Sydney region

Alfords Point Bridge northern approach

REED CONSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TEN DAYS TO PROVE IT CAN FINISH ROAD PROJECTS

Minister for Finance and Services Greg Pearce announced on Thursday 10 May 2012 that Reed Construction has 10 days to prove it can finish vital road projects across the state or the government could be forced to make alternative arrangements for project delivery.
The announcement also states that before recommencing any outstanding road work for the Government, Reed must convince the Government and Reed's own suppliers and sub-contractors that it can complete these vital roads. If Reed does not, the Government will consider the full range of options to complete the projects.
RMS will ensure the Alfords Point Road project is completed as early as possible, while ensuring that NSW taxpayers get value for money.
Attached is the 10 May 2012 statement from the NSW Minister for Finance and Services in relation to Reed Constructions.

NSW GOVERNMENT DISCUSSIONS WITH REED CONSTRUCTIONS

The NSW Government has been in discussions with Reed Constructions Australia since February 2012 when Reed indicated it was facing financial difficulties. A media release on the commencement of discussions and other matters was issued by the NSW Government on 29 February 2012. The details are in the Media Release from the NSW Minister for Finance and Services in relation to Reed Constructions Australia.

Overview

The widening of Alfords Point Road at the northern approach to Alfords Point Bridge was completed on Monday 14 November 2011. The widening removes the need for tidal flow arrangements on Alfords Point Road between Alfords Point Bridge and Clancy Street, Padstow Heights.

The $44 million Alfords Point Road widening of the northern approach is fully funded by the NSW Government.

Remaining work includes completion of the noise wall alongside the Henry Lawson Drive on-ramp from Sewell Avenue to Playford Road and the construction of the third noise wall along the northbound off-ramp from Alfords Point Road to Clancy Street.

Features

Three traffic lanes in each direction between Alfords Point Bridge and Clancy Street, Padstow Heights.

A new road bridge over Henry Lawson Drive.
A concrete safety barrier to separate northbound and southbound traffic between Alfords Point Bridge and the road bridge over Henry Lawson Drive.
Retention of all existing access points from local roads.
A new dedicated pedestrian/cyclist path connecting Padstow Heights and Illawong.
A dedicated acceleration lane at the on-ramp from Clancy Street for southbound traffic.

Milestones

A preferred construction option finalised and plans developed following investigations and community feedback.
Review of environmental factors (to assess environmental and social impacts, including traffic impacts, urban design, flora and fauna and construction noise and vibrations) displayed for community comment from 10 December 2007 to 25 January 2008.
Further noise studies undertaken to assess noise treatments for the northern approach to Alfords Point Bridge.
Construction contract awarded to The REED Group, who commenced preliminary work and site establishment on 30 September 2009.
Displayed a review of environmental factors addendum proposing alternative noise strategy. Submissions were considered and the noise strategy of three noise walls proposed in the original review was adopted.
United Group Pty Ltd engaged to undertake architectural treatment of identified homes based on noise assessments.
Extension of merge lanes providing three lanes in each direction approved in September 2011.
Opening of three lane carriageway in both directions on Monday 14 November 2011.

Construction of noise walls

Three noise walls are being installed alongside Alfords Point Road to reduce the impact of traffic noise on local residents.

Work started in October 2010 on the first noise wall alongside the Clancy Street onramp (southbound) extending 20 metres past the cul-de-sac in Banjo Paterson Place. This noise wall was completed in November 2011.

Construction for the second noise wall alongside the Henry Lawson Drive on-ramp from Sewell Avenue to Playford Road commenced in September 2011. Construction of the third noise wall along the northbound off-ramp from Alfords Point Road to Clancy Street commenced in December 2011.

The outcome of discussions with Reed Constructions will provide more certainty on likely completion dates for these walls.

Extension of merge lanes

The original arrangement for the widened section of Alfords Point Road was to provide two lanes of travel in each direction, separated by a central median. It was amended to provide three lanes in each direction between the Clancy Street southbound onramp and northbound off-ramp to south of Alfords Points Bridge.

By providing an extra lane in both directions, the merge lane extension reduces congestion and improves travel times for motorists. The extended merge lanes only involved changes to the original line marking arrangement. No additional construction work was required.