Tenders have been called for the main construction contract.
The project will be delivered by a construct only contract and the successful tenderer will be responsible for building the dual carriageway upgrade including 12 bridges, associated earthworks, drainage, traffic control, noise and retaining walls, signposting and landscaping.
Tenders close on Wednesday 25 November 2009 with a contractor expected to be announced in early 2010.
In June 2007, SMEC Australia Pty Ltd was awarded the contract to prepare the detailed design for the project.
Field investigations are being undertaken in the vicinity of the approved route and include:
- Geotechnical investigations.
- Survey.
- Ecological studies.
- Heritage studies.
- Water quality testing.
Earthworks on the southern section of the project have been completed. Approximately 200,000m3 of material was placed south of the Myall River to build the road embankment in this area. Major drainage culverts were also built as part of these works. The material was excavated from Burdekin’s Gap which is part of the current construction for the Karuah to Bulahdelah Pacific Highway upgrade.
Clearing is underway in the approved road corridor for the relocation of Transgrid powerlines. This work will continue over the coming months.
Exclusion zones have been established around the works for safety reasons and the public are not permitted inside these exclusion zones at any time.
Public access to Bulahdelah (Alum) Mountain may be disrupted at times however alternate access arrangements will be in place to ensure access to the mountain is maintained.
The RTA has acquired a portion of Bulahdelah State Forest, including Alum Mountain Park from Forest NSW. To ensure the safety of workers and public during construction, Alum Mountain Park including picnic facilities will be closed until further notice.
The RTA apologises for any inconvenience and will endeavour to minimise impacts to the community during these essential works.
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