Thiess Quarterly News, Volume 1, 2005

UpgradesOut with the old and in withthe newLane CoveTunnel –heading for fullproduction in2005Following a smooth start toconstruction last year, work onthe $1.1 billion Lane Cove TunnelProject will reach full productionearly in 2005, with tunnelling andmajor road works in full swing.Member for Lara (Right)Peter Loney inspects theinstallation of a turnout withThiess ALSTOM Joint VentureProject Manager Jason Spears.Another major milestonehas been achieved onthe Regional Fast RailProject with the successfulcompletion of two weeksof upgrade works that willmodernise infrastructureon the Geelong Rail Line.The Geelong Regional FastRail Project is the largest-everupgrade of rail infrastructureon the line, and forms part ofthe Victorian Government’sRegional Fast Rail Project,which will link the regionalcentres of Ballarat, Geelong,Latrobe Valley and Bendigoto Melbourne with faster,more frequent rail services.For a two-week period inJanuary 2005, the ThiessALSTOM Joint Ventureperformed major upgradeson five crossovers and threeturnouts, replacing the oldtimber structures with morethan 1,000 concrete bearersweighing up to three tonneseach.Construction during thisperiod also involved theupgrade of level crossingsand surface reconditioning ofnumerous roads, installation ofconcrete sleepers in selectedsections of track, crossoverand turnout installation andminor signalling works.While these upgradesrequired the total closure ofthe Geelong Rail Line, theimprovements will deliversignificant long-term benefitsproviding both rail and roadusers with smoother travellingconditions.Upgrade works completedon scheduleAn intense constructionprogram was implemented toensure works were completedon time.Thiess ALSTOM Joint VentureProject Manager JasonSpears said the team wascommitted to completingthe works on time anddid everything possible tominimise inconvenience.“We are very appreciativeof the support and patiencewe have received from localresidents and businesses,”he said.“We thank them for theirwarm reception and will seekto continue these strongrelationships throughoutthe project.”Future focusThe recent closure of theGeelong Line to passengerservices also enabled theThiess ALSTOM Joint VentureTeam to perform preparatoryworks for the installation ofthe new signalling system.The state-of-the-art signallingsystem will improve trainreliability and enhance safetymeasures at level crossingsand pedestrian cribs. Thenew signalling system willbe installed during 2005.•Timber sleepers from the oldcrossovers from the GeelongRail Line.As well as twin 3.6km roadtunnels beneath Lane Cove inSydney’s Lower North Shore, theproject also includes wideningof the Gore Hill Freeway, newramps linking the WarringahFreeway and Falcon Street atNorth Sydney, plus widening ofthe Lane Cove River Bridge andEpping Road at North Ryde.Since site establishmentcommenced in April 2004, threetunnelling work sites have beenestablished and tunnelling in themainline tunnels is underway. Agood start has also been madeon the surface, with work underway on the Pacific Highway, GoreHill Freeway and Epping Road.The Falcon Street works willcommence early in 2005.When completed, the projectwill deliver reduced traveltimes between the city andthe fast-growing north-westernsuburbs, reduced trafficcongestion on surface roadsand better facilities forpedestrians, cyclists and publictransport. The project will formpart of Sydney’s orbital networkof high-quality motorways.Design and construction ofthe project is being undertakenby the Thiess John HollandJoint Venture and is due forcompletion in 2007. By then,some 5,000 people includingproject staff, sub-contractorsand suppliers will have beeninducted into the project.THIESS l quarterly news l VOLUME 1 l 2005 13