Lendlease explains why KSD upgrade is delayed and how it will impact you
Here’s the developer’s explanation about why the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade roadworks won’t be finished until late next year. What do you think? Email editorial@citynorthnews.com.au
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LENDLEASE has embarked on a major communication campaign, explaining the reasons why roadworks on Kingsford Smith Drive won’t be completed by next year as promised.
Last week, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk announced that “design defects” had delayed the $650 million upgrade project, and that the contractor — Lendlease — would be paying for the cost of fixing it.
“The river conditions are very varied and as a result of that there is going to be a need for ground anchors to be placed around 15m into the bedrock to ensure the long term structural soundness of the retaining wall in the river,” Cr Quirk said.
“Really, we’re talking about that section from around Racecourse Rd through to Breakfast Creek will not open until the second half of 2020, and we had hoped that section would be open by the end of 2019,” he said.
Cr Quirk said ratepayers would not wear the increase in cost for the already $650 million project, which would be borne by the contractor.
“There is a price around the contract, and that remains,” he said.
This morning, residents living around the roadwork woke to find flyers in their letterboxes explaining the reasons for the delay.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? EMAIL editorial@citynorthnews.com.au or call 3666 6078
Lendlease also announced the updated timetable:
Upcoming project milestones
As key features of the project are completed, sections of the upgrade will open progressively
to the community:
• December 2018 - new River Walk opens
• Mid-2019 - the rejuvenated Cameron Rocks Reserve will open to the public
• Mid-2019 - the eastern section of Kingsford Smith Drive from Harbour Road to Eagle Farm is expected to be completed
• Late 2019 - The new urban plaza at Bretts Wharf is expected to open
• Second half of 2020 - project completed with all works along the riverfront finished.
An email was also distributed (Below):
MORE:
NOV 25: Brisbane motorists steer clear of Kingsford Smith Drive
NOV 26: Kingsford Smith Drive delayed due to ‘design defect’
FEB 14: Kingsford Smith Drive roadworks uncover 1860s-era bridge
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Email from Lendlease November 28:
Project News — Construction update
The Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade is being designed to ensure this important corridor and it’s associated infrastructure, including the River Walk, will last for generations to come.
The heavily constrained corridor, with residential properties on one side and the Brisbane River on the other, coupled with the complex and challenging geotechnical conditions along the river, has presented a whole host of challenges.
Ground improvement works along the riverside have been a key construction activity on the upgrade to support the widened road and new River Walk structure.
The project team is continuing to work tirelessly to resolve the very technical challenges offered up by this outstanding project. While the majority of these complex geotechnical challenges have been overcome, additional work is required between Bretts Wharf and Cameron Rocks Reserve.
The additional works, involving the installation of ground anchors, will ensure the new River Walk structure is as strong and structurally sound in 100 years as it is at project completion.
Design, testing and construction planning for the additional works has been completed by the project team and has involved local and international experts. The additional works required are expected to start in early 2019 and will take up to six months to complete.
Due to these additional works, construction of the new centre median, outbound lanes and northern footpath along the riverfront section of Kingsford Smith Drive will now not start until late 2019.
The project team appreciates the duration of works will now be extended for some local residents and we apologise for this inconvenience. We thank you for your patience as we deliver this vital piece of infrastructure for Brisbane.
Local residents will soon be able to enjoy one of the standout features of the upgrade, with the new 1.2 kilometre River Walk opening to pedestrians and cyclists before Christmas this year.
The River Walk is the latest addition to the city’s world-class active transport network and will offer users unique views of the iconic Brisbane River.
The structure includes separated pedestrian and cycle paths as well as rest stops with viewing platforms, providing a great place to walk, run and cycle while taking in the beautiful views.
Construction update (continued)
Why are additional works required?
Due to complex geotechnical conditions along the riverside section of the upgrade, additional support or the newly built structure is required to allow road construction works in this section to continue.
What additional work is required and when will it start?
Following detailed investigations, ground anchors will be drilled up to 15 metres into the underlying bedrock to provide additional support to the new River Walk structure. Up to fifty ground anchors will be installed behind the structure between Toorak Road and Grays Road.
A small drill rig is used to install the ground anchors, which are then tensioned using a hydraulic jack. This additional work is scheduled to commence in early 2019, for up to six months.
Will this impact on adjacent properties?
The ground anchors have been designed to be installed underground within the existing road reserve. This design ensures that there is no impact to adjacent properties or existing underground services.
When will all project works be completed?
Due to these additional works, construction of the new centre median, outbound lanes and northern footpath along the riverfront section of Kingsford Smith Drive will now start in late 2019 and will be completed in the second half of 2020.
The project team is committed to minimising the duration of construction and associated impacts on the local community, motorists and river users.
Working with the community?
Lendlease is committed to minimising impacts on local residents and we will continue to work with you throughout construction of the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade.
If you would like more information regarding the upgrade, or to register for weekly update emails, please contact the Community Relations Team via:
Phone: 1800 084 383
Email: info@ksdupgrade.com.au
Visit www.ksdupgrade.com.au for more information.
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