Case Study: Concrete Barriers Supporting Sydney Metro’s Tunnel Works
Project:
Sydney Metro, Blues Point Temporary Retrieval Site
Client:
John Holland CPB Ghella (JHCPBG) Joint Venture
Barrier System:
Deltabloc DB80 with Anti-Gawk Screens
Installed:
August 2018
Total Length:
68 metres
Project Overview
Workzone Solutions supplied concrete crash barriers to support construction activity on one of Australia’s largest infrastructure undertakings, the Sydney Metro City & Southwest rail extension.
This transformative $12.5 billion project is extending the metro system from the city’s north west through the CBD, beneath Sydney Harbour, and on to the south west. Once complete, the metro will include 31 stations along a 66km network, offering a faster and more reliable transport option for thousands of commuters.
The joint venture of John Holland, CPB and Ghella, was appointed to deliver a major portion of the Stage 2 works, which involve the construction of seven new stations and 30 km of track between Chatswood and Bankstown. Over half of this distance will be delivered via underground twin tunnels.
Blues Point Temporary Retrieval Site
A key component of the tunnelling program was the setup of a temporary facility at Blues Point Reserve in North Sydney. This site was created to allow for the removal of tunnel boring machine components, including cutter heads and shields, which are extracted at specific intervals throughout the project.
Each removal process at Blues Point takes up to a month, and the site has also been used to reroute utility services such as gas, water and electricity, in addition to supporting excavation activities. When completed, the site will be rehabilitated and the parkland restored in consultation with the local council.
Site Conditions and Safety Requirements
With large scale heavy machinery and constant construction activity taking place in a compact place by the water at Lavender Bay, keeping both workers and the public sage was critical.
The site was a blend of storage sheds, equipment areas, and walkways that wrapped around the work zone. The need to establish a secure boundary that could withstand high speed vehicle impact while protecting pedestrians and minimising visibility into the site.
Our Solution
Workzone Solutions provided 68 metres of Deltabloc DB80 concrete crash barriers, each measuring 4 metres in length. These barriers are part of the Fortress Fencing collection and are designed for high performance traffic control. They’re RMS approved for use in high speed areas (up to 100km/h), the DB80 combines strength and mobility, with fast installation using truck mounted cranes.
To increase security and privacy, Anti-Gawk screens were added about each barrier. These galvanised mesh panels help minimise visual distractions for those passing by, help prevent unauthorised entry, and protect the workspace from unwanted attention.
System Installed
- 17 x Deltabloc DB80 Concrete Barriers
- 17 x Anti-Gawk Screens
- Total installation: 68 metres
Installation Date: August 2018
