Lawrence Hargrave Drive Link Alliance

Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

 

In November 2003 the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority selected the LHD Link Alliance to undertake the restoration of a section of coastal road located at the base of a 300m high rock escarpment.

 

The Alliance team delivered a cost effective engineering solution and safely reconnected one of Australia’s most scenic roadways.

 

In the six month project development phase the Alliance examined 26 options, ranging from pure geotechnical solutions, to tunnels, avalanche type shelters, and bridges. The preferred solution was determined based on a multi criteria analysis, which considered issues such as budget restrictions, environmental approvals, and long-term durability.

 

The LHD Link Alliance engaged the support of the community and other stakeholders, to successfully complete an REF and confirm the preferred design and construction cost within a six month period and then commence with the detailed design and construction by June 2004.The full scope of works included an overall length of road upgrade of 994m, including: 

 

- The SeaCliff bridge with a total length of 665m

- A mudslide chute and catchment basin

- Significant rock face reshaping and stabilisation works

- A new stretch of roadway at each end of the bridge

- A 120m long cantilevered structural widening of the road at the northern end

- A three metre wide pedestrian walkway throughout the full length of the project.