Road Widening and Safety Improvements
Location: Esperance WA
Client: Main Roads WA
Duration: 2 Months
Contract Value: $2m
Project Overview:
As part of Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA) road safety programs throughout the Great Southern region, their Black Spot Program identifies high-risk intersections and provides state government funding for cost-effective treatments to reduce risks to road users. The intersections of Bukererup Road and Collier Road on South Coast Highway, a major arterial route into the township of Esperance, were identified as a Black Spot project requiring attention.
Scope of Works:
- Survey and Set Out:
- Survey set out and demarcation of the clearing boundary, including dieback-infested areas.
- Clearing and Mulching:
- Clearing and mulching of existing vegetation.
- Careful removal and disposal of dieback material.
- Road Works:
- Cutting of road asphalt and excavation of existing road pavement areas down to the foundation.
- Road reconstruction and widening, including foundation/embankment shaping and subgrade preparation.
- Construction of the subbase and base course, including new road shoulders.
- Application of a two-coat asphalt primeseal (14mm/7mm stone).
- Marking and Signage:
- Line and audio marking.
- Supply and installation of new directional and regulatory signs.
Project Challenges:
- Traffic Management:
- Implementation and maintenance of live traffic flow on a busy arterial road during construction.
- Time Constraints:
- A tight construction schedule to complete works before the winter season.
- Resource Availability:
- Challenges in securing labor resources both locally and within the construction industry during the project period.
Indigenous Workforce:
The project had a 20% indigenous workforce, directly employing six indigenous personnel, 60% of whom had little to no prior experience in road construction.
Project Outcome:
The project was completed to a high standard and within budget.
