Tender let for bypass pre-construction
Member for Ballina Don Page today welcomed the announcement of the successful tender for pre-construction work on the Ballina Bypass.
Mr Page said the Federal and State governments had announced RTA Operations had been awarded the $20 million contract and initial works would commence next month.
“The pre-construction phase will involve the creation of earth embankments over the soft floodplain soils in areas along the bypass route,” Mr Page said.
“Initial earthworks will be carried out near Teven Road and Emigrant Creek at Cumbalum.
“The deep soft soils in the floodplain areas are one of the major challenges in constructing the Ballina Bypass and significant settlement is expected in some areas.
“Settlement of up to 4.5 metres is possible around the northern end of Emigrant Creek and up to three metres around Teven Road.
“The length of the approved Ballina Bypass will be 12.4 kilometres of divided carriageway, 6.6km shorter than the equivalent section of the existing Pacific Highway.
“The Ballina Bypass will be of significant benefit to the Ballina community by removing traffic from the town.
“The Federal and State Governments announced in December last year the Ballina Bypass was fully funded and construction would start as soon as possible.”
Mr Page said he expected tenders to build and maintain the Ballina Bypass to be called in mid 2007.
