FAQ
Construction Considerations
Will construction require road changes?
During construction of the proposed pedestrian bridge, there will be a reduction of both Station Street and Stevens Road to allow for trucks to access the truck loading zone on site. These roads are proposed to be reduced to a one-lane, two-way temporary configuration which will be clearly signed and directed by authorised traffic controllers. Works notifications including further detail about road changes will be distributed ahead of time.
How will trucks get to and from site?
Trucks will arrive and depart the site via Station Street which provides direct access to Menangle Road approximately 400m west of the site. The sites convenient access to the arterial road network via Menangle Road means trucks would not be required to circulate through local streets to access the site, except for the short section of Station Street.
Will the construction of the bridge stop the train from running?
The intent is to commence construction of the bridge to align with Australian Rail Track Cooperation (ARTC) nominated maintenance windows of the Southern Highlands Railway Line subject to approvals. This will enable construction works on the proposed pedestrian bridge that require access to the space over the railway line. All changes to train timetables and stopping patterns during possession windows are managed by ARTC. Other construction works such as the approach ramps to the bridge may be delivered outside of these nominated maintenance periods, and therefore will not require the train to stop running.
Will the construction of the bridge require out of hours work?
During rail corridor possessions as determined by ARTC, weekend work will be required. Due to the limited windows of installation, the possibility of out of hours work on Saturday nights and Sunday nights may be required in order to complete rail corridor activities while the railway network is shutdown. It is expected that works during rail corridor possessions would only require one or two weekends within the construction period, with all other construction activities occurring within the standard work hours being Monday-Saturday 7am-5pm.
Works notifications including further detail about out-of-hours activities will be distributed ahead of time.
How will noise be mitigated?
The proposal includes a Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment that outlines disturbances are expected during construction of the proposed pedestrian bridge and are temporary in nature. The most notable noise disturbance is expected to be the installation of the bridge beams which is required to occur outside of standard construction hours during the ARTC maintenance window. The noise impact will be infrequent and, with appropriate mitigation measures, will be considered acceptable. Works notifications including further detail about out-of-hours activities will be distributed ahead of time.
The majority of activities carried out during standard construction hours will remain below the levels where the noise could be considered moderately intrusive.
Local Environment
How will the bridge fit in with local landscape?
A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment accompanies the proposal, identifying that views from the north will be unaffected by the proposed pedestrian bridge due to existing built form. The works will not be significantly more visually intrusive than the road overbridge structure that currently runs parallel to the proposed pedestrian bridge.
While views will be largely unaffected, any minor visual impact will be softened through new tree and shrub planting around the proposed pedestrian bridge.
Will the bridge impact local biodiversity currently existing?
Mirvac recognises the importance of protecting and preserving the native vegetation and fauna habitat within and adjacent to the site and undertook a Flora and Fauna Assessment to support the proposal. Investigations found no threatened flora and a low likelihood of threatened fauna species as the area is not a suitable habitat for these due to vegetation already being degraded and ongoing urban development within the area.
The removal of two juvenile Ironbark trees at the corner of Stevens Road and Station Street as part of the proposed works is considered unlikely to impact on connectivity for fauna species moving through the broader landscape. This vegetation does not provide connectivity to any further areas of native vegetation.
In the case that unexpected threatened fauna or flora species are discovered, we propose to stop works immediately and follow the Transport for NSW Unexpected Threatened Species Find Procedure.
Consultation
Where can I find more information and provide feedback?
We are committed to seeking feedback and keeping the community informed as we progress. Our team can be contacted via:
Mirvac acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of Ku-ring-gai, the Darug and the Darramuragal people, and we recognise their enduring connection to the land, waters and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present.
Artwork: ‘Reimagining Country’, created by Riki Salam (Mualgal, Kaurareg, Kuku Yalanji) of We are 27 Creative.