Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Lismore to Bentley

The much-anticipated Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is set to officially open on 14 December 2024, offering a stunning new recreational route through the heart of the Northern Rivers region. Delivered by civil contractor Hazel Bros, this project showcases how history and sustainability can combine to create a unique and accessible space for the community.

Final Touches Near Completion

Construction crews have been working hard to finalise key elements of the trail, including:

  • Upgraded Facilities: Enhancements to Bungabee car park and South Lismore car park (at the historic Lismore Railway Station) are in the final stages.
  • Shared Path Connection: A newly constructed link to Nesbitt Park ensures seamless access for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.

Historic Railway Materials Repurposed

Adding a distinctive charm to the trail, materials from the original railway line have been transformed into functional and artistic features:

  • Lismore Signage: A bold new sign at the Lismore Railway Station, crafted from historic railway steel.
  • Trailhead Seating: Benches built from aged bridge timbers with brackets made from repurposed railway steel.
  • Equestrian Features: Horse-hitching rails, also fashioned from the railway steel, cater to riders along the trail.
  • Bike Rack: A 4-metre-long rack made from repurposed steel, ready to accommodate cycling enthusiasts.

Heritage Meets Modern Upgrades

The trailhead at the heritage-listed Lismore Railway Station precinct is receiving final enhancements, including turfing and pressure cleaning, blending historical significance with modern functionality to create a welcoming entry point.

A Growing Network of Trails

The Lismore to Bentley section is the latest addition to the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, joining the completed Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek section. Together, these trails are transforming the region into a hub for recreational tourism, promoting healthy lifestyles and boosting local economies.

https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Council/Projects/Current-projects-1/Northern-Rivers-Rail-Trail-Lismore-to-Bentley

New Bridgewater Bridge Project Reaches Major Milestone

The New Bridgewater Bridge project in Tasmania has reached a significant construction milestone, marking an important step forward in improving connectivity and transport efficiency across the state. The completion of 46 foundational piles for the bridge has laid the groundwork for this landmark infrastructure project, which spans 1.2 kilometers across the River Derwent.

These foundational piles, extending 30 to 90 meters below the riverbed, provide critical support for the bridge structure. The New Bridgewater Bridge, Tasmania’s largest transport infrastructure project to date, is designed to include two lanes in each direction, ensuring smoother traffic flow for commuters and freight alike. Additionally, a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians is part of the design, aiming to make active transport safer and more accessible.

An important aspect of the bridge’s construction is its height clearance, allowing for uninterrupted passage of maritime traffic underneath. The bridge addresses a longstanding need, connecting the Brooker and Midland highways and creating a direct route that will enhance safety and reduce congestion in the area.

Upon completion, the New Bridgewater Bridge is expected to boost connectivity, improve road safety, and support regional economic growth by providing an efficient link between major highways.

Key Project Features:

  • Length: 1.2 kilometers across the River Derwent
  • Lanes: Two in each direction for better traffic flow
  • Shared Path: Dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians
  • Clearance: Designed for maritime traffic to pass underneath

With the foundation in place, the project is well on track, aiming to deliver a transformative addition to Tasmania’s transport network that meets the needs of both local residents and the wider region.

https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/latest-news/2024/october/new-bridgewater-bridge-reaches-the-high-water-mark

Parkes Bypass Bridges Near Completion as Major Project Milestones Are Reached

Construction of the Parkes Bypass project in central west New South Wales is advancing steadily, with two new bridges nearing a key milestone. The $287.2 million project, co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, will significantly improve the Newell Highway, enhancing safety and efficiency for both regional traffic and freight.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King highlighted the importance of the project, noting how the Newell Highway contributes to the agricultural and mining sectors by linking freight networks across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. She emphasized that all elements of the project are aligning to create a safer, more efficient transport route.

The construction of the bridges is a major component of the bypass, with work on the abutments, or ends of the bridges, nearing completion. On 15 October 2024, large cranes will be deployed to lift six 60-tonne girders into place, continuing from the installation of 30 girders completed in October 2023. The process, requiring two cranes, will be repeated in November for the Victoria Street Bridge.

NSW Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison praised the progress and its importance in connecting regional communities. She also mentioned the visual impact of the large cranes lifting girders into place as the project nears key milestones in delivering this critical piece of infrastructure.

Key features of the 10.5-kilometer Parkes Bypass include five major intersections, two T-intersections on the Newell Highway, and a four-way roundabout at Condobolin Road. Two bridges—one spanning rail lines and Hartigan Avenue and another at Victoria Street—are integral to the design. Other aspects include road realignments, new cul-de-sacs, and the creation of a pedestrian and cyclist path connecting various parts of the town.

Once finished, the bypass will reduce travel times, improve freight efficiency, and enhance road safety in Parkes. This project is expected to support future economic growth in the region.

NSW Senator Deborah O’Neill added that the Parkes Bypass is vital for the future prosperity of the area, with 350 jobs created during construction. She expressed appreciation for the community’s patience as traffic adjustments have been implemented during the construction process. NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Orange, Stephen Lawrence, noted that the community had long awaited the bypass, which will not only ease congestion but also improve road safety and protect local residents.

As the Parkes Bypass progresses, the completion of the bridges will bring the project closer to its goal of transforming the Newell Highway into a safer, more efficient transport link through the heart of NSW.

$190M in works packages awarded for Borumba Pumped Hydro

The Queensland Government has awarded $190 million in works packages for the Borumba Pumped Hydro project, a major step in advancing the state’s renewable energy infrastructure. This funding is part of Queensland’s broader energy strategy aimed at boosting clean energy generation to meet future electricity demand.

The Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project, located near Gympie, is expected to play a crucial role in the state’s transition to renewable energy by providing large-scale energy storage. The project will help store excess renewable energy generated from solar and wind, releasing it during periods of high demand, ensuring a reliable and stable electricity supply.

These works packages, awarded to multiple contractors, will cover a variety of pre-construction activities, including detailed design, engineering, environmental assessments, and community engagement. This will pave the way for the construction of key infrastructure for the project, including tunnels, dams, and power stations.

Once completed, the Borumba Pumped Hydro is expected to significantly contribute to Queensland’s target of achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030. It will also generate employment, providing a boost to the local economy with jobs in construction and ongoing operational roles.

For more details, visit the full article at Roads Online.

#RenewableEnergy #Queensland #PumpedHydro #Infrastructure #CleanEnergy #Sustainability

Major Construction to Begin on $290M Mamre Road Upgrade

Major construction is set to commence next month on the $290 million Mamre Road upgrade, a key project in the New South Wales Government’s plan to connect Western Sydney’s rapidly growing job precincts to the new Western Sydney Airport.

Mamre Road is a vital commercial and logistics corridor linking the M4 Motorway with the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport at Badgerys Creek. The upgrade will significantly enhance traffic flow, doubling the capacity of Mamre Road between the M4 Motorway and Erskine Park Road.

Key features of the project include widening Mamre Road to a four-lane divided road with provisions for future expansion, upgrading major intersections, and improving drainage, flooding infrastructure, and roadside amenities. The works will also include the construction of new shared paths, noise walls, and street lighting, ensuring a safer and more efficient route for all road users.

Seymour Whyte has been appointed to carry out the works, which will include the construction of two bridge-sized culverts to enhance drainage. With $500 million allocated in the 2024-25 State Budget for Stage 2 of the upgrade, the total Federal-State funding for Mamre Road now stands at $1 billion.

This project is not only creating jobs today but also investing in the future by bringing road infrastructure up to the standard required by the commercial developments in the area. The Mamre Road upgrade will play a critical role in supporting the economic growth of Western Sydney, connecting key industrial hubs, and preparing for the influx of traffic from the new Western Sydney Airport.

Check out Transport for NSW for further information.