15673 OMP CONNECTIONS FINAL:Layout 1 9/10/08 4:38 PM Page 1 ISSUE 2 OCTOBER 2008 Breakthrough! > Project Director, Paul Gelston watching the South Road underpass taking shape and INSET: one of the 60 tonne bridge beams is lowered into place. Workers on site at the South Road Underpass “When you see figures such as 47,000 cubic metres “We are aware that when people drive past, they don’t recently saw light emerge at the southern end of excavated materials or the 35,000 tonnes of asphalt necessarily gain a sense of the rapid progress made of the tunnel – with the massive excavation effort that will be used to create this underpass, it really towards delivering the underpass for all to use,” breaking through to the other side. gives a sense of scale to the works,” he said. said Mr Gelston. “Now that we can see all the way through what This defining moment for the underpass project will soon be the underpass, it really shows that this “I can assure the community heralded its transformation from a muddy worksite project has been undertaken with a great sense to a defined underpass that will transport millions of purpose, which is a credit to the project team that even though there is some of vehicles non-stop under ANZAC Highway. and our contractors. inconvenience now, just like the Above the deep pit the last of the massive 60 tonne “And the engineering of the site has generated beams that support the bridge deck were recently considerable interest with more than 200 people multi-award winning Bakewell installed. The beams allow vehicles to travel daily over touring the work as it progresses.” Underpass, it will certainly be the underpass site – key to the smooth flowing traffic The project's Community Liaison Group, made around the project. With around 45,000 vehicles up of resident representatives living within close worth the wait.” passing along the re-routed South Road each day, proximity to the site, has been on a site tour, and this breakthrough brings to light the considerable recently staff from the Royal Society of the Blind inspected the site to review the pedestrian access achievements made just to reach this point arrangements for people with low vision. of the project. Other visitors have included delegates from the Project Director Paul Gelston recognises the Australian Road Research Board national conference, significance of the breakthrough and says the scale students from UniSA and Adelaide University, of the works can often be mind-boggling. Geomechanics Society members and journalists. www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au october 2008 1 15673 OMP CONNECTIONS FINAL:Layout 1 9/10/08 4:38 PM Page 2 by Hook contents Often the focus of major infrastructure projects like those presently underway across Adelaide is on massive machinery or vast amounts of money, but I can assure you from where I sit they are all about people. There is no doubt the work we are undertaking in your neighbourhood is having an unusual impact on the local community. That’s why we spend p7 a great deal of time and effort identifying community engagement specialists. They are your link to the project. Whatever question, observation, issue or complaint you may have, they are there to assist you and provide all the information you need. When interacting with you we will be open, honest and respectful in addressing subjects relevant to you and give you adequate time to provide input and digest any information we have given you. Similarly we are mindful that you have the right to be informed the way you want and that p8 communication is a two-way street. On the back page of every edition of New Connections you will find contact details for our community engagement specialists. I encourage you to get to know them; they are strategic infrastructure plan an integral part of our community engagement > Develop and deepen Outer Harbor and substantially team – a team striving to serve you in the best improve infrastructure at the Port of Adelaide. possible manner. > Improve the north-south corridor. Rod Hook > Develop and maintain regional freight networks. Executive Director Office of Major Projects & Infrastructure > Increase use of public transport. national call to deliver transport revolution A national recruitment campaign to resource South Australia’s $2 billion transport revolution is targeting Australia’s premier infrastructure specialists while showcasing Adelaide as the place to live and work. South Australia needs to attract up to 50 highly While a key focus will be on recruiting rail engineers, skilled professionals. the campaign is seeking to attract suitably qualified Having announced the largest ever investment contract managers, urban planners and policy officers. in transport in South Australia’s history, the State University graduates are also encouraged to be a part Government is now setting about establishing the of the intake. team of people to bring its bold vision to reality. The call for professionals reflects the massive While aiming to get the best South Australians for investment while articulating the many benefits the jobs, the hunt for a new workforce is specifically of living and working in South Australia. promoting SA’s fantastic opportunities and wonderful lifestyle. A $2 billion investment in the State’s public transport system will be delivered over the next decade. With its brilliant blend of affordable housing, festivals, arts, shopping, sports and culture – all centred around It will feature a tramline to the key retail and the city-in-the-park – Adelaide is a great destination recreational centre at West Lakes and to the historic to live and work. Port Adelaide and Semaphore precincts. Up to 50 new positions are offered as part of the The plan will see electrification of Adelaide’s rail campaign, with specialist engineers possessing network, the purchase of new trams and trains, expertise in rail electrification and senior project additional buses on the city’s busiest routes and > South Australia is looking for talented engineers, managers among the most coveted professionals. a brand new modern ticketing system. • project managers and urban planners. 2 october 2008 www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au Gawler 15673 OMP CONNECTIONS FINAL:Layout 1 9/10/08 4:38 PM Page 3 PortPort AdelaideAdelaide tramtram AdelaideAdelaide WeWest overpaoverpassss BeachBeach Blackwood Noarlunga > A concept image of trams using the tram overpass as traffic flows beneath and INSET: the South Road intersection as it looks today. bikes to rise above south road The Glenelg Tram Overpass now has an exciting addition – a pathway that can be used by cyclists to cross busy South Road. It makes the overpass multipurpose by improving “We’re always ready to look at how plans can be The cycle overpass will be built adjacent to the tram access to public transport as well as providing improved through community and stakeholder overpass on the northern side and is anticipated to be for other sustainable activities such as cycling engagement – and we believe this decision will make of a similar gradient and length to the tram overpass. this overpass a well-used and positive addition for or walking. It also boosts the vision for a sustainable Construction of the tram overpass will involve building travellers and the local community.” travel corridor running alongside the tramline. two temporary tracks along the northern side of the The newly announced overpass for cycle use Bicycle Institute of South Australia chairperson tram corridor. Once this overpass is finished the Jeremy Miller offered congratulations for the decision will complement the lifts and stair access already temporary tracks will be removed and the bike to include a cycleway overpass. overpass will be built in their place. in the plans. “This infrastructure will greatly enhance the usability Trams will continue to operate during construction Project Director Paul Gelston said the bike overpass of the Tramway Park path by providing a direct, and these services will be separated from road traffic will reduce travel time for commuters and increase continuous route from the City to Glenelg and it will by barriers that will also reduce noise for the local safety and convenience for those who may have been serve as a major cycling link for the western suburbs,” community. Providing two temporary tram tracks past put off by having to stop and wait before crossing said Mr Miller. the construction site will make sure that tram users South Road. “Cyclists are looking forward to are not excessively inconvenienced by the works. “This bike overpass will add to the Tramway Park Consultation with the community and businesses will vision being developed, in much the same way that using the facility in conjunction continue including the establishment of a community users of South Road will benefit once the boom gates with the completed Tramway Park liaison group that will meet with project team members that allow the tram to pass have been replaced with to discuss and resolve any construction related issues. the tram overpass, allowing non-stop travel to occur,” and will keenly monitor the Details of how to become involved in this group will he said. progress of the overpass." become available soon. • plaudits continue for bakewell Bakewell Underpass has been recognised with a South Australian Engineering Excellence Award. The $41 million project replaced the 80 year-old Bakewell Bridge with a four lane, twin deck underpass that opened to traffic in January this year. > Site Manager, Chris Plumb puts the finishing touches on a new sign for the Black Forest Baptist Church. In presenting the award the judging panel declared the underpass, “a very well managed project with minimal road and rail traffic disruption to a very building skills busy corridor.” At the same award ceremony the Glenelg Tramline turned to a higher calling Extension received a high commendation and recognition as, “a well executed project that overcame many challenges while minimising disruption Contractors working on the new South Road / ANZAC Highway underpass have pitched in a heavily trafficked area.” in to help the local church improve its facilities for the local community.