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 – 1800 726 567. 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?

Construction work commenced in early 2007 and is currently scheduled to be complete in October 2009 (weather permitting). Weather plays a large part in construction progress and can lead to some delays in the progress of work, from time to time.

Will work be carried out seven days per week?

No. In accordance with the Conditions of Approval, work hours for this project are limited Monday to Friday from 6.30 am to 7pm and Saturday from 8 am to 1pm on and at no time on Sundays or public holidays. Work outside of these hours can only occur if approved by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change.

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

Yes, there will be 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 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 726 567 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 there be blasting?

Yes, blasting is anticipated in confined sections of the road corridor. Details can be obtained by contacting the project toll free number 1800 726 567.

What is happening to all the timber that has to be cleared?

All the suitable timber will be recovered and milled. All green matter is being mulched or chipped for reuse on the upgrade corridor landscaping works. Any surplus mulch will be taken off-site and sold or reused.

Have the rare or endangered plant species on the corridor been wiped out by the vegetation clearing that took place prior to construction?

No. In accordance with environmental management documents and the project approvals, several programs have been put in place in relation to flora species on the corridor. The site was surveyed by an ecologist and a check made for any rare or endangered plant species. Threatened, rare and regionally significant species within the footprint of the highway upgrade were identified by an ecologist and seed has been collected. Native seed collection is also underway for use in the revegetation program as the RTA has found that native seed collected on site has a better success rate in revegetation than the same species where seed has been collected from another area.

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 Karuah to Bulahdelah sections 2 and 3 upgrade incorporates:

• Increased widths on bridge abutments over creeks to accommodate fauna access requirements and fauna treatment underpass structures at culvert locations.
• Specific fauna underpasses designed to allow fauna to pass under the new highway works.
• Extensive fauna fencing to ensure that fauna is not able to access the highway. The fences open at the fauna underpasses to allow the safe passage under the highway.
• The incorporation of ‘fish friendly’ culverts with low flow cells to allow fish passage in sensitive creek 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 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 Karuah to Bulahdelah sections 2 and 3 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 noise barriers.
• The use of a low noise stone mastic asphalt pavement surface in sensitive areas.
• The selection of low noise/noise attenuated construction equipment.
• At house noise mitigation treatments, where appropriate.

Post construction, the performance of sound barriers will be monitored to ensure the noise goals for the project are achieved. In accordance with the Minister's Conditions of Approval 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, adjacent to the Nerong Village an 800 metre long section of the highway. This surface has been selected for its low noise emission properties.

What will the speed environment be for the new road?

The new upgraded Pacific Highway will be signposted at 100km/hr.

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 divide.

• Call the toll free number – 1800 726 567.
• Visit the project site office on the Pacific Highway at Nerong.
• Email us at karuah@abigroup.com.au
• You can also send a letter to:
  Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd
  Community and Communications Manager
  PO Box 231
  Bulahdelah NSW 2423.
• Or send a facsimile to (02) 4916 7077.

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 726 567 for an Abigroup Contractors application form or go directly to the project site office on Pacific Highway Nerong to fill out and lodge an application form. All employees will be required to hold a NSW Occupational Health and Safety General Induction card.