Introduction

The following document is a list of questions that have been frequently asked about the project. This document will be continually updated throughout the project as it progresses to reflect those questions commonly asked of the project team.

If you do not find answers to your questions here, please contact the project team on the toll free number at the bottom of this document. The answer to your question may be of interest to others and may also provide us with material to update this document.

When will construction commence and how long is it likely to take?

The construction work will commence late 2006 and is expected to be completed in 2008. Weather plays a large part in construction progress and can lead to some delays in the progress of work.

This road will be much wider than the existing road. How will wildlife be protected from the highway and be expected to cross such a wide road?

The project incorporates many design features aimed at protecting the environment and native fauna. The Bonville upgrade incorporates:

• One 60m wide fauna overpass spaning both carriageways within the Bongil Bongil National Park area.
• Three designated fauna underpasses.
• Increased widths on bridge abutments over creeks to accommodate fauna access requirements and fauna treatment underpass structures at culvert locations.
• The retention of existing significant vegetation in a widened median area to facilitate "overpasses" for arboreal species that have also been identified as part of the environmental studies for the project.
• The incorporation of fish friendly culverts with low flow cells to allow fish passage in sensitive creeks and drainage lines.

The RTA monitors the use and effectiveness of these fauna underpass structures.

Overall, this project will provide significantly better wildlife outcomes than the existing road.

Will work be carried out seven days per week?

No. In accordance with the Minister's Conditions of Approval, work hours for this project are limited to Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm and from 8am to 1pm on Saturday. No construction will occur on Sundays or public holidays. Work outside of these hours can only occur if approved by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC).

Will there be traffic interruptions during construction and how will I find out about them?

Yes, there will be some traffic delays at times during construction. The project team will endeavour to minimise these and will provide as much notification to the community through the use of letter box drops, road side signage, and the local media. In addition the RTA provides a weekly Pacific Highway traffic report on their website and by calling traffic information on 1800 653 092. Variable message signs will also be used on the project to advise motorists of traffic conditions. You can also contact the project toll free number 1800 725 321 should you have any questions.

Will the project be constructed from one end to the other?

No, various works will be happening simultaneously along the entire length of the project.

Will noise barriers be provided initially and would there be provision to extend them if they prove not to be as effective as predicted?

Yes on both points. Like all new major roads being constructed through noise sensitive areas, the project incorporates many design features aimed at minimising both operational and construction noise. The Bonville upgrade incorporates:

• A Construction Environmental Management Plan with specific Noise and Vibration Management Sub-plan.
• An Operational Noise Management Plan.
• Where practical, the erection of noise barriers as early as possible.
• The construction of a number of noise barriers ranging in height from 1.1 metres to 5.0 metres.
• The use of a low noise stone mastic asphalt pavement surface.
• The selection of low noise/noise attenuated construction equipment.
• At house noise mitigation treatments.

Post construction, the performance of sound barriers will be monitored to ensure the noise goals for the project are achieved. In accordance with the approval conditions for the project, as well as previous RTA commitments, post construction noise monitoring will be undertaken six months after construction completion. The collected data will be entered into the noise model for the project and the noise model will be re-run to then forecast noise levels 10 years after the project opened to traffic. If the forecast noise levels for ten years after opening to traffic exceed the approved noise goals for the project then the project team would reassess noise mitigation options in accordance with the project approval conditions.

Will the new road have a low noise surface?

Yes, between Reedys Creek and the northern end of the project near Lyons Road, the finished surface treatment will consist of a stone mastic asphalt surfacing.

What will the speed environment be for the new road?

The new upgraded Pacific Highway will be signposted at 100km/hr. The service road will be sign posted at 80km/hr excluding the 60km/hr length south of Lyons Road.

Will the road be median divided for the entire length?

Yes. A median of varying width, with landscaping at various locations will be provided for the entire length of the upgrade. Median divided roads have been found to be far safer than those without a dividing median.

• There is a toll free number you can call – 1800 725 321.
• Visit the Project Information Centre at the project site office on Bonville Station Road.
• Email us at bonville@abigroup.com.au
• You can also send a letter to:
  

Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd
Community and Communications Manager
PO Box 8047
CHDC, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 .

• Or send a facsimile to (02) 6699 1266.

How do I find out if there are any employment or sub-contracting opportunities on the project?

If you are interested in registering for work on the project, please contact the toll free number 1800 725 321. All employees will be required to hold a NSW Occupational Health and Safety General Induction card ("Green Card").