The first round of multiple night closures for the massive Mount Ousley interchange project at Wollongong, NSW, is now complete.
Transport for NSW Senior Project Manager, Warren Blacka, said more than 12,600 people hours were worked over these multiple night closures as major construction officially kicked off.
“Crews maximised the use of the limited time available to carry out tasks that can only be done during full closures of the M1 Motorway to ensure the safety of workers and road users,” Blacka said.
“The M1 Motorway is a busy and key corridor for vehicles between Sydney and the South Coast. The Mount Ousley interchange is a significant road infrastructure project that will improve safety and access for the 50,000 motorists travelling through Mount Ousley.”
More than 20 different types of heavy machinery were used with all hands on deck to allow for significant progress to be made, said Blacka.
“Work included installing 32 temporary street lights, installing 1400 metres of barriers and placing 1100 tonnes of asphalt.
“Twenty two noise panels were removed along Dumfries Avenue to allow for work to start on the new five-metre high noise wall in this area, which is expected to be complete next year.
“An acoustically designed temporary noise wall has been built to provide some reduction in noise from the road until the new noise wall is complete.”
Blacka said work carried out during the closures has prepared the site for major excavation work to start in the new year.
“Next year, construction will also begin on the first of two new heavy vehicle safety ramps. Construction of the first ramp is expected to be complete by mid 2025, weather permitting.
“The community will see work begin on the three new bridges that are to be built as part of the project, with the construction of the supporting structures expected to start in 2025.”
Work to extend the pedestrian bridge over the M1 Princes Motorway at Northfields Avenue will continue in the new year and is expected to be complete by mid 2025.
“Work will also include vegetation removal on the southern side of the M1 Princes Motorway, continued work on the new five-metre high noise wall along Dumfries Avenue, and relocation of utilities.”
More information on the Mount Ousley interchange is available at transport.nsw.gov.au/mountousley.
Weather permitting, the project is expected to take four years to finish.
Stats
- 12,600 people hours worked
- 1260 people working in the closure
- 1400 metres of barriers installed
- 1100 tonnes of asphalt installed
- 32 temporary lighting installed
- Over 20 types of machinery used
- 5000 metres of lines painted
- 22 noise wall panels removed (220 tonnes)