The construction of a Ballina bypass as part of the Pacific Highway
Upgrading Program was granted approval in 2003. Design and construction for the Ballina project is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments.
Initial trial works to assist in the design and development of the project were commenced at Teven Road and Cumbalum in 1998 with additional works carried out at these sites in 2004 and 2005. A further lightweight fill trial was also constructed through wetland at Duck Creek at the southern end of the project in 2004.
The following activities have been undertaken since the Ballina bypass was approved in 2003.
- Detailed geotechnical investigations to assess available options for stabilising underlying soft soil.
- Analysis of the results from a trial soil embankment.
- Implementing preconstruction condition of approvals including:
- Indigenous heritage investigations.
- Noise study review.
- Wetland management sub-plan.
- European heritage investigations.
- Review of implementation strategy and costs.
- Updating hydrology modelling.
- Acquisition of properties.
The initial works contract was awarded to RTA Road Services on 25 August 2006 with works commencing in October 2006.
These works were necessary to stabilise the underlying soft soils in a number of critical sections before constructing the Ballina bypass. These initial earthworks were carried out in the vicinity of Teven Road and Emigrant Creek at Cumbalum.
The RTA has reviewed the Ballina bypass in light of recent planning on adjacent highway sections, construction timing issues and considering future traffic growth. Note, this review has not affected the construction tendering process or the timing for the construction for the Ballina bypass.
The RTA has formed an alliance comprising the RTA, Leighton Contractors, Maunsell AECOM, Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation and Coffey Geotechnics to design and build the Ballina bypass.
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