GHD was engaged by the Australian Rail Track Corporation to complete options and environmental assessments of the project and provide management services for the construction process from tendering through to completion.
Project manager for GHD Richard Hackett said the grade separation to be constructed near Sandgate Junction would allow passenger services on NSW’s main northern rail line to travel over the top of coal lines from the Hunter Valley.
The improvement will enable the port to handle an increased capacity of 109 million tonnes of coal per annum by 2007, up from a current 85Mtpa.
“After reviewing previous plans and consulting widely with stakeholders in the community, the coal industry and the State Government, we successfully proposed a location for the flyover that was within an industrial setting and minimised the environmental impacts,” Hackett said.
The reinforced concrete structure will be 126m long by 9m wide and joined by a combination of embankments and viaducts on either end.
Two new coal lines will pass under the flyover allowing traffic to move unimpeded through to the Kooragang Island export terminal.
Other features of the project include construction of a new pond for the endangered green and golden bell frog, streetscape enhancements for local residents, and environmental improvements in adjoining State Environmental Planning Policy 14 Wetlands.
“The project has overcome significant geotechnical challenges associated with construction over soft clay soils, and has reached the first milestone with the completion of a temporary bypass to divert both main line and coal line traffic around the flyover construction site,” Hackett said.
The flyover is scheduled for completion in November 2006.
