Asphaltech has played an important role in the Level Crossing Removal Project, currently rolling out across Melbourne.
Completing another high-profile job for the Victorian Government, Asphaltech has layed new asphalt at the intersections of High Street, Spring Street, Cheddar Road and the Mernda Train Line at Melbourne’s Reservoir Station as part of the state’s Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP).
Working as a subcontractor for Gearon Civil, working under John Holland Group’s head contract for the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA), Asphaltech was entrusted to profile the works and then supply, deliver and lay new asphalt at the site.
The 31st crossing removed by the LXRP, the Reservoir Station High Street level crossing had a reputation for being one of Melbourne’s most congested and complicated intersections, which provided challenges for Asphaltech engineers throughout the project works.
In addition to public vehicle crossings, pedestrian traffic was high, and numerous other on-site works were taking place adjacent to Asphaltech’s at the same time, such as the construction of the new Reservoir Station
These challenges called for extra planning by the Asphaltech crew to ensure the safety of the public, asphalt laying crews and others on site.
A substantial proportion of the works were also delivered under road occupation (the entire road work site was effectively closed to the public for significant periods of time), creating additional pressure for the works to be completed within the required timeframes, or otherwise risk financial penalty.
Asphaltech layed over 5000 tonnes of 14H and 14V on the project, along with 20SI in deep lift areas, and successfully completed works without a single non-conformance report (NCR) or any injuries to either crew or pedestrians.
The job was also completed within the required timeframe, and to the highest standard, with the new roads boasting excellent aesthetic and superior asphalt product as well as ride quality.
Before their removal, the High Street intersection’s six boom gates were down for up to 24 minutes each two-hour morning peak, stalling traffic at the spot used by 36,000 vehicles every day.
Today, motorists can drive through the High Street intersection beneath the one-kilometre long rail bridge completely unobstructed by trains.
LXPR, which falls under the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority, involves the elimination of 75 level crossings across metropolitan Melbourne by 2025, in addition to other rail network upgrades such as new train stations, track duplication and train stabling yards.
The Andrews Government pledged the project at the 2014 Victorian state election, and committed $2.4 billion in the 2015-2016 budget to remove the first 20 crossings by 2018.
The project is one of the largest rail infrastructure projects in the state’s history.
