Weakleys Drive Upgrade
Overview:
Upgrade and widening of 1km of existing arterial RMS roadway to accommodate increased traffic volumes and provide access to adjacent industrial subdivision.
Scope of work:
- Staging of the works in three separable portions to minimise impact on road users, residents and businesses
- Additional traffic lanes and upgrading from two lanes to four lanes along the entire length
- New dual lane roundabout
- Left in left out secondary access to industrial subdivision including turning lanes
- 11,000m2 of new heavily bound and deep lift asphalt pavement construction
- New drainage systems and outlet structures
- Extension of existing road embankment and associated works
- 500m concrete barrier kerb
- Concrete cycleways and pathways including retaining walls
- Revegetation and landscaping
- Significant utilities relocation and realignment including water, sewer, gas, overhead and underground electrical and communications
Highlights and challenges:
- Management of significant daily traffic volumes of over 30,000 vehicles. Weakleys drive was a critical connection route between the M1 Motorway and New England Highway prior to the opening of the Hunter Expressway. This road regularly operated in excess of capacity
- Weakleys Drive also provided access to several private residences and businesses. Through extensive consultation with the relevant stakeholders, KCE were able to complete the project with minimal impact
- Specific ground engineering was required to address the existing alluvial foundations to optimise pavement performance
