Construction Notification

October 2020

Tonkin Gap Project and Associated Works

1.

From early November 2020, we will begin construction on the Tonkin Gap Project and Associated Works. The initial works will include vegetation clearing, temporary road barriers and building a site compound on the south and north of Redcliffe Bridge.

This will prepare the area for the upgrade of the existing Redcliffe Bridge and a new western bridge, which is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.

2. Vegetation clearing

What work will we be doing?

Starting 9 November 2020, we will begin vegetation clearing in the road reserve along Tonkin Highway. This will enable us to place fill material near Redcliffe Bridge and prepare the area to construct the concrete casting yard which will enable us to incrementally launch the new bridge.

When and where?

From 9 to 16 November 2020 (map 1): North side on either side of Redcliffe Bridge (Clearing areas 1 & 2*)

From 16 to 23 November 2020 (map 1): South side on either side of Redcliffe Bridge (Clearing area 3*)

Map 1 *Approximate clearing areas. Some trees in these areas have been marked to retain.

How are we minimising our impact?

While we need to clear some vegetation to upgrade Tonkin Highway, our team has been working to identify and retain as many trees as possible. Where possible, we have avoided clearing for temporary works, adjusting the design and undertaking site walks to identify trees to save. In addition, we will rehabilitate any areas where the ground is disturbed but not finished with a sealed surface, such as asphalt. We have also established an Environmental Working Group with community representatives to discuss environmental impacts, opportunities to reduce the project’s footprint and fauna relocation and identification.

Our trained native fauna handlers will carefully trap and relocate any animals, such as reptiles and mammals, prior to clearing. Fauna handlers will be present during the clearing operations to capture and relocate any native fauna which may still be present in the clearing area.

What is happening with the vegetation?

We will be reusing most of the vegetation and mulch by;

Donating timber to the WA Wood Turners Association

Donating logs and branches to Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre

Re-using large tree trunks for revegetation, habitat creation as well as river edge stabilisation

Re-using mulch for the creation of the project's batters.

3. Fill placement

What work will we be doing?

Ahead of the bridge works starting next year, the placement of fill is required as the ground is currently not suitable for bridge construction. More than 40,000 cubic meters of fill material will be delivered and compacted around the area. We will also build a site compound in the project area. This includes temporary office accommodation, parking and facilities for our team.

When and where?

· From 9 November 2020 – construction of site compound and facilities (map 2)

· From late November to January 2021 – import and placement of fill (map 2)

Map 2

4. New bridge construction

What work will we be doing?

We are modifying and accommodating 8 lanes across the existing Redcliffe bridge and building a new western bridge with 2 additional lanes. To prepare for these works, during November we will be clearing vegetation and building a site compound within the road reserve (map 3). Vehicle access tracks outlined below.

Map 3

5. Night works

What work will we be doing?

To prepare for the bridge works we will be working at night. This is to ensure safety of our crews working close to the road, as well as minimise inconvenience to daytime peak traffic. The works will involve adjusting the line marking to create more room along the Great Eastern Highway on ramp and Tonkin Highway, and installing a temporary traffic barrier, to create a safe work zone for our crews on site and to maintain traffic flow. Once the barriers are place the speed will reduce on Great Eastern Highway on ramp and Tonkin Highway between Great Eastern Highway and Dunstone Road.

The on ramp will be closed for up to 3 nights and a detour will be in place to allow these works to be undertaken. Sign up for project updates on the Main Roads website or join our Tonkin Gap Project Facebook Group to be updated on detour information.

When and where?

Great Eastern Highway on ramp and Tonkin Highway in both directions (map 4).

· 16 November to 30 November 2020

· 8pm to 5am on intermittent weeknights.

Map 4

6. Principal Shared Path (PSP) closure and detours

When and where?

We will need to close access and detour the PSP in the following areas (map 5 and 6). Signage will be in place in these locations.

From 9 until mid-November – PSP closed and detour in place near Redcliffe Bridge

Map 5

From mid-November 2020 until further notice – PSP closed and detour in place near Redcliffe Bridge

Map 6

How will these works affect me?

Works, vehicle and machinery movements will be noticeable in the area.

We will make every effort to minimise construction noise and vibrations where possible, particularly during night works.

Noise and vibration management measures are in place including use of the quietest equipment reasonably available.

Works will be in accordance with a noise management plan approved by your local government authority.

We will also use water carts, street sweepers and dust suppressants to reduce the impact of dust, as required.

Contact us for further information on Tonkin Gap

W: https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/projects-initiatives/projects/metropolitan/tonkin-gap/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tonkingap/

E: enquiries@mainroads.wa.gov.au

T: 138 138 (24 hours)