Following extensive community consultation, a revised construction option will be used for the 2.6-kilometre viaduct across the Hunter River.
The decision comes after residents expressed concerns about potential flood impacts on the project, which is part of the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) hosted five information sessions during the process in Millers Forest, Raymond Terrace and Tarro, engaging with more than 170 locals.
“These meetings provided an opportunity for the community to give feedback on proposed bridge construction methods,” regional director north Anna Zycki said.
“But, it was clear the residents were worried about possible flood impacts.
“They also wanted reduced environmental effects and faster delivery of the project.
“The team will now use a single 80-metre temporary rock platform on the western side of the Hunter River, which removes the need for any dredging.
“Barges will be used to build the deep-water section of the viaduct on the eastern side and these will be supported by a temporary 15-metre rock jetty that will allow material to be loaded and unloaded as the barges move across the river throughout the viaduct build.”
The first option proposed the use of two small rock jetties of approximately 25 metres, dredging and large barges in the Hunter River as originally contained in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The second choice involved the use of two temporary rock platforms of up to 180 metres, built consecutively.
“We had feedback from about 100 residents, some expressed concerns over the options and we listened, using their comments to select this revised option,” Ms Zycki said.
“The use of barges in the deeper section of the river eliminates the need for dredging in the shallow section, which best addresses the issues of minimising flood effects and reducing environmental impacts.
“It provides safety advantages too by reducing the time it takes to build this viaduct by up to four months, which minimises the period for risk of increased flood impacts to properties, without the need for dredging in the river.”
The project team will continue proactive engagement with the community about potential flood impacts and mitigation options, including arranging meetings with individual property owners upon request.
Construction will start immediately on the new viaduct with girder lifts for the bridge’s approach underway.
The consultation summary report, including detailed responses from TfNSW to the feedback received from the community and stakeholders, is now available on the website at https://nswroads.work/m12rt-bridgeconstruction
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