost productivity. Initially, it will provide for 1,800 metre trains carrying containers stacked twohigh and, in the longer term, much heavier 3,600 metre trains.

“The new freight line will reduce transit time between Melbourne and Brisbane by more than 10 hours, reducing the journey to less than a day. It will remove 5.4 billion net tonne kilometres of freight, from roads each year,” Mr Truss said.

“For the first time, south east Queensland will connect by rail to Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, avoiding the need for freight to transit through the congested Sydney network.

“Inland Rail will reduce the travel distance between Melbourne and Brisbane by 200 kilometres and carve 500 kilometres from the Brisbane to Perth trip.”

Mr Truss said the government has already committed $300 million to get preconstruction activities underway, including detailed corridor planning, environmental assessments and priority land acquisitions.

“The project will create up to 16,000 direct jobs during a 10-year construction period and a regular 600 jobs once operating.

48 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

“Importantly, the Implementation Group has identified that an early commitment to Inland Rail will give certainty for businesses and will allow the private sector to invest in complementary projects leveraging Inland Rail’s enhanced logistics benefits.

“The group’s analysis indicates there is some scope for private sector funding; however, the release of this report will now allow potential investors to consider the merits of the proposal.

“If viable alternatives emerge that are substantiated by evidence, these would be considered on their merits and referred to Infrastructure Australia as appropriate.

“As with any project of this magnitude, it is important the government fully considers the project and how best to implement and fund it. As part of our consideration, I am referring the business case to Infrastructure Australia.”

The government will consider the report in the context of the 2016 Federal Budget.

Multi-million dollar upgrade for key Perth arterial road The Federal Government will provide $116 million for the Armadale Road duplication between Anstey Road and Tapper Road in Perth’s south.

The project will improve safety and ease traffic congestion on one of the main eastwest links within the Western Australian capital’s transport network.

Traffic on Armadale Road has increased significantly in recent years and is forecast to increase by a further five per cent annually due to ongoing residential and commercial development in the region.

The section between Anstey Road and Tapper Road has a crash rate considerably higher than the Western Australian average and the duplication will upgrade the standard of the road.

Armadale Road links the two southern public transport corridors and provides access to other major arterial roads – Kwinana Freeway, the Tonkin, South West and Albany Highways.

Up to 27,500 vehicles use the section of road every day and the growing traffic congestion was a concern to the Cities of Cockburn and Armadale.

Cockburn Central is a regional transport corridor and activity hub, close to the Kwinana Freeway and major arterial roads, including Armadale Road and Beeliar Drive.

The project will also involve upgrading

the seven kilometre stretch of road to a four-lane dual carriageway. Upgrades will be made to the Nicholson Road and Fraser Road intersections and a Principal Shared Path on the northern side of Armadale Road.

The overall cost of the duplication is $145 million, with the WA Government contributing $29 million.

Improving access to Kooragang Island Early works are under way on the $103 million duplication of Tourle Street and Cormorant Road on Kooragang Island at Newcastle in New South Wales.

The Federal and New South Wales governments have each committed more than $51 million to the project to improve traffic flow and cater for future growth.

Tourle Street and Cormorant Road form the main corridor connecting Kooragang Island to Newcastle and the southern section of the Port of Newcastle.

Approximately 33,000 vehicles, including more than 3000 heavy vehicles, use the road daily as the main corridor connecting Newcastle with Newcastle Airport and Port Stephens.

The upgrade will improve traffic flow and cater for a forecast increase in traffic due to future urban development in Port Stephens, the expansion of Newcastle Airport and growth of industrial development on Kooragang Island.

New South Wales Minister for Roads, Duncan Gay, said by undertaking work such as shoulder widening and building a new bridge, the governments were supporting the increasing number of freight movements inand-out of the Port of Newcastle, one of the world’s largest coal exporters.

“Early work will include building road embankments at the southern end of the Tourle Street Bridge and in the Long Pond area on the northern side of Cormorant Road.

“The embankments will allow the soft soil to settle and prepare the ground to properly support the future road pavement.”

The work also includes building an underground barrier to prevent movement of old steelwork and adjustments to Telstra services on Tourle Street and Ausgrid overhead power lines on Cormorant Road.

Tenders from prequalified contractors have been called for construction of the duplication. The tenders close on 18 November and major work is expected to start early next year after the successful contractor is announced.”

MAJOR PROJECTS

Stage two of Gold Coast light rail on track Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2 will be delivered in time for the Commonwealth Games, with all three levels of government committed to fund the extension.

Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, and Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, announced a funding agreement for the project on 11 October – Stage 2 of the Light Rail will support more than 1,000 jobs during construction.

Mr Turnbull said the Federal Government would commit $95 million towards Stage 2.

“Construction of Stage 2 of Gold Coast Light Rail will provide the missing link from the Gold Coast to Brisbane.

“This project is vital for the Commonwealth Games transport task. It connects five competition venues and nine events to accommodation and public transport interchanges.”

Mr Turnbull said as congestion increased on the Pacific Motorway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane, the efficiency of the

rail system and its mass transit capabilities became increasingly important for the region beyond the Commonwealth Games.

Ms Palaszczuk welcomed the Commonwealth’s commitment and said with the support secured, Stage 2 could now be built in time for the Games.

“I congratulate the Prime Minister for committing funding support to help deliver Stage 2.

“Once the Commonwealth was provided with the business case, the Prime Minister prioritised the decision to fund this infrastructure which will be critical to the success of the Games.

“With this announcement from the Commonwealth and the $55 million funding commitment from Gold Coast Council, all three levels of Government are now on board to deliver this legacy project for Queensland.

“This funding commitment from all three levels of government is an investment in the success of the Games and the Gold Coast’s future. The new line will connect the Coast to Brisbane and complement an impressive pipeline of new resorts and attractions already in train.”

State Transport Minister, Jackie Trad, said now a funding agreement had been secured with the Commonwealth the state would be in a position to appoint a preferred contractor in early 2016 following the conclusion of the Request for Tender phase last December.

“Light rail has become the backbone of the public transport network and Stage 1 has driven a 25 per cent increase in public transport patronage on the Gold Coast in the first year alone,” Ms Trad said.

“Gold Coast Light Rail is a transformative piece of infrastructure and Stage 2 will continue to change the way people move and get around the Gold Coast.”

Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate, said the funding agreement showed the value of all three tiers of government working together.

“This announcement is a historic day for our city and will ensure this vital second stage of the light rail is completed before the Games,” Mr Tate said.

“Gold Coast Light Rail patronage continues to exceed expectations, with an average of more than 18,200 trips made on Gold Coast Light Rail each day.”

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MAJOR PROJECTS

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has identified savings within its existing budget to allow for a State Government contribution to the project with no new spending required over the forward estimates.

Six national and international consortia are vying to construct the proposed 7.3 kilometre light rail alignment from the Helensvale heavy rail station and bus interchange to connect with Stage 1 at the Gold Coast University Hospital light rail station.

Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway tender process Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads has started reviewing designs for more than $1 billion in works to upgrade a seven kilometre stretch of the Bruce Highway between Caloundra Road and the Sunshine Motorway.

Prospective contractors had until 1 October to submit expressions of interest for the project and the department is due to provide a recommendation for the final award of contract by mid next year.

Minister for Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said the project remained on track, with construction expected to start in late 2016.

“Under a selection process known as ‘double early contractor involvement’, two contractors will be chosen to work with TMR to develop a design that meets the required performance standards, including maximising environmental outcomes,” Mr Bailey said.

A revised preferred planning layout, which was released in July this year, established the basic structure within which the contractors should work.

This included the requirement that the section of highway should be widened from four-to-six lanes and, in line with national highway standards, the posted speed limit should be increased to 110 kilometres an hour.

Mr Bailey said the concerns of the Sunshine Coast community had been considered throughout the process, with the revised preferred planning layout reducing impacts on the Beerwah State Forest by 11 hectares.

“I have instructed the Department to work with contractors through this next phase to further minimise impacts to the State Forest and improve access for the businesses in the Aussie World tourist precinct.”

More than 150 industry representatives attended an information session to be briefed

50 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

on the project’s procurement process.

The project is jointly funded with the Federal Government committing $907 million and the Queensland Government $227 million.

Badgerys Creek proclaimed site for second Sydney airport New regulations naming Badgerys Creek as the site for Western Sydney’s airport were proclaimed in the last week of August by the Federal Government.

The Airports Legislation Amendment (2015 Measures No.1) Regulation 2015 amends the Airports Regulations 1997 to declare the Commonwealth-owned land at Badgerys Creek as the site for ‘Sydney West Airport’, as it is known in legislation.

The proclamation was made by Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, who said the debate about an airport for Western Sydney had lasted for decades.

“We have ended the indecision and uncertainty, getting on with the job of ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to cater for Western Sydney’s rapid population growth and development needs,” Mr Truss said.

“The airport will be a game changer for the region, New South Wales and the national economy.

“It will connect Western Sydney with the rest of the world and deliver tens of thousands of jobs through both construction and long-term operation, returning around $24 billion to the economy.”

Mr Truss said the proclamation prepared the way for the next key planning steps to be taken once the environmental assessment process concluded, including the determination of the airport plan. It would also enable airspace around the site to be protected.

Russell Matheson – the Federal MP for Macarthur – said the proposed airport facility would deliver important opportunities and benefits.

“We continue progress towards an operational airport for Western Sydney come the mid-2020s, with the development of the draft Environmental Impact Statement and draft airport plan well underway, and expected to be released for community consultation before the end of the year.

“Residents will have seen the bulldozers and other construction equipment on nearby

roads in recent times, where the Federal Government, in partnership with NSW, is delivering $3.6 billion to dramatically improve Western Sydney roads.

“This project prepares the way for Western Sydney’s growing population and sets the foundation for a strong economy for generations to come.”

Information on Western Sydney’s airport and the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan can be found at westernsydneyairport.gov.au

Concrete mixing plants specifically for Pacific Highway upgrade Two concrete mixing plants are being built to supply more than 80,000 cubic metres of concrete for the Halfway Creek to Glenugie section of the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade.

The mixing plants will supply the project with concrete for road surfaces, bridge and drainage structures. The 12 kilometre section of highway is being built by Civil Mining and Construction.

The main facility is being built along the new highway alignment for efficiency and to help remove heavy vehicles accessing the project from the existing Pacific Highway.

It is about 600 metres north of Parker Road on the eastern side of the Pacific Highway. The smaller plant is being built at the corner of Parker Road and the existing Pacific Highway at Wells Crossing.

The Halfway Creek to Glenugie project will join with the Glenugie upgrade completed in February 2012. Work on the project is expected to be finished in 2017.

It 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 section of highway is part of the larger 155 kilometre Woolgoolga to Ballina project, which is expected to provide about 2,500 direct jobs and 7,500 indirect jobs at the project’s peak.

More than 80 per cent of the Pacific Highway duplication is now either completed, under contract, or currently under construction, with works on track for completion.

The Federal Government is providing $5.64 billion as part of its commitment with the New South Wales Government to complete the Pacific Highway upgrade by the end of the decade.

MAJOR PROJECTS

20 YEAR STRUCTURAL WARRANT Y

Improving transport network on Cape York Peninsula Work is underway on upgrading a 29 kilometre section of the Peninsula Developmental Road north of Coen on Cape York Peninsula.

The project is being funded under the Cape York Region Package, a $260 million program of works jointly funded by the Federal Government ($208 million) and the Queensland Government ($52 million) to upgrade critical infrastructure on Cape York.

It aims to improve accessibility to Cape York Peninsula for the local community and benefit local industries. An average of 91 direct jobs will be supported over the life of the project and the contractor, CMC, has committed to include employment and training opportunities for Indigenous employees.

As well, CMC has indicated it intends to use a significant number of sub-contractors local to the Cape region.

The project will provide improvements to drainage, as well as pavement works and bitumen sealing to produce an 8.5 metre-wide sealed road.

Once completed, the drive will be much safer for the growing number of people who depend on the road, including locals, tourists and transport operators Around 34 kilometres of the Peninsula Developmental Road was sealed last year with funding provided through the Cape York Region Package.

Another three Peninsula Development Road projects are planned for this year; two between Laura and Coen, and another between Coen and Weipa.

Creek crossing upgrades north of Townsville Engineering consultancy, AECOM Australia Pty Ltd, is undertaking the design of the $174 million upgrade to Cattle and Frances Creeks crossings on the Bruce Highway north of Townsville.

AECOM is coordinating the design of an upgraded bridge and road infrastructure at Cattle and Frances Creeks.

A new higher-level section of highway from Cattle Creek to Toobanna will be built, as well as a new, higher-level, 160 metre bridge over Cattle Creek. The existing highway will be upgraded, with key sections raised by around half-a-metre.

A series of rural intersections along the route will also be upgraded, to provide or improve existing acceleration and deceleration lanes.

Detailed design work will be finalised in late 2016, with construction expected to commence in mid-2017.

The upgrade will play an important role in improving flood immunity and safety on the highway; when complete, it will improve the region’s freight connectivity, travel reliability and access to essential services.

Senator for Queensland, Ian Macdonald, said the project would benefit local residents and heavy vehicle operators, who would have a safer highway and better access to major centres during times of flooding.

It would also, Senator MacDonald said, help underpin North Queensland’s growing economy.

The Cattle and Frances Creeks upgrade project is jointly funded – the Australian Government is contributing $139.2 million and the Queensland Government $34.8 million.

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MAJOR PROJECTS

Community consultation key for M4 East EIS Stakeholders had until 23 October to comment on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the M4 East, the first underground section of Sydney’s motorway network, WestConnex.

The M4 East will connect to a widened M4 at Homebush and extend underground in twin tunnels (three lanes in each direction) for 5.5 kilometres.

It will emerge near the Bunnings Warehouse on Parramatta Road or on Wattle Street at Haberfield – motorists can exit at two locations.

The project will generate 10,000 new jobs during construction, cut travel times for motorists and inject $20 billion worth of benefits into the national economy.

Construction of the M4 East alone will generate more than 2,500 direct jobs and support a further 1,500 indirect jobs. The M4 East will employ more than 100 apprentices/trainees.

NSW Roads Minister, Duncan Gay, said the 45-day EIS consultation process represented a 50 per cent increase on a standard EIS period.

“The EIS shows in 2021 travel volumes on sections of Parramatta Road are expected to be cut by up to 53 per cent as a result of WestConnex, compared to a do nothing scenario, and motorists will bypass 22 sets of traffic lights,” Mr Gay said.

“An independent air quality assessment detailed in the EIS also found air quality will generally improve along the Parramatta Road corridor by removing stop-start traffic and providing motorists with a continuous free-flowing motorway.

Following exhibition of the EIS and consideration of community feedback, a submissions report will be provided to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

Mount Isa to Tennant Creek railway scoping study A potential new rail project linking Mount Isa in Queensland to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory has taken another step with the Territory Government awarding a tender for a scoping study to Port Jackson Partners.

NT Chief Minister, Adam Giles, said the scoping study would investigate the opportunities and benefits a Mount Isa to Tennant Creek railway could provide and how to give the project the best chance of success.

“The 600 kilometre railway between Mount Isa and Tennant Creek could provide enormous economic opportunities, potentially opening new mining projects and boosting development in our regional and remote areas,” Mr Giles said.

“Preliminary investigations suggest a number of mining companies in the Mount Isa area could be interested in exporting through the Port of Darwin, instead of Townsville.

“We don’t need a feasibility study to tell us we should open opportunities to develop the significant resources we know exist in this region.

“This piece of enabling infrastructure would join to, and benefit from, the existing railways between Adelaide and Darwin and from Mount Isa to Townsville.

“It would provide an efficient route to market for potential new projects in the region and a new logistics option for those who currently use both these lines.

“It is quicker and cheaper to export from Western Queensland through Darwin because it saves days in shipping time.”

52 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

Mr Giles said Port Jackson Partners would deliver an initial report to government in November with the scoping study to consider the economic and business case for the project, where trade might come from, ownership of the railway and the impact on new and existing freight users.

“The NT and Queensland Governments are also undertaking related studies on the technical feasibility of the project based on engineering, environmental and heritage considerations.

“Inadequate economic infrastructure is a significant barrier to the development of Northern Australia so it is vital that a project like this is given every consideration.”

Preferred design released for M5

The Federal and NSW Governments have released the new M5 motorway’s preferred design, which will more than double capacity on the M5 East corridor.

Motorists already have the benefits of a widened M5 West, but come to an abrupt halt when they hit the traffic pinch point at the existing M5 East tunnel.

When WestConnex is completed, traffic currently running on residential streets will be able to access a continuous free-flowing motorway. This will ensure only people who want to use local streets to access local businesses will divert from the motorway.

Motorists driving from south western Sydney will continue using the existing M5 East to access Sydney Airport and suburbs south and east of the airport like Brighton Le Sands and Maroubra.

Alternatively, they will be able to use the New M5, which will feature twin tunnels to access suburbs north of the airport such as Marrickville, and for a direct connection to the Alexandria employment hub.

Travelling from west to east, motorists will enter one of the new M5 twin tunnels adjacent to the Kingsgrove industrial estate and travel underground for nine kilometres to St Peters. Those travelling from east to west will follow the same corridor route in the second tunnel.

Once WestConnex is complete, motorists will have the choice to stay on the new M5 for an underground connection to the M4 (bypassing King Street, Newtown) or surface at the St Peters Interchange to access direct connections to areas such as Alexandria, Redfern and Mascot.

WestConnex is designed to limit land acquisitions wherever possible and more than two thirds is being built underground and in existing road corridors.

Subject to planning approval, work on the New M5 will start mid2016, with the tunnel due to open to traffic in 2019.

MAJOR PROJECTS

Excavating for first NorthConnex tunnel shaft Work started in mid-September to excavate the first NorthConnex tunnel shaft with a 40-tonne piling rig breaking the first ground.

The shaft will provide access for workers and machinery to start construction of a nine kilometre underground road tunnel which will remove traffic from Pennant Hills Road – the road labelled the most congested traffic corridor in Australia.

An Infrastructure Australia national audit revealed Pennant Hills Road as the most expensive road in the country, based on cost of delays caused by congestion.

Traffic congestion currently costs Sydney over $6 billion per year, a figure set to grow to $28 billion a year by 2031 under a “do-nothing scenario”.

NorthConnex will link the M1 Pacific Motorway at Wahroonga to the Hills M2 Motorway at West Pennant Hills via twin tunnels, with capacity for three lanes in each direction, providing a continuous free-flowing motorway bypassing 21 surface traffic lights.

Tunnel shafts will be excavated to a depth of up to 93 metres (at Wilson Road) below ground surface, providing a launch point for road headers which will tunnell to the north and south.

The project will save motorists 15 minutes travel time compared to Pennant Hills Road, support 8,700 jobs, and inject around $4 billion dollars into the NSW economy.

The tunnel shaft excavation work represents a significant milestone in making the project a reality. Major tunnelling work is expected to commence later this year, with full project completion expected in 2019.

When completed, the new twin tunnels will be capable of carrying more than 100,000 vehicles each day, including removing 5,000 trucks from Pennant Hills Road.

Tasmanian rail projects boost civil construction sector The Tasmanian and Federal Governments are providing nearly $120 million for the first tranche of funding for the state’s rail network over the next four years.

The investment of $119.6 million will enable TasRail to achieve further improvements to the safety and reliability of the track network.

TasRail has released to the market a tender for the largest and most significant works of the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program.

The value of the major project is in the order of tens of millions of dollars, which includes the cost of materials, services and contract labour.

TasRail is applying the State Government’s Local Benefits Test for all contracts under the revitalisation program.

The project will require the installation of 48,000 new sleepers and 30 kilometres of new rail, including re-railing of a selected number of level crossings and minor drainage works.

A majority of the funding will be spent on the upgrade of the major freight rail routes – the Melba Line, the Western Line and the South Line.

There is also provision in the funding package for selected re-railing, re-sleepering and drainage works on the Fingal, Bell Bay and Derwent Valley Lines; and the renewal of selected bridges and culverts.

Meanwhile, Ulverstone-based VEC Civil Engineering has successfully tendered for the first IIP works package. The package – valued at more than $5 million (including materials, services and contract labour) – will provide a substantial boost to the economy of north west Tasmania.

Under the contract, VEC will install 10,000 new sleepers and six kilometres of new rail on priority areas of the Melba Line, the South Line and the Western Line.

VEC has made a commitment to TasRail that it will use local suppliers for its subcontracting and service requirements.

Consultation on potential impacts of Melbourne Metro Information sessions and online forums are being held during October and November by the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority as part of the engagement process with residents who may be affected by construction of Melbourne’s new underground rail network.

The authority has sent letters to 21,000 residents and businesses along the alignment of the new nine-kilometre, twin rail tunnels being built as part of the $9-$11 billion project.

The letters invited locals to come to information sessions and find out more about where the tunnel will go, how it may be built, and the planning process that will be undertaken.

Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, said the authority was undertaking an extensive consultation process to ensure households and businesses understood the project, why it was needed and how it would affect them.

“This consultation process is about starting open, honest and respectful conversations with people who may be affected by this critical project.”

“Melbourne needs Melbourne Metro Rail; without it our city will grind to a halt.”

Ms Allan said the Melbourne Metro Rail Project was the biggest public transport infrastructure development since the City Loop, and its construction would cause significant disruption.

The nature of the disruption will vary widely along the length of the corridor; it will include temporary noise and visual impacts during construction, changes to infrastructure close to houses and businesses and, in some cases, acquisition of property.

Ms Allan said the project would transform Melbourne’s public transport network, unlocking capacity in the centre of the train system, creating room for 20,000 extra passengers every hour, every day.

She said $4.5 billion in funding had already been secured, almost half the total expected cost.

‘Transformation’ of Murray Basin Rail network What Victoria’s Agriculture Minister, Jaala Pulford, describes as the $416 million transformation of the Murray Basin rail network, will boost the safety, capacity and reliability of freight services in Northern Victoria and better connect primary producers to the state’s major ports.

Under the government’s Murray Basin Rail Project, lines from Geelong to Mildura, Manangatang, Sea Lake and Murrayville will be standardised, and the existing unused standard gauge connection between Maryborough and Ararat will be reopened.

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 53

MAJOR PROJECTS

Ms Pulford said the initiative would fix the missing links in the state’s freight network and connect regional Victoria to the ports of Portland, Geelong and Melbourne, as well as improve freight connections to southern New South Wales and South Australia.

Axle loading on Murray Basin freight lines will be increased to 21 tonnes, allowing larger trains to carry more produce with each trip.

By enabling more freight to be moved by rail, the project will increase the efficiency of the network, remove around 20,000 truck trips to the ports each year and keep export industries competitive.

“The full Murray Basin Rail Project will boost the safety, capacity and reliability of freight services and better connect primary producers to the State’s major ports,” Ms Pulford said.

“This project is of critical importance to the Victorian and Australian freight network.”

The Government has already provided up to $220 million in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget for the project, with $30 million fast-tracked earlier in 2015 to start work on maintenance and safety issues on the Mildura line. The works are underway.

Major construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2016 and 270 jobs will be created during construction.

Soft soil works on key section of Pacific Highway Work is scheduled to start in November on the next stage of soft soil works on the Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway upgrade.

The 155 kilometre Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade is the final section of the Pacific Highway upgrade, which is on track for completion before the end of the decade.

Once the upgrade is complete it will shave 25 minutes off the travel time between the two centres and is expected to reduce crashes along the section by more than 20 per cent.

Soft soil treatment will be carried out on sections of the highway before major building work starts to ensure the upgrade opens on time to traffic.

The Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade crosses several floodplains and geologically complex regions, with some sections of highway requiring work to improve the stability of underlying soft soils.

Soft soil works can include installing drains into the soil to extract water and building road foundations with granular fill to help the soil settle more quickly.

They are funded under the $564.6 million Woolgoolga to Ballina planning and preconstruction project, for which the Federal and New South Wales governments are each providing $282.3 million.

This funding is in addition to the commitment by both governments towards the construction of the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade, which is being funded on an 80:20 basis.

Combatting congestion on Hoddle Street and Punt Road The results of public consultation on the Victrorian Government’s plan to reduce congestion on Melbourne’s Hoddle Street–Punt Rd corridor will be provided to the government for consideration in early 2016.

Feedback from the consultation process will inform options for the government’s $60 million Streamlining Hoddle Street Initiative.

54 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

That initiative will use improved traffic management technology and innovative engineering solutions to streamline traffic and public transport on Hoddle Street.

The feedback will also inform short term improvements along Punt Road. Options being considered include full time clearways, which would involve relocating on-street parking, and the potential to implement a fifth lane within the existing road lanes.

The investigations will focus on reducing congestion, increasing reliability of public transport and improving access for cyclists and pedestrians, and improving safety for all road users on the corridor.

Up to 90,000 vehicles travel on Hoddle Street each day and up to 40,000 vehicles travel Punt Road.

Around 200,000 people travel across Hoddle Street on intersecting roads, with around half on public transport.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, said the government wanted to hear from motorists, cyclists and public transport users who used the corridor, as well as local residents and business owners.

Mr Donnellan said their views would be a vital part of investigations into traffic management improvements which would be made over the next two-to-four years.

“The Government wants to hear from everyone in the community on how they use this road corridor, so that we can best reduce congestion.”

Eton Range realignment moving ahead Tenders have closed and a contractor is expected to be announced in the coming months for the $189 million Eton Range realignment project in Queensland.

The project involves widening to four lanes and partial realignment for the existing Eton Range crossing.

Over 4,000 vehicles, including around 800 heavy vehicles, travel through the range each day.

An earthworks trial is underway at the site on the Peak Downs Highway to provide design inputs including survey, geotechnical, environmental and archaeological investigations.

The trial is investigating options including: • safety measures to reduce speeds on the steep descent; • methods to reduce driving demands on heavy vehicle operators; and • processes to keep the Peak Downs Highway open during construction.

The $189.2 million realignment is being jointly funded by the Federal and State governments - $166 million is coming from Federal coffers.

The project will support development in local towns and boost productivity in existing and future mining operations in the Bowen and Galilee Basins by addressing limitations in the region’s freight transport network.

It will be specifically designed to safely carry road trains and overdimensional vehicles.

About 295 jobs will be directly supported over the life of the project.

A dedicated fauna underpass at the top of the range has been incorporated into the design, which means there is a safe crossing point for koalas and other animals in the new alignment.

Construction is expected to begin early next year and, weather permitting, is expected to take two years.

BRIDGES

New high-level bridges for NT Highways Construction started in September on two new bridges at the crossing of the Victoria Highway and Saddle Creek in the Northern Territory.

The construction contract has been awarded to Advance Civil Engineering Pty Ltd for $6.6 million.

The new bridges will be accessible to motorists all year round being built to a height that will withstand anything up to a one-in-50-year flood. Work will include reconstructing 800 metres of the Victoria Highway to raise the level of the bridge approaches.

NT Minister for Transport, Peter Chandler, said it was estimated the completed works would reduce the average time Saddle Creek crossing was closed each year from 18 hours to less than one hour.

“The works will improve the safety and efficiency of the upgraded sections of the Victoria Highway, particularly for freight vehicles and road trains that make up a significant portion of vehicles using Territory highways,” Mr Chandler said.

“The resulting transport efficiency gains will reduce costs for freight operators and businesses throughout the Territory.”

The Australian Government has committed $77 million to the Northern Territory Roads Package for upgrades to NT roads on the National Land Transport Network.

It has allocated $11 million for flood immunity improvements on the Victoria Highway.

The flood immunity of the Roper Highway is also being improved with a tender awarded for the construction of two new bridges at Roper River and Wilton River.

The project will improve access to local communities, such as the Ngukurr and Numbulwar by reducing future closure times at the crossings.

The existing Roper River and Wilton River crossings are bed level crossings, and during the wet season they are prone to flooding, making the highway impassable for a significant portion of the year.

In addition to the construction of high level bridges over the two crossings, 7.3 kilometres of approach roads will be reconstructed including a realigned section of the Roper Highway. Major works will commence in April 2016 following the wet season.

Sitzler Pty Ltd has been selected to build the new bridges and carry out associated road upgrades.

The Roper Highway project is a jointly funded project with the Federal Government contributing $32 million and the Northern Territory Government contributing $8 million.

First of 40 new bridges on Woolgoolga to Ballina Upgrade The start of major bridge works at Halfway Creek in mid-north New South Wales is part of the 155 kilometre Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade of the Pacific Highway.

The bridge work is a key part of the upgrade which features more than 40 new bridges across rivers, creeks and floodplains.

Piling work at Halfway Creek has commenced to build new 55-metre-long twin bridges, which will form part of the new Pacific Highway.

Contractor, Civil Mining Construction, is boring holes approximately one metre in diameter which will then be reinforced with steel and concrete to form a strong foundation for the Halfway Creek Bridge.

Construction is expected to take approximately six months, with the bridge due to be fully open to traffic in 2017.

Key features of the project include new overbridges at Sherwood Creek Road and Kangaroo Trail Road, twin bridges over Corindi Creek, the Corindi floodplain and Cassons Creek, and twin bridges over the Corindi Local Access Road.

Work will soon be underway on the Sherwood Creek Road overbridge, a 60- metre-long overbridge consisting of five girders weighing approximately 55 tonnes each.

The first stage of bridge building will involve boring holes about one metre in diameter and eight metres deep which will then be reinforced with steel and concrete to form a foundation.

Installation of girders and pouring of the concrete bridge deck will follow bridge abutments and piers being built.

The Sherwood Creek Road overbridge will improve connectivity of the local road network once the Pacific Highway upgrade is complete and will take approximately eight months to build, weather permitting.

With 60 per cent of the Pacific Highway already upgraded to fourlane divided road, the focus is now on Woolgoolga to Ballina, the final and largest remaining section of the $5.64 billion outlay to upgrade the highway.

The upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments on an 80:20 basis.

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 55

BRIDGES

Maintaining Critical Road, Rail, and Bridge Infrastructure The civil and structural engineers guide to newer, proven, high-performance spray-applied waterproofing technologies to protect concrete and steel infrastructure. By Del Williams.

A recent US 60 Minutes TV broadcast called “Falling Apart” explains that “America’s roads, bridges, airports and rail lines are outdated and need to be fixed” due to decades of neglect.

The broadcast goes on to state that “nearly 70,000 bridges in America – one out of every nine – is now considered to be structurally deficient” and that according to the American Society of Civil Engineers, “32 percent of the major roads in America are now in poor condition and in need of major repairs”.

The problem with much of America’s infrastructure is that it has outlived its intended service life and a failure of traditional waterproofing coatings has led to a significant corrosion of structural elements, including corroded rebar and crumbling concrete.

Fortunately, new high-performance waterproofing alternatives are replacing more traditional materials such as sheet goods and sacrificial short-term liquid sealants to help civil and structural engineers cost-effectively protect and maintain critical infrastructure ranging from rail, highway, and pedestrian bridges to tunnels, parking decks, airport terminals, and DOT entrance/exit ramps.

This new category of spray applied waterproofing products is seamless, rugged,

56 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

fast curing, impervious to water, able to bridge cracks and capable of lasting decades without extensive maintenance.

“Spray applied waterproofing now accounts for over 50% of the membranes applied to our bridges,” says Alexander Bardow, P.E., MassDOT’s State Bridge Engineer, member of AASHTO’s Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures representing Massachusetts, and past President of Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section of ASCE. “What drove us to spray applied waterproofing is its enhanced durability, bonding to concrete, and crack bridging ability,” says Bardow, who oversees and helps to prioritize work on 5,000 bridges that receive federal funds for MassDOT. Bardow explains: “If cracks form due to deck deterioration or traffic loading, then water gets into those cracks and the concrete matrix. The [underlying] membrane must be pliable enough to accommodate these cracks without failing.”

Drawbacks of Traditional Techniques While traditional methods of waterproofing such as emulsions, sheet goods or nonelastomeric coatings like epoxies and paints

have long been used, they have significant drawbacks and must be continually inspected and maintained over time.

According to Bardow, in past decades MassDOT utilized mopped emulsion reinforced with fiberglass fabric for bridge decks, then later turned to sheet goods.

“Our experience showed that reinforced emulsion was not a good deck waterproofing system because it debonded,” says Bardow.

“Water could get underneath it and into the deck. We turned to prefabricated sheet applied membranes. These were easy to apply, but we wanted more durability.”

As for non-elastomeric coatings like epoxies and paints, these do not have the elasticity to bridge cracks, and are moisture resistant rather than truly waterproof.

“Spray applied waterproofing membrane is the next step after sheet membrane,” says Bardow. “It gives us better performance and has measurable performance characteristics that we can count on for extended deck life.

“We expect spray applied waterproofing membranes to last about 30 to 50 years,” he adds. “We would still repave and resurface the asphalt overlay, but would not need to do anything to maintain the underlying waterproof membrane during that time.”

BRIDGES

“Instead of traditionally sealing bridge decks every five years or so, they could be spray applied waterproofed with materials like BDM that can last five decades or more.”

Spray Applied Waterproofing Since crack bridging is critical in ensuring long-term waterproofing protection, many owners are requiring the ASTM C-1305 crack bridging test for liquid-applied membranes.

The test consists of applying the membrane system across two concrete blocks with matching faces. The test sample is then brought down to -15° F for 24 hours to stabilize it at this temperature.

The testing requires the two blocks be pulled apart at a rate of 1/8”/hr to a maximum opening of 1/8”; then closed to a zero gap at the same speed. The test fixture must maintain the sample at the -15°F temperature through the ten cycles of testing required.

Some manufacturers have conducted this test for additional cycles to further test the limits of their products. For instance, Bridge Deck Membrane (“BDM”) by Bridge Preservation passes the ASTM C 1305 test after forty cycles.

Railroads are also turning to spray applied waterproofing systems for their enhanced durability and long-term performance.

Chapter 8, Part 29 of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Manual for Railway Engineering includes guidelines for spray applied membranes.

Some spray applied elastomer waterproofing systems have coefficients of linear thermal expansion similar to concrete and steel, the most common bridge building materials. This physical property is an important prerequisite to ensuring success when membranes are used as a composite with layers of asphalt.

“Instead of traditionally sealing bridge decks every five years or so, they could be spray applied waterproofed with materials like BDM that can last five decades or more,” says Traci Micucci, President of Eastern Bridge Works, a Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based waterproofing contractor.

“That would eliminate repeatedly tearing up the asphalt overlay, resealing the deck and repaving it, plus all the required lane closures.

It would stop rebar corrosion and concrete spalling in decks to keep infrastructure safely operating.”

These spray applied membranes can be sprayed horizontally, vertically and overhead at any thickness, as well as applied at specified thickness in one continuous application. Spray applied waterproofing can also be applied robotically with greater speed and consistency than other materials.

“By robot, we can consistently spray apply waterproof over 10,000 sq. ft. of deck per day with BDM at 80-85 mils on any surface,” says Ted Predki, Chief Estimator and Project Manager at Pine Waterproofing and Sealant. “It’s easy to high-build spray it in one coating.”

As a waterproofing contractor, Predki also prefers the spray applied waterproofing approach for its fast set and curing times. “[The waterproofing] can set in 10 seconds so you can walk on it,” says Predki.

In Orland Park, Il., Pine Waterproofing and Sealant installed nearly 7,000 sq. ft. of spray applied waterproofing on the Metra Bridge

over US 45 (Structure No. 016-6201), which was originally constructed in 1940 for the Wabash Railway Company.

A CDOT project in downtown Chicago, recently completed by Pine Waterproofing, involved applying 65,000 sq. ft. of spray applied waterproofing and needed to be returned to service as quickly as possible.

The concrete surface had an extremely rough surface, but BDM was still able to achieve a superior bond. The contractor was able to install over 30,000 sq. ft. of 80 mils BDM and 40 mils of top coat with aggregate within seven days, and completed the job within four weeks.

In critical, high traffic highway and rail bridges, the speed of installation and return to service is a particular advantage that minimizes downtime. Some products, such as BDM, can accept ballast, temporary traffic, other trades or asphalt overlays one hour after application.

To further illustrate the importance of installation speed, many in the industry are utilizing spray applied waterproofing as a standard accelerated bridge construction material.

The accelerated bridge construction process involves using prefabricated bridge elements and systems such as composite decks manufactured off-site, which are then installed with closure pours and appropriately waterproofed. This expedites the project, improves quality, reduces traffic impact and lowers total life cycle costs.

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 57

BRIDGES

“When we did the Metra Fast 14 project, we had to complete a bridge project in essentially one weekend, explains MassDOT’s Bardow.

“Within that time, we had to demolish the existing bridge, set prefabricated bridge units for the new bridge, do all the closure pours, have the concrete set, then come back to spray apply waterproofing membrane.

“The contractor accomplished this and the speed of spray applied membrane installation was an important factor in meeting the accelerated deadline.”

Bardow says that a spray applied membrane is standard for accelerated bridge construction for MassDOT projects. “With the large number of closure pours we do, we were also concerned about effectively waterproofing them so water intrusion does not become a problem over time.”

In addition to the more durable and cost-effective protection that spray applied waterproofing provides, it also opens the door to complementary technologies.

Bridge joints, as an example, are a typical location for the development of leaks. They can

58 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

now be completely waterproofed with spray applied technology.

Articulus, a flexible expansion joint system developed by Bridge Preservation, offers seamless waterproofing protection for joint openings. When used in conjunction with spray applied waterproofing membranes, these expansion joints form a high strength chemical bond that forms a single, monolithic layer of waterproofing across both the joints and bridge deck.

Protection board for railroad bridges is another area of recent innovation. Integrated Ballast Mat – a spray applied ballast mat also developed by Bridge Preservation – provides seamless, high build protection of the waterproofing system with a secondary ballast protection course, as well as providing additional waterproofing protection and enhanced electrical resistivity.

It passes the North American Ballast Impact Test and can accept ballast loading one hour after application. For flat decks, it can also be applied at varying thickness to provide slope for drainage.

For highway bridge projects that involve complicated staging and traffic management, some spray applied waterproofing systems with an aggregate top coat can be used as a temporary driving surface for up to two weeks.

This allows large areas of waterproofing to be applied prior to paving and reduces the number of cold joints for a more durable final wear course.

The aggregate top coat also enhances the bond between the membrane and asphalt, adding further long-term performance to the finished system.

“With new spray applied waterproofing technology designed to reliably last decades without ongoing maintenance, civil and structural engineers have a valuable new tool that can help them cost-effectively maintain critical infrastructure while minimizing downtime,” says Eastern Bridge Works’ Micucci.

For more information, please visit:

www.bridgepreservation.com

Del Williams is a technical writer based in Torrance, California.

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BRIDGES

Asset management tool ensures future of bridges Financial modelling of bridges is becoming increasingly important as asset owners are moving to more proactive maintenance programs, according to engineering consultancy pitt&sherry.

How maintenance funds are spent has become a vital consideration for asset owners. Traditionally, they have scheduled works based on defects identified during level two (2) inspections in a reactive manner despite it being much more desirable to work proactively. pitt&sherry applies a method for addressing a range of asset management issues using level 2 inspection data, which is supplemented with financial information and the company’s knowledge of structural deterioration, based on Australian and international standards.

The tool integrates with the company’s AssetAsyst® software, an expanding asset inventory, maintenance and inspection management system developed to better manage all types of infrastructure, including bridges.

“Using deterioration models developed with historic observations we can predict the future condition of structural components, whether it be in one, five or 10 years,” according to Andrew Sonnenberg, National Bridge Leader at pitt&sherry.

“This will help asset owners plan for upcoming works. The structures may have a particular condition level, which they don’t want any structural components to drop below.

“By applying this tool the modelling will show when a component is likely to drop below this level and asset managers can then schedule and budget for works in these years accordingly.”

60 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

Changing values A key output of a bridge financial model is an understanding of how the structure’s value changes over time, Mr Sonnenberg said.

Asset owners can benefit by developing a maintenance program and monitor the effect the maintenance has on the value of the structure.

This provides an understanding of how the value of the structure will decline should no works be undertaken compared with works that can slow the loss in value. The deterioration of each component is modelled based on an understanding of its life drawn from the relevant design codes and the exposure class of the component.

“For example, we know that with all things being equal, concrete structures in the tidal splash zone deteriorate quicker than concrete structures in a benign environment. We can pick up the exposure classification from the level 2 inspection,” said Mr Sonnenberg.

The forecast expenditure is determined from the defects identified during the level 2 inspections, as well as through knowledge of works that are required based on the life of components.

“We can program for maintenance, such as repainting, in 20 years from the time it was first installed if we want a long life for the structure or we can choose not to maintain the structure and have its condition deteriorate,” Mr Sonnenberg explained.

To complete the modelling, the replacement value of the structure and its current value are reviewed to establish if it is more cost effective to repair or replace. It is also an aim to vary the expenditure on replacement and/or rehabilitation works over time to fit available budgets.

Proactive asset owners Deterioration modelling of bridges allows asset owners to take a proactive approach to their management plans. pitt&sherry was engaged by the City of Melbourne to develop a model for its bridge assets, including the iconic Queen’s Bridge and Princes Bridge; two heritage structures built in the 19th century.

“For the City of Melbourne we have captured the life of certain bridge elements to not only assess their current condition, but also gain knowledge on how long these elements will last,” said Mr Sonnenberg.

“By developing a predictive model of the future of its bridges the City of Melbourne has taken a proactive approach to maintaining the health of its heritage structures.”

Mr Sonnenberg said the City of Melbourne was now well positioned to minimise maintenance costs over the life cycle of each of the bridge’s key components.

“By being proactive with its bridges the City of Melbourne can accurately set aside funds in its budget to keep the structures well maintained. As many asset owners have limited budgets this could prove crucial for them to manage maintenance costs,” he said.

Asset management The project has extended pitt&sherry’s relationship with the City of Melbourne after it developed the first asset management plan for the heritage bridges.

The ability of bridge deterioration models to predict future conditions will provide the local government with significant advantages in improving the effectiveness of maintenance decisions.

Zhanna Sichivitsa – Team Leader, Asset Management of Engineering Services Group at the City of Melbourne – said pitt&sherry’s background knowledge of its bridge assets, combined with the sophisticated tool, delivered a financial model that would improve how cost effective its asset management programs would be in the coming years.

“Council will be using the modelling every year to justify renewal bids for maintenance work on our bridges. We can now also include bridges in our 10-year long-term asset management plan,” Ms Sichivitsa said. “pitt&sherry did a thorough job and their knowledge of our assets was valuable. The project team was very responsive and using the AssetAsyst software produced very detailed results we can use each year.”

pitt&sherry is a leading multi-specialist infrastructure consultancy delivering intelligent and sustainable solutions to industry, government and communities for over 50 years.

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Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 61

BRIDGES

$10 million price tag for two WA bridges More than $10 million will be spent by the Western Australian Government on the construction of two new bridges.

The government has awarded a $6.93 million contract for the replacement of a timber bridge over the Murray River on Coolup East Road in the Shire of Murray. It has also allocated $3.4 million for the construction of a new two-lane bridge on the South Western Highway – the bridge will span Beenyup Brook in Byford.

BMD Constructions will build the 98-metre, two-span steel and concrete bridge over the Murray River in place of the existing 101 metre, 13-span timber bridge.

Transport Minister, Dean Nalder, said the key transport link from the South Western Highway to the Pinjarra Williams Road would receive an important and necessary upgrade, boosting road user safety.

Mr Nalder said the project was regarded as a priority because the existing bridge had a 10 tonne load limit, restricting use by heavier vehicles.

“This project will increase the load capacity of Coolup East Road between South Western Highway and Pinjarra Williams Road for traffic bypassing Pinjarra.”

The Minister said the project would be funded through the State Initiative Program and brought forward from the 2016-17 financial year due to the urgency of the work.

“The program is about strengthening and growing our regions and helping communities realise their potential through the delivery of key economic infrastructure.”

The Shire of Murray, which is responsible for the bridge asset, is working with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to provide temporary access during construction.

The project is due for completion in October 2016, and will create about 20 jobs.

In Byford, two ageing timber bridges on the South Western Highway will be replaced with a new, wider concrete structure built to meet the latest safety standards.

“South Western Highway is already a dedicated heavy haulage route. The new bridge has been designed to remove any load restrictions for heavy vehicles, which will allow over-mass loads to use this section of the highway,” Mr Nalder said.

Works will start in October and demolition of the southbound bridge will be completed by November. Once the southbound bridge has been demolished and reconstructed, work will start on replacing the northbound structure.

The new bridge will be built downstream from the current structure and includes two lanes in each direction and sealed shoulders. The path along the western side of the highway will also be widened to three metres.

The project, jointly funded by the state and Australian governments, will create 85 jobs and is scheduled for completion in mid-2016.

New bridge key feature of Bruce Highway interchange

New, safer bridge for Collie River near Burekup

Construction of a new six-lane bridge is the focus of a $105 million upgrade of the Boundary Road Interchange on the Bruce Highway near Narangba – 34 kilometres north of Brisbane The upgrade will boost the interchange’s capacity and enhance safety for motorists who use the section of the highway.

The project will feature a six-lane, four-span concrete bridge built over the Bruce Highway, including a shared pedestrian and cycle crossing, as well as new signalised intersections at the new exit and entry ramps.

Expressions of interest opened on 17 September and it is anticipated the successful tenderer will be announced early in 2016, with construction to start mid-year.

The tender for the upgrade is a two-stage approach. It involves consideration of initial non-price submissions, and then shortlisting prequalified contractors down to a select number of tenderers in the first stage.

The second stage enables any shortlisted contractors to tender for a Transport Infrastructure Contract– Construction Only (TIC-CO) contract to undertake the major works.

The Bruce Highway-Boundary Road Interchange Upgrade project is jointly funded with the Federal Government committing up to $84 million and the Queensland Government contributing $21 million.

62 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

Construction is underway on a new bridge over the Collie River near Burekup, with Watpac awarded the contract on the $16.54 million project.

The Australian and Western Australian governments will each provide $8.27 million to the project under the Bridges Renewal Program, which is designed to bolster the productivity of local bridges, better serve communities and drive greater efficiency in road freight and traffic movement.

The timber Collie River Bridge is 86 years old and is nearing the end of its life. The new concrete structure will be built downstream of the existing bridge and help improve safety for all road users.

The works will involve building a modern bridge with safety barriers as well as a new culvert across the Collie River Floodway. Around 1.7 kilometres of the South Western Highway in Burekup between Russell Road and Raymond Road will be realigned. The realignment will improve safety for the increasing number of vehicles using the stretch of road and for locals accessing Burekup. An average of 6,000 vehicles use the Burekup Bridge each day, of which around 18 per cent are heavy vehicles.

The natural river bank will be enhanced with rock protection, and improvements will be made to improve erosion control.

Modifications to existing intersections will also be needed, including Raymond Road, Russell Road and Orchard Drive, which will improve safety for Burekup residents.

The existing bridge will remain open to traffic until the new alignment is complete. The new bridge should be completed by mid-2016.

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Improvements to Lyell Highway Construction was due to start in October on a $1.2 million project to improve the key strategic passenger, freight and tourism route between Hobart and Queenstown on Tasmania’s west coast.

Tasmanian company, Andrew Walter Constructions Pty Ltd, has been awarded the contract to improve the Lyell Highway’s road surface from south of Brady’s Lake to Wilsons Straight.

The highway work includes improvements on a 0.4 kilometre section of road at Wilsons Straight and a 3.5 kilometre section south of Brady’s Lake on the Lyell Highway.

Speed restrictions and altered traffic conditions will be in place throughout the construction period to ensure a safe work place for construction staff.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of February 2016, weather permitting.

Rene Hidding, State Infrastructure Minister, said the government’s investment in road infrastructure, such as the $500 million, 10-Year Action Plan for the Midland Highway, was providing certainty for the civil construction industry.

“This is an important sector that not only keeps our economy moving, it employs a great many Tasmanians,” Mr Hidding said.

Five new freeway exit lanes to aid traffic flow Linemarking for five new dedicated exit lanes is being added to Perth’s freeways as part of the Western Australian Government’s Traffic Congestion Management Program.

The first exit lane opened on 10 October on Kwinana Freeway at the southbound exit to South Street, and another was due to open on the northbound exit to Leach Highway from October 25.

Under the $2.5 million project, three dedicated exit lanes are being added on the Mitchell Freeway, at the northbound exit to Hay Street, southbound exit to Hutton Street and the southbound exit to Cedric Street.

This means drivers who want to leave the freeway will have their own dedicated exit lanes, allowing traffic to run more smoothly.

It allows through-traffic to flow and reduces “pinch-point” congestion associated with merging two lanes into one.

Exiting the freeway can be problematic for some motorists, resulting in significant traffic disruptions as drivers try to change lanes to position themselves correctly.

To ease some of the confusion and make exiting easier, WA’s Main Roads has analysed major conflict points along the freeway and identified opportunities to provide dedicated exit lanes at five key locations.

Under the Traffic Congestion Management Program, the new clearly marked exit lanes will remove merge points to allow traffic to exit the freeway without causing disruption to the flow of traffic.

Research has shown this type of treatment improves traffic flow by reducing the need for vehicles to merge after an offramp. An example of the dedicated lane can be seen on Mitchell Freeway northbound at Hutton Street where it has resulted in free-flowing traffic along this section of the freeway.

The cost of the project includes resurfacing some intersections, traffic management for night work, line marking and new signage.

A total of $8.5 million is being spent this year to improve merge lines and add exit lanes as part of the State Government’s $40 million package to eleviate congestion.

Improving traffic flow at key Shepparton intersection VicRoads is assessing tender submissions for construction of a $7.5 million duallane roundabout designed to ease traffic congestion, reduce delays and improve connectivity through Shepparton in north east Victoria.

Shepparton is a major regional hub which needs a road network capable of handling existing and future transport needs, and the roundabout will be built at the intersection of Doyles Road and the Midland Highway at Shepparton East.

Both Doyles Road and the Midland Highway carry significant heavy vehicle traffic and the intersection is operating at full capacity during the morning and afternoon peaks.

The upgrade will increase the capacity of the roundabout to handle traffic, as well as duplicate the approaching road lanes.

Doyles Road is also part of the bypass route of the Goulburn Valley Highway for north-south traffic between Melbourne and Brisbane.

It can carry more than 8,000 vehicles each day, around 35 per cent of which are trucks, and the intersection upgrade will ensure freight can move between various locations safely and efficiently.

The Australian Government will provide $5.62 million and the Victorian Government $1.87 million to the project.

Feedback being assessed on Mid-West coastal route The Western Australian Government and relevant councils are assessing community feedback on the options for a future coastal route between Dongara and Northampton in WA’s Mid-West.

The month-long consultation period ended on 2 October and the feedback will inform authorities in identifying preferred routes to meet future needs for moving people and freight.

There are three options between Dongara and Geraldton for consideration and three between Geraldton and Northampton, which include upgrading existing roads and new inland routes.

All options incorporate the planned Oakajee-Narngulu Infrastructure Corridor, which is being proposed by the Departments of State Development and Planning as an outer bypass east of Geraldton, and the central part of the longterm route.

The Brand Highway, between Dongara and Geraldton, already carries about 3,700 vehicles per day, of which 16 per cent are heavy vehicles. By 2031, volumes are expected to increase by 60 per cent to about 6,000 vehicles per day.

The North West Coastal Highway, between Geraldton and Northampton, carries about 1,100 vehicles per day, of which one quarter are heavy vehicles.

Volumes are expected to increase to about 3,000 vehicles per day by 2031.

The project to identify the preferred route and carry out detailed planning has been funded by the WA Government’s Royalties for Regions program and is supported by the Mid West Development Commission.

Once a preferred route is identified and endorsed by state and local governments, more detailed planning work will be undertaken.

Oct/Nov 2015 | Highway Engineering Australia 65

INDUSTRY NEWS

Transport part of CEFC focus on investment opportunities Transport is one of the key areas in which the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is working to unlock key investment opportunities for Australia’s cities of the future.

Other areas identified for funding by the CEFC are clean energy and greener buildings.

Corporation CEO, Oliver Yates, told the Smart Future Cities 2015 conference in Newcastle on 1 October that there was significant opportunity to invest in technologies that would help Australians live in cleaner, energy efficient, connected and productive cities.

“Australia is one of the world’s most urbanised countries with almost 90 per cent of us living in urban areas; and why not?

Australian cities regularly rank among the most liveable in the world,” Mr Yates said.

“To keep us at the forefront of liveability, planning and investment is needed now as we transform our cities to a low carbon future.”

Mr Yates said that since its inception, the CEFC had made $1.4 billion of investment commitments towards projects with a total value of more than $3.5 billion.

“Australian cities can benefit from a broad range of clean energy technologies, such as LED street lighting, solar PV and battery

66 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

storage, smarter energy management, waste-to-energy plants and cleaner cars.

“The CEFC’s investment in these areas is helping generate cleaner power, accelerate the take-up of energy efficient technologies and cut energy costs for businesses, local governments and households.

“We’re providing finance for better buildings, cleaner energy, more efficient vehicles and energy productivity for businesses across the country.”

Mr Yates said global research showed investing in public and low emission transport, building efficiency and waste management in cities could generate worldwide savings of more than $24 trillion by 2050.

“This represents a great opportunity for Australian cities and the CEFC is working to help unlock investment opportunities for smart future cities, in transport, clean energy and greener buildings.”

The Smart Future Cities 2015 conference and exhibition in Newcastle from 1-2 October, was the first of its kind to be held in Australia.

It was an initiative of the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment at the University of Newcastle, in partnership with the Regional Clean Energy Program of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, and The City of Newcastle.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has developed financing solutions designed to accelerate investment into the clean transport sector. It also works with major banks and lenders to leverage its funding to increase investment capital available to the sector.

The CEFC and leading Australian nonbank lender, Firstmac, have a $50 million asset finance program which provides finance for highly efficient cars and light vehicles. The program is designed to further boost Australia’s switch to low emissions and electric vehicles, and can be used by fleet managers to purchase low emissions and electric vehicles.

Working with the CEFC, National Australia Bank has a $120 million finance program, marketed as the Energy Efficient Bonus, under which businesses can upgrade to higher fuel efficiency vehicles and equipment, including hybrid and electric vehicles and related infrastructure.

The CEFC’s Energy Efficient Loan program with Commonwealth Bank has up to $200 million available for financing manufacturing and not-for-profit organisations looking to upgrade equipment, including vehicles, with more energy efficient technologies.

For further details about the CEFC, visit www.cleanenergyfinance.com.au

Infrastructure a priority for Northern Territory & Victoria A Northern Territory Infrastructure Development Fund – financially independent of the Territory Government – will invest in a diversified portfolio of infrastructure related projects such as roads, hospitals, schools and agricultural projects.

And in Victoria, the government has named the board that will oversee the activities of Infrastructure Victoria, the independent body that will ensure the state’s immediate and long-term infrastructure needs are identified and prioritised.

The Territory fund could be the catalyst for major economic investment and the creation of thousands of new jobs, according to Chief Minister Adam Giles.

Speaking at the Northern Territory Major Projects Conference on 6 October, Mr Giles said it would support the development of infrastructure using the proceeds of the sale of Territory Insurance Office.

“Using $200 million from the sale of TIO as a financial ‘cornerstone’, the fund will seek a further $800 million of capital from Australian and overseas investors to create a $1 billion investment pool,” Mr Giles said.

“The fund will be used to invest in infrastructure projects across the Territory – creating revenue for the fund, essential infrastructure for Territorians and new jobs across the whole economy.”

Treasurer, David Tollner, said the fund was expected to be operational by the second half of 2016.

“It is a down-payment on the Territory’s future growth; an investment that will deliver jobs and prosperity for years to come.

“TIO was sold because it posed a huge risk to the Territory Government’s finances – but we are determined that the sale proceeds will be spent wisely.”

The fund’s interim board will appoint an independent commercial infrastructure fund manager, responsible for making investment decisions.

The interim board will include: Les Fallick, principal of Granite Capital, as chairman; Bill Moss, former head of Macquarie Bank’s real estate and banking divisions; James Paspaley, executive director of Paspaley Pearls; and Jodie Ryan, Under-Treasurer of the Northern Territory Government.

Infrastructure specialist, Jim Miller, has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of Infrastructure Victoria.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Mr Miller was an Executive Director at Macquarie Capital from 1994-2015 and is currently the Deputy Chair of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia.

Maria Wilton joins the board as Deputy Chair. She is the Managing Director of Franklin Templeton Investments Australia, and a director of the Financial Services Council of Australia.

The current President and Vice Chancellor of Monash University, Professor Margaret Gardner, and former CEO of Westpac New Zealand and the Bank of Melbourne, Ann Sherry, will also join Infrastructure Victoria as members of the board.

The Board will include the Secretaries of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Treasury and Finance and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. They will ensure Infrastructure Victoria is able to coordinate infrastructure

planning with the public service and its agencies.

Infrastructure Victoria will be required to publicly release a 30-year Infrastructure Strategy detailing short, medium and long-term needs and priorities.

The government will be required to develop a five-year Infrastructure Plan outlining its priority projects and funding commitments, and Infrastructure Victoria will assess the government’s progress against this plan.

The expert body will also independently assess the economic, environmental and social merits of major projects, and publish research on a range of infrastructure issues.

“Governments come and go, but our longterm infrastructure priorities always remain,” said Premier Daniel Andrews.

“That’s why we’ve appointed a board to give us clear, expert advice that is independent of politics and focussed on our state’s priorities.”

Transport infrastructure priority for NSW Delivering infrastructure is one of 30 priorities unveiled in mid-September by New South Wales Premier, Mike Baird.

Mr Baird said the 30 “State Priorities” – including 12 “Premier Priorities” – would allow the government to measure and deliver projects that created a stronger, healthier and safer state. The Premier said congestion across metropolitan Sydney was estimated to already cost up to $5 billion per annum, and would rise to $8 billion by 2021 if action was not implemented.

Mr Baird said to ensure consistency of journey times on key roads continued to improve, the government was working to make better use of existing road infrastructure, build extra road capacity and encourage commuters to use public

transport, particularly in off-peak periods where possible.

He said this would enable business and the community to move around the city with greater ease, reducing travel times, boosting productivity and reducing business costs.

“Over the coming weeks, I will work with my ministers to put in place rigorous plans to achieve these aims and I will be personally monitoring the government’s performance.”

The Premier said each of the 30 ‘State Priorities’ would be measured against the best available indicators of economic growth, infrastructure delivery, service provision and other measures of community wellbeing and safety across NSW. Find out more about the Premier’s Priorities and State Priorities at nsw.gov.au.

Improving conditions for coal related traffic south of Mackay Construction is getting underway on a duallane roundabout at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Hay Point Road south of Mackay in Queensland.

Vassallo Constructions has been awarded the contract to build the 80 metre-wide roundabout, which is designed to improve safety for motorists.

More than 12,000 vehicles drive through the busy intersection each day, including freight traffic heading to the Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay coal terminals; important contributors to the Queensland economy.

Requirements of the road freight industry were carefully considered during the project’s design phase, with a particular focus on ensuring heavy vehicles could access the two coal terminals without causing major disruptions to normal traffic flows.

The dual-lane roundabout will ensure motorists don’t need to conduct dangerous manoeuvrers to pass slow moving freight vehicles.

It will replace the temporary traffic signals currently in place at the intersection. Works are expected to be completed and open to traffic by mid-2016.

The Australian Government is fully funding this $15 million project.

New infrastructure priority list for Queensland Major public transport projects and key motorway upgrades top the Queensland Government’s 2015 Infrastructure Australia (IA) submission.

Minister for Infrastructure, Jackie Trad, said Queensland’s list of projects for federal government funding met IA’s key goal to prioritise and progress nationally significant infrastructure that could boost national productivity and transform cities.

Ms Trad said the 12 priority projects nominated were vitally important to ensure Queensland’s future economic productivity.

The submission comprises seven new priority projects and five existing projects from the 2013 Infrastructure Priority List.

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Projects on the 2013 Infrastructure Priority List to be retained and updated are Cross River Rail, Bruce Highway Upgrades, Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade, Mount Isa–Townsville Rail Corridor Upgrade including Townsville Eastern Access Corridor (TEARC) and Ipswich Motorway – Rocklea to Darra – State 1.

New initiatives and projects for Infrastructure Priority List consideration are Gold Coast Light Rail – Stage 2, Cunningham Highway – Yamanto to Ebenezer/Amberley upgrade, Pacific Motorway – Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes capacity upgrade, Inland Rail/ Southern Rail Corridor and Pacific Motorway– Gateway/Pacific Motorway merge.

Initiatives in development are Smart Road Infrastructure for SEQ – Managed Motorways and National Land Transport Network Renewal.

Minister Trad said south east Queensland was home to one-in-seven Australians.

She said in the next 25 years an additional 2.2 million people would move into the region and it was critical to ensure key infrastructure projects were planned immediately.

“Infrastructure Australia has already recognised Cross River Rail is the number one priority infrastructure project for the nation and it remains so for the Queensland Government.

“We continue to call on the federal government to come to the table with funding so this project can be delivered to address the Brisbane CBD capacity constraints identified in the Australian Infrastructure Audit.

“A second rail river crossing will ease congestion, unlock economic opportunities and make Queensland a more internationally competitive state.”

Ms Trad said the Queensland Government’s first budget delivered a $10.1 billion building program to support 27,500 jobs and its building program was the second highest in the nation.

“We are getting on with the job of delivering Queensland’s first State Infrastructure Plan in three years to ensure there is certainty for industry and our state does not miss out on the vital infrastructure projects the community needs.”

Bruce Highway overpass opens at Beerwah Motorists in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Region will experience faster and safer access across the Bruce Highway at Beerwah with the opening on 30 September of the Bells Creek road overpass.

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The overpass is part of the new Bruce Highway interchange at Roys Road and Bells Creek Road.

The Roys and Bells Interchange Upgrade project is one of four major interchange improvements between Caboolture and Caloundra being funded through $196 million in Federal Government funding.

The Bruce Highway is the key transport route between Brisbane and Cairns, and the addition of the overpass will help improve safety for local and highway traffic, accommodate future growth and improve links between local communities.

The upgrade means a shortened travel time for motorists who previously had to travel further north to use the Caloundra Road interchange to access Bells Creek Road.

The two lane overpass and interchange replaces the previous at-grade intersections at Roys Road and Bells Creek Road, which had right-turn restrictions in place.

There are also safer on-and-off-ramps and the upgrade will provide improved local road connections to Roys, Bells Creek and Dianella roads, and accommodate future traffic growth.

Removing duplication in NSW roads regulation The strategic assessment of small-scale road and traffic works in New South Wales has been approved under national environment law.

Through the strategic assessment, a broad landscape-scale assessment of potential impacts to the environment has been completed.

This means the NSW Roads and Maritime Service can proceed with critical road improvements, without needing to wait for approval from the Federal Government.

Federal Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, said strategic assessments represented a way of streamlining approvals while maintaining environmental standards.

“The approval of this strategic assessment will improve the efficiency of road upgrades in NSW, but most importantly, we have done this while maintaining high environmental standards.

“We are demonstrating to the community that the government is serious about reducing red tape and we are serious about protecting the environment.”

New South Wales Minister for Roads, Duncan Gay, said there was previously unnecessary duplication in the approvals required for some road and traffic

management activities undertaken by NSW Roads and Maritime.

“The activities covered by this decision are smaller-scale projects that are not of state significance such as new overtaking lanes for existing roads, short sections of new road, bridge replacement projects and a range of routine maintenance and safety works.

“This great cooperation between the two tiers of government will save the time and cost previously spent on multiple approvals and removes unproductive red tape from both governments.”

O-Bahn tunnel report: significant jobs boost from project A detailed analysis of Adelaide’s O-Bahn City Access Project, including the response to extensive consultation with community and stakeholders, has been released by the South Australian Government.

State Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Stephen Mullighan, said the Project Impact Report signalled the next stage of the project, which would support about 450 jobs during design and construction.

“The report shows our primary objectives to significantly improve travel times for more than 31,000 O-Bahn bus passengers and more than 70,000 vehicles which travel this part of the city ring route - will be achieved through the project,” Mr Mullighan said.

“The report states that in the evening peak it can take more than 20 minutes to travel the 1.45 kilometres between Hackney Road and Grenfell Street, which not only hampers the O-Bahn’s reliability but also delays all traffic including O-Bahn buses.”

Mr Mullighan said the report addressed issues raised during community consultation, which informed the revised design announced in June.

“The project now reduces the impact on parklands and increases parking in the East End based on feedback from the community, as well as giving motorists and buses on Hackney Road a better run into the city.

“The Project Impact Report also shows the safety benefits with the changes to Hackney Road, including fewer accidents anticipated on this part of the city ring route.”

Mr Mullighan said the O-Bahn City Access Project would support hundreds of jobs in the construction, professional and technical services industries, as well as material suppliers.

INDUSTRY NEWS

“Combined with other major projects, the O-Bahn tunnel will help build confidence in the local construction sector,” he said.

Chief Executive of Master Builders SA, John Stokes, said the tunnel project was sending the right message for private sector confidence.

“This project creates jobs when many businesses are reporting a slowing of demand; it creates demand for skilled workers who might otherwise look for opportunities interstate and its proposed path through urban environments will draw upon some of the best expertise that our industry offers,” he said.

Civil Contractors Federation Chief, Phil Sutherland, welcomed the project and said it came at a time when private investment in infrastructure was at a historic low.

“The State Government is to be commended for filling the gap with publicly funded projects which generate muchneeded work for civil contractors, create hundreds of jobs and stimulate the economy more widely,” he said.

Todd Hacking from Cement, Concrete and Aggregates Australia said the original O-Bahn project had transformed public transport in Adelaide.

“The 650-metre concrete tunnel that will make this project a reality is a much-needed infrastructure project that will support the heavy construction materials industry at a time when private infrastructure and residential construction is soft,” Mr Hacking said.

Alliance model brings regional roads upgrades Improvements to regional roads in Victoria’s south west, east and north east regions are being delivered under an alliance model.

The alliance between VicRoads and Fulton Hogan came into operation from the beginning of September – it will deliver for the next five years what Victoria’s Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, describes as critical road maintenance services to regional Victoria.

Mr Donnellan said the alliance would provide more efficient maintenance services including road repairs, bridge maintenance, roadside clearing and improvement works and manage emergency responses.

The Minister said the deal built on the success of the existing partnership in the north eastern region, which has been extended until 2020.

The North Eastern Maintenance Alliance between VicRoads and Downer Group has already improved journeys, built safer roads and delivered projects including the $14 million Omeo Highway upgrade and the installation of wire rope barriers on the Hume Freeway.

“Locals can expect to see more works in their local areas as VicRoads and alliances work together to improve roads and networks across the state,” Mr Donnellan said.

Alliance staff will be located in VicRoads depots and offices enabling a shared responsibility for engaging with the community, managing road maintenance and being more strategic in response to road maintenance challenges.

The announcement follows the recent commitment to spend $135.6 million over the next year to repair unsafe and deteriorating roads across Victoria, including an $80 million investment for road resurfacing under the Road Surface Replacement Program.

Ergon Energy’s new investment in electric vehicles Ergon Energy – a Queensland Governmentowned corporation – has entered into a partnership with Mitsubishi Motors to bring eight electric vehicles (EVs) into the electricity distributor’s passenger fleet this year.

The eight Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s (Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) joining the Ergon fleet will be based in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, Maryborough and Toowoomba.

Ergon Energy Chief Executive, Ian McLeod, said the agreement underscored Ergon’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and embrace emerging technologies.

“Ergon Energy, as an electricity distributor believes that wider adoption of EVs will happen,” Mr McLeod said.

“As an electricity distribution utility that services 97 per cent of Queensland we see a logical connection between operating EVs and the power we provide to customers each and every day.”

Ergon Energy is also finalising a lease offer to employees that could see up to a further 100 EVs taken on for private use.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO, Mutsuhiro Oshikiri, said he was pleased to partner with Ergon Energy in its efforts to raise awareness of electric vehicle technology

and environmental sustainability.

“The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is the world’s first Plug-in Hybrid SUV and its versatility will suit Queensland’s robust environment.”

In July this year, Ergon Energy said its retail business was working with government and industry to help create an electric vehicle highway with Australia’s first solarpowered fast-charging station for EVs to be established in Townsville.

Rolling out new arrangements for ‘big rigs’ in Tasmania The heavy vehicle industry, the Tasmanian Government and local government have cooperated to develop approved routes for the operators of oversize and overmass vehicles.

The initiative has been taken in line with Federal legislative changes that come into effect by 1 January 2016 – those changes will replace various permits with new requirements for heavy vehicle operators.

Under the new arrangements, operators of oversize and overmass vehicles will be able to keep travelling along key routes without the need for a permit.

Rene Hidding, Tasmania’s Minister for Infrastructure, said an approved Route Network Map had been developed based on a Vehicle Reference Guide that sets out a range of different oversize and overmass vehicle combinations currently in use on the state’s roads.

Mr Hidding said, however, operators would still need to apply to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for permits for their vehicles to travel outside approved Route Networks.

“The challenge for Tasmanian state and local governments has been to develop a system that mitigates risk to state road networks, but minimises the administrative burden to heavy vehicle operators and road managers.

“That’s why the government has been working closely with the transport industry to find the right balance.

“We provided $1.7 million for specialist consultants to work with councils on developing and implementing a series of heavy vehicle access networks across the Tasmanian road network.”

Mr Hidding said the Route Network Map and Vehicle Reference Guide had been

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developed in consultation with the Local Government Association of Tasmania and councils, as well as industry and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

To help heavy vehicle operators understand the new arrangements, the Department of State Growth was scheduled to hold information sessions around the state in late October.

The executive director of the Tasmanian Transport Association, Robin Phillips, said the advent of a new system for oversize and overmass vehicles would ensure transport operators could continue to support the Tasmanian economy, and service businesses that were reliant on the transport of equipment and manufactured products.

“The work undertaken by the Department of State Growth, with local councils, will also allow for a better understanding of our road assets into the future.

“We have to safeguard our infrastructure so our heavy vehicle industry retains an appropriate level of access to the Tasmanian road network going forward,” Mr Phillips said.

Clearing freeway debris a costly exercise for VicRoads A 35 kilogram excavator bucket was one of more than a-thousand items retrieved from Melbourne’s freeways in the year to 30 June, 2015.

The amount of rubbish removed from the freeways was enough to fill a shipping container and VicRoads has urged drivers to secure loose loads to avoid clogging the network.

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VicRoads’ data shows that in the 12 month period, 1157 pieces of junk were collected by its Incident Response Service (IRS), including tractor tyres, ladders, tools, mattresses and cars.

The excavator bucket was plucked from a lane of traffic on the Princes Freeway.

Steve Bean, VicRoads Manager of Traffic and Incidents, said debris, big or small, could inflict serious damage and cause major disruption to the road network.

“Any item that falls from a vehicle has the potential to kill,” Mr Bean said.

“Not only is debris dangerous, the cost and disruption to the network can be huge, especially if we have to close lanes during peak traffic times to safely remove items.

“Debris that ends up on Melbourne’s freeways costs taxpayers more than $1.4 million in removal costs each year, so it’s in everybody’s interest to check their loads.”

In addition to debris removal, over the past 12 months the IRS has helped move 75 pedestrians to safety, conducted 214 welfare checks and assisted with the removal of more than 500 abandoned cars.

“On average 41 cars a-month are dumped on the side of our freeways. These range from those that have run out of fuel, broken down and, of course, vehicles that have been stolen.

“Emergency lanes are definitely not parking lots and dumped cars can be a real hazard,” said Mr Bean.

But it’s not just accidents, breakdowns and trash that keeps the IRS team busy; kangaroos, sheep, horses and cows often create tricky traffic situations.

“We’ve had to escort a family of ducks across a busy freeway in the past and even help move on a pelican that had perched itself in the middle of a busy road.

“But sadly, not all animal encounters end well and each year a significant number of domestic pets are killed on our roads.

“We understand this can be very distressing for owners and have recently purchased a microchip scanner to use in those situations where identification may still be possible.”

VicRoads’ Incident Response Service operates on Melbourne’s metropolitan freeways, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Bypass routes confirmed for Miling and Wubin Construction will start next year on the first of two bypasses around the Western Australian Wheatbelt towns of Miling and Wubin.

The preferred routes for the traffic bypasses have been released by the Federal and WA Governments – the alignments have been confirmed as: • Miling Bypass – a 4.1 kilometre bypass east of the town, estimated to cost $25 million.

Works to begin by mid-2016; and • Wubin Bypass – a 5.5 kilometre bypass east of the town, estimated to cost $20 million. Works to begin by 2017.

The bypasses will help boost the economic capacity of the Wheatbelt region by providing a safer and more efficient link for freight operators, with reduced operating costs and travel time savings.

The upgrades are part of the two governments’ $420 million Great Northern Highway, Muchea to Wubin project, and their construction will support 100 new jobs.

The Federal Government is contributing 80 per cent of the funding and the WA Government 20 per cent.

The WA Government worked with local communities and stakeholders to identify the preferred road alignments for the bypasses.

A number of options were identified and presented to the communities for feedback, enabling Main Roads to gain a better understanding of issues and constraints, and to recommend an ultimate option for each of the towns.

Intersections at Wubin will be upgraded to cater for the larger freight vehicles so

INDUSTRY NEWS

local businesses can continue to operate and trucks that desire to stop in the town can do so.

An eastern bypass of Miling reflects the desires of the community by moving heavy freight vehicles away from the main street, which contains the primary school and is supported by the Shire of Moora as the preferred option.

The bypass options have been of significant interest to local communities who, in recent years, had expressed safety concerns at the number of large trucks passing through the towns.

The WA Government has provided $40 million in other road construction to improve the road network in the Wheatbelt region over the period 2011/12 to 2014/15.

Local government says Minister for Cities benefits transport The appointment of Jamie Briggs as the Minister for Cities and the Built Environment has been supported by two key local government bodies – the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors.

The ALGA and the Council said the appointment was a positive step in addressing the challenges faced by Australia’s cities and clearly showed the needs of cities were firmly on the Federal Government’s agenda.

President of ALGA, Mayor Troy Pickard, said cities played a critical role in driving national economic growth and local government backed the Commonwealth’s intention to work in this policy area.

“While Minister Briggs will work with Minister Hunt in the Environment Portfolio, securing the liveability and sustainability of our cities will require coordination across a range of areas including transport, infrastructure and housing, as well as the built and natural environments.

“There is enormous potential for strong partnership and collaboration between all three levels of government to reduce carbon emissions, deliver better transport solutions and improve local environmental outcomes, as well as facilitate greater community engagement in shaping our cities.

“ALGA is excited by the opportunity to work with the Commonwealth to make our cities more liveable, productive and sustainable.”

The Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM) said giving Mr Briggs responsibility for cities and the built environment cemented political support across all of Australia’s major political parties for federal engagement and investment in cities.

“We are buoyed by the appointment of a Minister for Cities, and look forward to working with the Federal Government to address the infrastructure gap that our cities face,” said CCCLM Chair, Martin Haese – the Lord Mayor of Adelaide.

“Our cities are facing enormous challenges in managing population growth and the associated demands for transport and other infrastructure, whilst continuing to provide sustainable environments to maintain productive and liveable cities.

“It is in our cities where people live and are employed, with 60 per cent of Australia’s population living in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide.

“Our cities are where the contribution to the National economy is greatest; cities are the drivers of the national economy, generating the majority of Australia’s GDP. “This appointment signals that cities are to be given the attention they need. We look forward to working alongside Federal and State governments to develop the appropriate planning and investment mechanisms that provide the right decisions to enable the delivery of thriving future cities,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss, retains the Infrastructure and Regional Development portfolio and Paul Fletcher has been given responsibility for Major Projects under the first Turnbull Ministry.

‘Smart’ on-ramp signals ease Bruce Highway congestion Ramp signals and electronic communications that have been activated on the Bruce Highway between Caboolture and the Pine River will improve traffic flows at key congestion points.

The ramp signals play the same role as traffic lights, but only operate during highdemand periods. They use smart technology to detect and manage vehicle merge sections of the highway.

The signals control the number of vehicles entering the highway from the Dohles Rocks Road, Anzac Avenue, Boundary Road, Deception Bay Road and Uhlmann Road onramps.

Installation of the electronic communications is part of the Bruce Highway Managed Motorways project, which is designed to assist in breaking traffic gridlock during peak periods.

The $34.8 million project is funded by the Federal and Queensland Governments on a 50:50 basis.

Shred-the-Red drives business transport reform More than 200,000 businesses in Western Australia will be able to process vehicle registrations and update details online by the end of the year under the State Government’s red tape blitz.

Transport Minister, Dean Nalder, said the advance meant improved efficiencies for all businesses, but particularly for the transport sector, which would help improve productivity.

“We want to reduce red tape for businesses, cut their administrative burden and lower their costs,” Mr Nalder said.

Improvements driven by Main Roads WA and the Department of Transport include: • a new ‘one stop shop’ for the heavy vehicle industry for processing permits and over size, over mass movements, rather than having to deal with four separate agencies; • a phone service 138HVO which received more than 27,000 calls in its first six months; • replacing the two most common permits for restricted access vehicles with a single gazette notice, removing a $50 fee and saving industry $250,000 a year; • a new team of traffic escort wardens, allowing police to return to frontline duties; • undergrounding power lines to improve truck driving safety and reduce costs; • new pullover and layover bays to allow for efficient changeovers; • changes to the accredited mass management scheme to allow loading in a network approach, rather than individual approvals; and • extending the online payment system DoTDirect, currently available to individuals, to businesses by the end of this year.

“About 40 billion tonnes of freight is transported by road in WA each year, so it’s important to ensure hurdles are removed

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so the industry can function efficiently,” Mr Nalder said.

“This approach also helps keep down prices for consumers. For instance; obtaining a heavy vehicle permit now takes about 24 hours in WA, compared to up to two months in the eastern states.”

Finance Minister, Bill Marmion, said the formation of a red tape reduction team in Main Roads WA was a prime example of business and government collaboration.

Ethanol mandate to boost clean energy Legislation requiring fuel sellers to meet targets for the sale of ethanol-blended petrol and bio-based diesel is before the Queensland Parliament.

The Liquid Fuel Supply (Ethanol and Other Biofuels Mandate) Amendment Bill 2015 was introduced on 15 September and was referred to the Utilities, Science and Innovation Committee for detailed consideration.

The committee must provide its report to the Legislative Assembly by 17 November.

The Bill has the following objectives: • provide assurance to existing ethanol and biodiesel producers and stimulate investment in a biofuels industry in Queensland; • contribute to regional growth and jobs creation; • reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles; and • take advantage of the emerging second generation technologies for biofuels from a range of feedstock.

Minister for Energy and Water Supply, Mark Bailey, said the proposed mandates outlined in the Bill would help Queensland transition to a clean energy economy, grow the biofuels and bio-manufacturing sectors, and boost jobs across the industry, especially in regional areas.

“Earlier this year I released a discussion paper, Towards a clean energy economy: achieving a biofuel mandate for Queensland and my department and I have been consulting widely with industry, interest groups and motorists on our biofuel mandate policy,” Mr Bailey said.

“Nearly 300 people attended community forums held across the state throughout June, and we received 88 submissions in response to the discussion paper from a range of groups including fuel suppliers, ethanol producers, consumer representatives and members of the community.

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“This strong feedback demonstrates a high level of interest in our biofuels industry and has helped shape the development of the Liquid Fuel Supply (Ethanol and Other Biofuels Mandate) Amendment Bill 2015.

“The Bill includes an initial two per cent ethanol mandate for petrol and a half-a-per cent bio-based diesel mandate. In practical terms, this mandate will require E10 to make up 20 per cent of regular petrol sales in Queensland.”

Mr Bailey said the Bill was intended to stimulate growth and encourage investment in the biofuels and bio-manufacturing industries, while maintaining consumer choice.

“Regular unleaded petrol will still be available for those who can’t or don’t want to use ethanol fuels,” Mr Bailey said.

Trial of longer road trains approved for Pilbara The longest road trains in Australia have been granted approval by the Western Australian Government to start operating in the state’s Pilbara region.

A three-month trial will assess the road trains’ impact on the road infrastructure and other road users, such as pavement assessments, traffic data, community surveys and on-road monitoring.

The vehicle combinations will be assessed by a panel comprising the Road Safety Commission, local government, WA Police, Main Roads and the caravanning industry.

Under the trial, the road trains will travel on a section of Great Northern Highway, between Munjina-Roy Hill Road and Utah Point, Port Hedland.

WA Transport Minister, Dean Nalder, said the road trains were longer but safer than any seen on Australian roads, with a prime mover and four trailers, spanning 60 metres.

“These vehicles are known as Super Quads and we have committed to an Australian-first trial of these road trains to operate in the Pilbara,” Mr Nalder said.

They have undergone and passed rigorous assessments to ensure they are safe to operate on public roads.

The vehicles are equipped with electronic braking systems, stability controls and invehicle telematics to monitor the vehicle’s operation. The telematics ensure drivers do not deviate from the approved route or exceed 90 kilometres-an-hour.

“Even though they are longer, these are state-of-the-art vehicles with improved safety

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and superior handling compared to the standard 53.5 metre road trains, the longest currently allowed on our roads,” the Minister said.

The first two state-of-the-art vehicles have been manufactured by WA trailer manufacturers, Bruce Rock Engineering and Howard Porter, to transport iron ore and other minerals for Process Minerals International and QUBE Bulk.

Though capable of higher speeds, the road trains will be limited to 90 kilometresan-hour, allowing easier overtaking by other vehicles and ensuring superior on-road performance.

Mr Nalder said the trial provided the mining industry with greater productivity and lower operating costs, reduced the number of vehicles on the road in the long-term and introduced a safer vehicle.

Lane filtering becomes legal in Victoria Changes to Victorian laws to allow motorcycles and scooters to lane filter came into effect from the first week in November.

The State Government has amended the laws following consultations with motorcyclists, cyclists and drivers.

Lane filtering is the practice of motorcycles and scooters travelling at low speed through stopped or slow moving traffic; for example at traffic lights.

While not explicitly banned, riders who filter are at risk of committing an offence under a number of Victorian Road Safety Road Rules.

The changes affect a wide range of community members, not just motorcyclists, and it is important that all road users are aware of the new laws.

The government has extensively sought people’s opinion on the changes, with a community meeting in June and over 1,000 online survey responses.

The changes include permitted filtering: • between lanes or lines of traffic in the same direction; • between lanes or lines of traffic and parked cars; • for motorcycle licence holders (not learner permit holders); • at speeds up to 30km/h (penalties will apply for filtering in excess of 30km/h); and • unless signed otherwise.

“Motorbike and scooter riders can now move ahead of slow or stationary traffic with

confidence that they are not breaking the law,” Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, said.

Chair of the Victorian Motorcycle Council, Rob Salvatore, said: “The council welcomes the legalising of motorcycle lane filtering for Victoria, showing that riders and government can successfully work together to improve rider safety and reduce congestion, benefitting all road users.”

The new lane filtering measures do not permit lane splitting, which is when motorcycles travel between moving traffic at high speed. This is currently unlawful and will remain so because of the danger it poses to all road users.

VicRoads will support the lane filtering law change with a public awareness campaign for all road users.

SA researchers pursue spinal treatment for vehicle accident victims The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute has received a $250,000 State Government grant to find revolutionary solutions to spinal cord injuries from motor vehicle accidents.

Minister for Health, Jack Snelling, said the Lifetime Support Authority awarded six South Australian research teams funding, as part of its inaugural research grant program.

“This research program has dedicated $500,000 to foster high-quality treatment and support for people catastrophically injured in motor vehicle accidents,” Mr Snelling said.

“The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute will use its grant to study innovative solutions to positron emission tomography scanning of spinal cord injuries.

“In partnership with the Neil Sachse Foundation, the research will utilise a cyclotron, or particle accelerator, located at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.

“The technology focuses on spinal cord inflammation and may lead to improved scanning of affected areas, better surgical intervention and improved patient outcomes,” Mr Snelling said.

South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Executive Director, Professor Steve Wesselingh, said the grant would assist with Project Discovery.

“Project Discovery is a partnership between the South Australian Health and

Medical Research Institute, the Royal Adelaide Hospital and the Neil Sachse Foundation - it demonstrates the benefits that can be achieved through collaboration,” Mr Wesselingh said.

“The team includes neuroscience, radiochemistry, imaging, and spinal cord injury experts. This collaboration will provide superior health outcome evaluations for spinal cord injury patients.”

The Neil Sachse Foundation was established in 1995 by Neil Sache, an AFL player who was left a quadriplegic following an on-field accident. Mr Sache said Project Discovery was a cutting edge research project designed to revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord injury.

“The benefits of this breakthrough research are profoundly important to those who suffer spinal cord injuries across Australia and the world.”

Mr Sachse said once fully funded, Project Discovery would revolutionise the global diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord injury, and would ensure the solutions were available by 2020.

Overtaking lanes for Careys and Kitty Creeks Tenders are open for the contract to construct overtaking lanes at Careys Creek and Kitty Creek on the Bruce Highway around 50 kilometres north of Mackay.

The $7 million project will involve construction of two sets of overtaking lanes; one northbound and one southbound.

The overtaking lanes at Careys and Kitty creeks are being fully funded under the Federal Government’s $110 million Bruce Highway-Overtaking Lanes package, as part of the government’s $6.7 billion expenditure to fix the Bruce Highway.

Such upgrades increase capacity and also substantially reduce the number of risky manoeuvres drivers sometimes take when passing slower vehicles, particular large trucks.

More than 5000 vehicles travel daily between Mackay and Proserpine, with approximately 800 of those being heavy vehicles.

The Bruce Highway is a key transport link for Queensland and construction of the lanes will significantly reduce the risk of accidents on the section of highway. Construction will start later this year and is expected to be completed by mid-2016.

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Roads package delivered in Indigo The $1.8 million Indigo Shire Roads package has been completed.

The works package comprised the upgrading and sealing of three gravel roads: Carlyle Road between Corowa and Rutherglen; Soldiers Road between Harkins Road and Fishers Road (Barnawartha); and Sanatorium Road between Allans Flat and Yackandanadah.

Sealing the roads will contribute to reduced travel times and cut transport operating costs by 25 per cent, meaning industry in north east Victoria can get more of its products to market more efficiently.

The Indigo Shire economy generates $629 million a year in gross regional product through beef, sheep, dairy, fruit and viticulture.

The upgrades will also save the Indigo Shire Council $10,000 per annum in reduced operating and maintenance costs, meaning it can re-invest those resources into other priority projects.

Indigo Shire Mayor, Cr Bernard Gaffney, said the roads were identified by council as in need of immediate attention. To raise $ 1.8 million would have been a major impost on the Indigo community.”

Construction on this project began in November 2014 and was completed in July 2015; some minor intersection works on Soldiers Road are being undertaken by VicRoads and the final seal on all three roads is scheduled for late 2015.

More Melbourne level crossings being removed Work was due to start by October at two of four Melbourne level crossings identified for removal by the Victorian Government.

An alliance comprising Leighton Contractors, Aurecon and Hyder Consulting has been awarded the contract for level crossing removals at Blackburn Road in Blackburn and Heatherdale Road in Mitcham in Melbourne’s east, and Furlong and Main roads in St Albans in the west.

Works at Main Road and Furlong Road were expected to begin by October and to be completed in 2017. The removal of Blackburn Road and Heatherdale Road level crossings will start later this year and will take 12-18 months to complete.

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Boom gates at the sites are down for nearly an hour on average each morning, holdingup ambulances and other emergency service vehicles, as well as disrupting traffic flow.

Removing the crossings will reduce road congestion for the 60,000 vehicles that use them each day, and allow the government to run more train services on the Belgrave and Sunbury lines.

The package of works represents an investment of $481.2 million.

The Blackburn Road, Heatherdale Road and Furlong Road projects have been fully funded by the Victorian Government. Removal of the Main Road level crossing is jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments with savings from the Regional Rail Link project.

Victoria’s Treasurer, Tim Pallas, said funds from leasing the Port of Melbourne would support removing the 50 worst level crossings in the state.

Mr Pallas said the lease proceeds, to be paid up front, would go into the Victorian Transport Fund (VTF).

The VTF would also support the building of Melbourne Metro, the West Gate Distributor and other major transport initiatives.

Refining responses to road emergencies A virtual emergency involving a large truck pile-up and a hazardous chemical spill was simulated in Melbourne in the last week of August to test councils’ abilities to deal with large numbers of injured people and mass evacuations.

Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett, said the “aftermath” scenario involved more than 200 staff from councils and emergency services who worked together to provide relief to hundreds of volunteer patients.

The exercise was hosted by the cities of Yarra and Moreland, and included emergency personnel from 14 agencies including the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, the State Emergency Service and Victoria Police.

It saw hundreds of injured or affected “victims” converge on two emergency relief centres in Moreland and Collingwood.

Ms Garrett said such exercises gave the community confidence in the ability of authorities to manage a crisis.

“This simulated emergency gives our councils and emergency services the opportunity to work together and put their skills to the test.

“This is about improving the way we provide relief to people who have been affected by a major disaster and making the community safer in the future.”

Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins, said the annual training exercise was designed to help councils work across boundaries during disasters and put their skills and knowledge to the test.

“Training exercises like these help ensure that staff are ready to respond if called on.”

Councils from the North West Metro Region supported the exercise including Banyule, Brimbank, Darebin, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Melton, Moreland, Moonee Valley, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham.

Co-ordinated by the North West Metro Region Emergency Management Collaboration, the event will inform and improve emergency management plans, systems and processes in the future.

Key interchange upgrade at Longwarry Work on the $31.2 million interchange at the intersection of Sand Road and the Princes Freeway East at Longwarry – about 80 kilometres south east of Melbourne – is expected to start late in 2015.

The contract to deliver the project has been awarded to Cut & Fill Pty Ltd. The existing intersection will be upgraded into a full freeway interchange with new entry and exit ramps to allow motorists to enter and exit the freeway and connect to other roads.

Two new roundabouts will be constructed to provide further connections to Sand Road, the freeway and nearby service centres, and to provide safer and easier travel. A bridge will also be built over the freeway.

Once the interchange is complete, the current variable speed limit that reduces to 80 kilometres-an-hour during peak times will be removed, allowing a consistent 100 kilometrean-hour limit along the freeway.

The upgrade is jointly funded, with $22.5 million from the Federal Government and $8.7 million from the Victorian Government.

Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2017.

ROAD SAFETY

QLD road safety action plan to save lives A new Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan – a road map to improve safety, reduce injury and curb Queensland’s road toll – has been released by the State Government.

The strategy sets a long-term target to reduce the road toll from the four-year average (2011-14) by more than a quarter, to below 200, by 2020 and to reduce the number of hospitalisations from road accidents.

The Action Plan includes 57 initiatives, and builds on the work of the Queensland Government’s Safer Roads, Safer Queensland Forum.

“The government’s action plan targets Queensland’s road toll and aims to drastically reduce the number of crash deaths and serious injuries on the state’s roads,” Minister for Road Safety, Mark Bailey, said.

“The plan is the culmination of discussions and solutions put forward by the experts at the Safer Roads, Safer Queensland forum held in April this year.

“The government is investing more than $500 million over two years for important road safety programs to fund the implementation of the 57 initiatives in the action plan.”

Key initiatives include: • Establish a Citizen’s Taskforce to make recommendations to government about road safety issues; • Implement “CO-LAB” – a program to engage 16-to-21-year-olds on road safety; • Reform motorcycle licensing including implementing pre-learner training courses; • Introduce an app version of the 100hour learner logbook, including periodic reminders for learners to focus on certain driving situations such as night time, wet weather and highway driving; • Install flashing lights in 200 risk-assessed school zones; • Introduce double demerit points for two or more mobile phone offences committed within one year; • Advocate at the national level for the rollout of seatbelt interlock technology that would prevent the engine starting before the passenger clicks in their seat belt; and • Improve safety for vulnerable road users by making available $10 million to improve infrastructure safety for bicycle riders and pedestrians, and $27 million over two years for the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

76 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

Victorian road safety first at Yea The final touches have just been made to an innovative new road safety project designed to help reduce deaths and serious injuries on regional roads in Victoria.

VicRoads and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) have installed a Victorianfirst wire rope safety barrier down the centre of a one-kilometre stretch of the Melba Highway, near Yea, about 100 kilometres north east of Melbourne.

The project will be used as a demonstration site for the life-saving capabilities of a centre line wire rope barrier in preventing head-on collisions and crossing centreline crashes.

Using a centre line wire rope barrier has been identified as an effective safety measure to prevent vehicles crossing the centreline.

The Melba Highway project will guide the rollout of similar projects to reduce head-on collisions in other parts of the state, including the Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road and the Goulburn Valley Highway.

This is an innovative pilot project to allow drivers to become accustomed to a new driving environment over the one-kilometre stretch of road.

The $350,000 upgrade also includes rumble strip edge lines, reflective posts and more than 400 safety cushions to provide added protection for motorcyclists.

The use of a centreline wire rope barrier has been successfully implemented in several two-lane roads around Australia and overseas, including the Pacific Highway, New South Wales, the Midland Highway, Tasmania and the Centennial Highway, New Zealand.

In each case, the number of crossing-thecentreline crashes has reduced dramatically.

Last year alone, run-off-road and head-on crashes accounted for 91 deaths in Victoria, and already (to mid-September) 71 fatalities as a result of these crashes have occurred in 2015.

Bryan Sherritt, Regional Director, VicRoads North Eastern Region told Highway Engineering Australia that work on the

safety barrier commenced on 7 September when preliminary works including drainage, pavement repairs and widening the median strip were undertaken.

“Once the preliminary work was completed, the centre median was sealed and foundations and footings were put in place for the wire rope.

“Then came removal of the existing guardrail on the road side and the installation of easy rail, and tensioning of the wire rope. A final seal was applied to the road and the site was cleaned-up.”

Mr Sherritt said the project would guide the roll-out of similar projects to reduce head-on collisions and reduce road trauma in regional Victoria.

“One of the key objectives of this pilot project is to deliver a road safety improvement to this section of road that embraces the ‘Safe System’ principles, focusing primarily on safer roads to reduce crash likelihood and the severity of crashes if they do occur.

“This project aligns with the focus of the Safe System Road Infrastructure Program, aspiring to eliminate death and serious injury from Victorian roads by embracing a ‘Towards Zero’ vision.

Mr Sherritt said there would be on-going monitoring of traffic flow and any crash incidents at the location, and the public would be invited to be part of an assessment process.

“Following completion of the project, the community will be invited to provide feedback on the new, safer driving environment through a formal evaluation process.”

Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, said the project would provide added protection for motorists when mistakes were made.

“We know people make mistakes and they shouldn’t have to pay for them with their life,” Mr Donnellan said.

ROAD SAFETY

ABS reduces motorcycle casualties by over 30 per cent Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on motorcycles in Australia could help in 93 per cent of crash situations according to a new report into the benefits of ABS. The report found that ABS reduced motorcycle injury crashes by 31 per cent and was even more effective in more serious crashes.

“The report commissioned by the Australian and Victorian governments indicates that ABS could provide a 36 per cent overall reduction in fatal and severe injury crashes,” said Minister for Territories, Local Government and Major Projects, Paul Fletcher.

Minister Fletcher has responsibility for motor vehicle issues under the Turnbull Government.

“ABS technology is common in passenger cars sold in Australia, however only around 20 per cent of new motorcycles are sold with it.”

Mr Fletcher said researchers believed the current road safety benefits of ABS would be increased by up to 60 per cent if ABS became standard on all new motorcycles from 2018.

“With motorcycles currently the fastest growing vehicle type, ABS could make a real impact on reducing the fatalities on Australia’s roads each year,” Mr Fletcher said.

“ABS has the potential to save over 70 of the more than 200 motorcyclists’ lives lost each year and reduce hospitalisations by around 4,000 each year when fully implemented throughout the motorcycle fleet.”

In line with the National Road Safety Strategy Action Plan 2015–2017, the government will develop a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) to consider mandating ABS for motorcycles. Consultations will be held with motorcycle user groups and manufacturers about the report and the RIS.

Informing new framework for fatigue research The National Transport Commission (NTC) is looking for ways to collect better information to inform improvements to heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws.

A discussion paper proposing agreed terminology, systems and processes to enable a new framework to support comparable and accessible data across industry, governments and enforcement agencies was released by the NTC during August.

Interested parties had until 16 October to lodge submissions in response to the discussion paper.

Chief Executive of the NTC, Paul Retter, said only when all the evidence was on the table would it be possible to determine whether the current regulations were appropriate.

“This project won’t be proposing changes to Australia’s fatigue laws, but it will ensure that we have consistent and more accurate data about how fatigue affects drivers and the safety of our nation’s roads,” Mr Retter said.

“We know that drowsy drivers are more likely to crash. Finding the best option to prevent these crashes relies on us developing

a framework that may be used to inform changes to policy settings and amendments to fatigue laws.”

The Heavy Vehicle National Law has prescriptive work and rest hour rules, in addition to chain of responsibility obligations and an overarching duty not to drive while impaired by fatigue.

“At the moment there is no simple test for driver alertness like there is for alcohol or speed, because fatigue levels are relatively difficult to establish and measure,” Mr Retter said.

“In the future new technologies may be able to tell drivers whether they are in a fit condition to drive. The challenge is to collect enough robust evidence about what fatigue level should be considered safe.

“We know that hours of work are not the only cause of fatigue. Crash data indicates that other factors, such as times of travel, and quality and quantity of sleep also impact on driver fatigue.

“Collecting information after a crash has occurred can only tell us what didn’t work,” Mr Retter said.

“What we need is information about everyday operations and practices that can tell us what keeps drivers safe. This will support any future improvements to the law.

“This is an opportunity for transport operators and drivers to demonstrate real life practices that help drivers do their jobs and keep safe.”

Improved safety standards on Noarlunga to Victor Harbor Road Safety upgrades are underway on the Noarlunga to Victor Harbor Road in South Australia.

Announced last November as part of a package of upgrades to key roads across the state, the works include installing a 1.2 metre wide central painted median along a three kilometre section of the Noarlunga to Victor Harbor Road, between Old Willunga Hill Road and Yundi Road.

State Road Safety Minister, Tony Piccolo, said Victor Harbor Road was an important route on the South Australian road network.

“Audio-tactile line marking will be installed as part of the central median, to help prevent the risk of head-on road crashes,” Mr Piccolo said.

“These markings make noise and cause the

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vehicle to vibrate when driven over to alert road users that their vehicle is veering.

“The project also includes extending the sheltered right turn lane at the junction with Pages Flat Road, resurfacing works and the replacement of safety barriers.”

The upgrade is a $1.95 million investment from the Motor Accident Commission’s Road Safety Infrastructure Fund.

Commission CEO, Aaron Chia, said the improvements would provide a safer environment for all road users.

“This stretch of road is utilised by the local community and many visitors travelling to and from the Victor Harbor area,” Mr Chia said.

“We know most road fatalities occur in regional South Australia and this work will improve road safety in the area.”

The upgrades are expected to be completed by March 2016.

$13 million for SA road safety improvements Black spots will be upgraded throughout South Australia with 14 new road projects identified for funding of more than $8 million under the Black Spot Program.

And $5 million will be spent on road safety upgrades under the Responsive Road Safety Program.

SA Road Safety Minister, Tony Piccolo, said eliminating black spots was an important part of providing a safe road network for all road users and the program was always looking at reducing problem areas where crashes were common.

78 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

“In addition to the government’s investment, councils have also contributed nearly $600,000 towards the projects,” Mr Piccolo said.

“For example, the intersection of West Terrace and Currie Street in Adelaide will be upgraded. There have been 12 casualty crashes between 2010 and 2014 here, mainly due to poor line of sight and lack of pedestrian and cyclist access.

“This project is jointly funded by the State Government and Adelaide City Council, and will see a traffic signal mast arm installed for southbound motorists, as well as new ramps and bicycle lanterns for north-south travel across Glover Avenue.”

Nearly $900,000 has been allocated specifically to cycling infrastructure on arterial and local roads.

More than half of the new projects, totalling over $5 million, target roads in rural and regional South Australia.

Mr Piccolo said two of the larger regional projects were near Naracoorte, in the state’s South East.

“About $1.4 million will be invested on a five kilometre stretch of Wimmera Highway aimed at reducing run-off and head-on type crashes,” he said.

“Between 2010 and 2014, five casualty crashes occurred here, resulting in two fatalities and three injuries.

“Included in the upgrade will be the widening of curves, installing audio-tactile line marking to help alert motorists who may stray from the road and safety barriers to prevent crashes with roadside hazards.

“Another $1 million will be invested to widen existing road shoulders on curves, remove hazards like trees and install more safety barrier on the Riddoch Highway, Naracoorte.

“There have been four casualty crashes here between 2010 and 2014, resulting in one fatality and three minor injuries.”

Mr Piccolo said a koala crossing, new guardrail, rumble strips and roadside hazard removal were just a few of the road safety initiatives funded by the 2015/2016 Responsive Road Safety Program.

About $5.4 million will be invested for infrastructure upgrades, junction improvements and other general developments for pedestrians and vulnerable road users.

Minister Piccolo said the funding provided by the program aimed to achieve the highest road safety benefit for the community.

“Investing money to install guardrail or to remove roadside hazards helps reduce the chance of casualty crashes occurring.

“The funds may be for minor works or upgrades, but the overall safety benefit for road users is immeasurable.

“There is another strong regional focus with this program, with more than half of the approved works targeting improvements in rural South Australia.”

Full freeway interchange at Princes Freeway-Sand Road intersection A $31 million safety upgrade is underway at the Longwarry intersection, about 80 kilometres south east of Melbourne.

The upgrade will elevate the intersection to a full freeway interchange.

Minister for Territories, Local Government and Major Projects, Paul Fletcher, said the new interchange, jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments, would separate local Sand Road traffic and fastmoving Princes Freeway vehicles.

The freeway carries considerable volumes of tourist traffic from Melbourne to the Gippsland region and is also an essential route for Victorian freight operators.

The upgrade will allow local residents safer access to and from the Longwarry and Labertouche community.

“This particular intersection has a poor road safety history, with 25 crashes where people have been injured from 2009,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The new interchange will remove the competing traffic at the intersection and provide a safer environment for those travelling in the region.

ROAD SAFETY

“Once complete, the interchange will see Sand Road traffic elevated over the Princes Highway, removal of the 80 kilometre-an-hour speed limit, new entry and exit ramps, as well as two roundabouts on either side of the freeway providing safer connections to Sand Road.”

Work on the interchange is expected to be completed in late 2017.

Federal Member for McMillan, Russell Broadbent, said the community had advocated for change at the intersection for some time and the region’s growing population now called for a more significant investment into improving the safety of the intersection.

The intersection upgrade is jointly funded with $22.5 million contributed by the Australian Government and $8.7 million from the Victorian Government.

New road safety direction in Victoria “We realise Towards Zero sets an ambitious target, but unless we’re working towards the highest possible benchmark, Victorians will continue to lose loved ones to road trauma and we can never accept that.”

The words of Victoria’s Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, on 26 August when launching the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC’s) Towards Zero campaign asking Victorians to aim for zero road deaths each year.

Mr Donnellan said the campaign represented a major shift in the way the government and the TAC talked with Victorians about road safety.

For the last 25 years Victorians have seen advertisements of “If you drink and drive, you’re a bloody idiot” or graphic imagery of crashes, but now they are being presented with a new style of television commercial.

They are now being asked to consider what it would be like to lose their loved ones on the roads.

Victorians know they should wear a seatbelt and why they shouldn’t drink and drive, speed or text at the wheel, but we are still seeing too many people die on the roads, the Minister said.

“Road trauma is not about numbers published next to the words “road toll”. It is about our brothers, sisters, children, parents, friends and colleagues. It is about Victorians and their families whose lives will never be the same.”

Towards Zero represents a new approach to road trauma reduction which will be supported by the government’s new Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy.

Both the campaign and the strategy support efforts to make every journey a safe one by ensuring Victorians are safer drivers, driving safer cars, at safer speeds, on safer roads.

“If we’re not aiming for zero, we are saying to ourselves that there is an acceptable level of road trauma,” Mr Donnellan said.

“Road trauma is not about numbers. It’s about our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, and not one of them deserves to be killed or seriously injured just because they use our roads.”

Safety improvements at Guildford Road-Tonkin Highway One of Perth’s busiest intersections - Guildford Road at Tonkin Highway in Bayswater - is undergoing a $3.6 million upgrade to improve safety.

About 53 crashes occurred at Guildford Road/Tonkin Highway northbound on-andoff ramps from 2010 to 2014, and about 126 crashes occurred at the southbound on-and-off ramps over the same period.

The project – which started at the beginning of October – involves widening Guildford Road on the northern side to make room for a new eastbound through-lane to improve traffic flow.

Extra right-turn pockets will be provided for traffic entering and exiting Tonkin Highway to reduce the number of accidents, while left-turn lanes will be extended to reduce queuing of traffic.

The work includes improvements to traffic signalling, upgraded pedestrian facilities and street lighting, new overhead signage and new guardrails.

The project is funded by the 2015-16 Road Trauma Trust Account and it will take up to six months to complete.

Tonkin Highway and Guildford Road play a key role in the local road network and are strategic routes for local, freight and tourist traffic. Upgrading the intersection will significantly improve safety and efficiency for all road users.

Sturt Highway safer – point-to-point safety cameras activated The Sturt Highway is the fourth stretch of South Australian road made safer with point-to-point safety cameras activated on 14 September.

The cameras are located on an 18 kilometre stretch of the Sturt Highway between Kingston on Murray and Lowbank, and apply to traffic travelling in both directions. They were extensively tested before being switched on.

“As with cameras already operating on Port Wakefield Road, the Dukes Highway and Victor Harbor Road, this section of the Sturt Highway was chosen based on its high crash

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rate and the consistent speed limit between the camera sites,” Road Safety Minister, Tony Piccolo, said.

“Up to 12,000 motorists use the Sturt Highway each day, with more than 1,000 casualty crashes recorded between 2010 and 2014 resulting in 24 deaths and 115 serious injuries.”

Mr Piccolo said the highway was an important passenger and freight link between Adelaide and Sydney, as well as major regions including the SA Riverland.

“If we all do the right thing and drive within the speed limit, lives will be saved and serious injuries will be prevented. However as speed increases, a driver has less time to react to emergencies and requires a greater distance to stop.

“These cameras help deter people from creeping over the limit and reduce the risk of serious crashes on our roads.”

The cameras calculate the average speed of a vehicle between two points, as well as the vehicle’s actual speed at each camera location.

Point-to-point cameras have been operating on Dukes Highway and Port Wakefield Road since July last year, and on Victor Harbor Road since June this year.

Two more point-to-point cameras, on the South Eastern Freeway and the Northern Expressway, are expected to be switched-on in coming months.

80 Highway Engineering Australia | Oct/Nov 2015

Safer Roads Program for WA Major road improvement works, valued at $32 million, will be carried out at 19 locations across Western Australia as part of the 2015-16 Safer Roads Program.

Visiting Gracetown, Margaret River and Busselton on 2 September, State Transport Minister, Dean Nalder, said the program included more than $12 million in improvements for roads in the south west, including stretches of Bussell Highway and the South Western Highway.

The Bussell Highway works include reconstruction and widening from Marbelup Road through to Wildwood Road near

the Carbunup River. The South Western Highway upgrade involves widening the highway near Greenbushes.

Mr Nalder said since its inception in 2005-06, $314 million in allocations to the Safer Roads Program had funded 235 safety improvement projects across the state.

The program aims to improve road safety on major highways and main roads through providing treatments such as additional overtaking lanes, the reconstruction of sections of road to eliminate bends and crests, and the sealing of shoulders.

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