AN INNOVATIVE construction method, never before used in WA, has helped complete a Main Roads Western Australia project two and a half months ahead of schedule. The 8.7 km $52 million Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor – Stage 2 (GSTC-2), between North West Coastal Highway and Geraldton Airport, was officially opened to traffic on December 6, 2009
WA Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said the strategic infrastructure project would provide a single east-west carriageway from the North West Coastal Highway to Mount Magnet Road, a direct road link to Geraldton Port and easier access to Geraldton Airport.
The GSTC-2 is designed to significantly reduce the volume of heavy and oversize vehicles using the local road network, thereby improving safety while also providing a direct east-west link to the Port of Geraldton.
The project utilised an innovative alternative pavement in highly trafficked intersections, incorporating a concrete sub-layer for the first time on a Main Roads WA job.
“Using a LMC Sub-base is a major innovation for road-building in WA,” said Abigroup’s GSTC-2 project manager Craig Irvine. Major work started on the design and construct project in January 2009.
The project scope included:
• 163,000 cubic metres of pavement
• 420,000 cubic metres of earthworks
• 2.25 km of drainage lines
• local road intersection reconstructions
• cyclist and pedestrian facilities
Abigroup’s technology with automated trimmers was utilised on the project. This technology provides enhanced ride quality and production rates. The entire bulk earthworks operation was completed in 12 weeks due to the mobilisation of additional plant and production efficiencies.
Production was maximised through the use of the contractor’s internal plant fleet, thus ensuring availability of modern earthmoving equipment for the duration of the project.
The local community was kept informed about the progress of construction works and a scholarship scheme was introduced at Geraldton Senior College.
This scholarship scheme, which is a joint initiative with Main Roads Western Australia, provides help with the further studies of three students from the college, including the payment of tuition fees, a laptop, paid work experience, mentoring and the opportunity for employment with Abigroup after graduation.
A fourth student was offered vocational employment after a year’s study and the possibility for her to claim a scholarship in the future. Two of the successful students will study towards a Diploma of Surveying and one will complete a Civil Engineering degree at Curtin University.
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