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Bakewell Underpass Project - Environment
The department and McConnell Dowell, in conjunction with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), have developed management strategies to make sure that all responsible measures are taken to minimise noise, dust and vibration impacts during construction.
Noise
The department has undertaken noise assessments to help plan construction activities. The majority of works will be undertaken in accordance with ‘normal’ conditions.
‘Normal’ work conditions are:
- Day (from 7 am – 7 pm, Monday to Saturday and 9 am – 7 pm, Sunday) at background noise levels + 20 dB.
- Twilight (from 7 pm – 11 pm) at background noise levels + 15 dB.
- Night (from 11 pm – 7 am, Monday to Saturday and 7 am – 9 am, Sunday) at background noise levels + 5 dB when not undertaking twilight works.
The approach to night works for this project has been developed in conjunction with the EPA and seeks to achieve a balance between:
- working longer hours in order to complete the project as quickly as possible for the benefit of the whole community
- enabling an appropriate ongoing level of amenity for people living or working close to the construction site.
Work requiring certain conditions to be met
Where activities are expected to result in noise levels exceeding the above conditions, McConnell Dowell will be required to:
- advise those who may be affected in advance of the works
- limit the number of nights work is undertaken and schedule breaks between night work activities:
- where the night works have a noise level of background noise level + between 5-10 dB, a break of four nights should be scheduled between each three nights of work
- where the night works have a noise level of background noise level + between 10-15 dB, a break of five nights should be scheduled between every two nights of work
- seek separate specific approval where the above criteria cannot be achieved. This will occur, for example, for some works relating to the rail lines, which need to be undertaken at night to prevent substantial disruption to rail operations.
In all circumstances, McConnell Dowell will aim to reduce noise by undertaking measures such as:
- designing entry and exit points to minimise vehicles reversing at night
- keeping vehicles well maintained with appropriate noise mufflers
- using acoustic screening wherever appropriate around noisy machinery at night
- erecting fences adjacent to properties close to the bridge
- adjusting the construction program to avoid noisy works during school exam periods
- locating machinery compound areas as far away from nearby properties as possible (off of Deviation Road and in Park 24).
Dust
The department has obtained data (dating back to 1955) from the Adelaide Airport weather station to better understand prevailing wind conditions. Appropriate dust management practices and ongoing monitoring will be used throughout the construction process.
Vibration
Current vibration levels have been recorded at various locations and ongoing vibration monitoring will continue during construction. In addition, the department has undertaken condition surveys on nearby properties.
Vegetation
A vegetation survey has been undertaken for the project site. The department has obtained approval from the Development Assessment Commission for the removal of four significant trees. Vegetation that is removed will be replaced with appropriate tree plantings.
Other environmental issues
Studies for the department show:
- herbicides used along the rail corridor have resulted in low-level contamination of the rail ballast. All rail ballast excavated from site will be treated in accordance with Environment Protection Authority (EPA) requirements.
- the road embankments on Henley Beach Road and Glover Avenue were originally constructed using a variety of different fill materials, including ashy waste. This fill will be recycled.
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Sun 23rd Nov 08
