Alfords Point Road - Reconstruction and Widening, Alma Road to Alfords Point Bridge

The Works involves the reconstruction and upgrading of approximately 1.5 km of Alfords Point Road in the City of Bankstown, between Alma Road and Alfords Point Bridge. The existing three lane road (essentially northbound carriageway under tidal flow traffic) is to be widened to a four lane divided carriageway. A new southbound carriageway bridge will be constructed over Henry Lawson Drive. The works include the construction of southbound carriageway and central median, reconstruction of Clancy Street on-ramp and Henry Lawson Drive on-ramp southbound, new 3-span bridge over Henry Lawson Drive and provision of a shared pedestrian path/cycleway on eastern side of Alfords Point Road, from Clancy Street to Alfords Point Bridge then south to Fowler Road, Alfords Point and landscaping improvements.

Challenges

Alfords Point Road is a major traffic corridor of Sydney and currently operates under a tidal flow arrangement. Construction of the road widening while maintaining existing traffic conditions is the main challenge of the project. The works to construct the new bridge over Henry Lawson Drive presents challenges that include replacing existing bridge bearings under live traffic, working from heights,working under high voltage transmission power lines (132kv), working over live traffic on Henry Lawson Drive.

Any specific OH & S or environmental issues

Works are being undertaken in close proximity to existing private properties and as such environmental considerations to issues such as noise, vibration and dust need to be monitored to minimise the impact of the works on the existing environment. Specific OH&S issues include working from heights,working under high voltage transmission power lines (132kv)and working over live traffic on Henry Lawson Drive.

Progress

Since the recent spate of rainfall events and additional variation works due to poor existing ground conditions, the works are progressing well in October. Some of the works undertaken to date include the completion of three retaining walls, bridge substructure and the in-situ concrete girders and post tensioning works. The commencement of falsework of the mid span concrete bridge deck and the continuation of stormwater and subsoil drainage works for the main alignment and the bulk earthworks for the main alignment with commencement of permanent pavement works. Some of the upcoming works include pouring of the mid span concrete bridge deck and intermediate traffic switches onto new pavement areas to allow continuation of the construction of the permanent pavements.