Alfords Point Road

Background

Work to duplicate Alfords Point Bridge commenced in February 2007 and was completed and opened to traffic on 21 August 2008. Completion of the duplication of Alfords Point Bridge removed the need for the tidal flow arrangement that operated on the original bridge.

The northern approach to Alfords Point Bridge also operates under a tidal flow arrangement. Presently, two lanes are provided in the northbound in the morning peak, two lanes southbound in the afternoon peak, and one lane in the off-peak direction.
The $53 million Alfords Point Road widening of the northern approach is fully funded by the NSW Government.

Key features

The concept design features:

Two traffic lanes and a break-down shoulder 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.

What’s new?

In July 2009, the RTA awarded the construction contract to Reed Constructions. The main site compound has been established on the southern side of the new Alfords Point Bridge. A smaller compound will be established near the site of the new bridge over Henry Lawson Drive. Preliminary work, including establishing environmental controls, started on 30 September 2009.

In October 2009, the RTA released an addendum to the review of environmental factors regarding road traffic noise. The document outlines a proposal to remove the three noise walls from the project scope, due to a number of issues associated with the proposed construction for the noise walls, including disproportionate heights, visual impact and construction constraints. Rather than addressing road traffic noise through the use of noise walls, the RTA now proposes to address the level of road traffic noise at the nearby properties.

The RTA is seeking feedback on the addendum to the review of environmental factors until Friday 13 November 2009. Please submit your comments to RTA project development manager Kevin Hough at:

Post: PO Box 973 Parramatta CBD NSW 2124.
Email: Kevin_Hough@rta.nsw.gov.au.

What has happened so far?

The concept design and Review of Environmental Factors was on display from 10 December 2007 to 25 January 2008.

The RTA has:

Finalised a preferred construction option and developed plans following investigations and community feedback.
Completed a Review of Environment Factors (REF), to assess environmental and social impacts, including traffic impacts, urban design, flora and fauna and construction noise and vibrations.
Addressed public comments and submissions on the proposal.
Proceeded with detailed design, taking into consideration the results of the REF and all written community feedback and submissions.
Undertaken detailed design.
Undertaken further noise studies to assess noise treatments for the northern approach to Alfords Point Bridge.
Awarded the construction contract to Reed Constructions, who commenced preliminary work on 30 September 2009.

What is happening now?

Construction of the northern bridge approach between Clancy Street and Alfords Point Bridge commenced on 30 September 2009 and will be completed by 2011.
Construction work hours are generally Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, and Saturday from 8am to 1pm. There will be no work on Sundays or public holidays. Local residents will be advised in advance of night works occurring.
The RTA is meeting with residents at properties identified in the addendum REF to discuss the impact of road traffic noise and its proposal to address this matter at individual properties.

Further information

For information or queries relating to construction matters, please contact the Reed Constructions project information line: 1300 556 889.