Third Rail Track - Responses to questions

Information provided by the Third Track Project Team

in response to enquiries made by the Hon. Philip Ruddock MP

There are no plans to close Yarrara Road during construction of the project, however the EIS details the need to temporarily close the Yarrara Road footpath (between Yarrara Road and the rail corridor, in the vicinity of Pennant Hills Station) and suspend parking in the southbound lane of Yarrara Road adjacent to the rail corridor while construction works in the vicinity of Pennant Hills Station are undertaken.  These works would include earthworks, demolition, structural works, retaining walls, track, rail electrical systems, extension of the station concourse and other station works such as installation of stairs and lifts.

This parking suspension would be staged to minimise impact on parking in the locality. During the morning peak time both southbound lanes of Yarrara Road between Ramsay Road and Pennant Hills Road would be available to traffic as currently occurs for the period of the morning clearway that applies in this location.  Pending project approval, the works will be ongoing from around mid 2013 to around late 2015.  However the final duration may be shorter and dates and parking spaces affected will be confirmed once the construction methodology and timeline is confirmed by the delivery contractor.  

There are no plans to significantly affect parking directly outside the businesses on the western side of Yarrara Road (the north bound lane). There may however be a few periods (days) where parking is affected to undertake some utility work.   

  

Pedestrian detours would be in place to allow pedestrians to safely walk around the works.  It is our intention to keep the existing pedestrian footbridge open (other than during short closure periods during or around planned rail shutdown periods) until the new pedestrian footbridge is ready.

Consultation with businesses adjacent to the works would occur prior to works occurring in the area. Opportunities to reduce the impact of temporary changes to parking will be discussed at these meetings.

More information on this is available in Chapter 11 of the EIS and Technical paper 4 (accessible at this link http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=5132).

Management plans would be in place to ensure dust is appropriately managed and does not cause any adverse impacts on businesses and residents. A 24 hour construction response line would be in place for the community to call us if they have any concerns regarding construction related issues.

Construction of the project would be undertaken in accordance with TfNSW’s ISO 14001 accredited environmental management system. A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) would be prepared prior to construction, which would outline the construction conditions and temporary environmental protection measures to manage the impact of construction activities. The CEMP would be consistent with the environmental management measures documented in this EIS, conditions of approval and the conditions of any licenses or permits issued by government authorities.

The following management and mitigation measures would be implemented during construction to minimise air quality impacts:

-       Limit the area and duration of exposed or unconsolidated areas. For example, stage vegetation stripping or grading where possible, cover unconsolidated stockpiles, or apply hydro mulch or other revegetation applicant to stockpiles or surfaces left standing for extended periods.

-       Ensure weather tracking allows management of the site to suit changing local conditions

-       Limit vehicle movements to designated entries and exits, haulage routes and parking areas. Site exits would be fitted with hardstand material or other appropriate measures to limit the amount of material transported off-site (where required).

-       Visually monitor dust and where necessary implement the following measures:

-       Apply water to exposed surfaces that are causing dust generation. Surfaces may include unpaved roads, stockpiles, hardstand areas and other exposed surfaces (for example recently graded areas).

-       Cover loads on trucks transporting material to and from the construction site. Securely fix tailgates of road transport trucks prior to loading and immediately after unloading.

-       Prevent where possible, or remove, mud and dirt being tracked onto sealed road surfaces.

-       Limit vehicle speeds along unsealed construction access routes.

-       Ensure plant and machinery is regularly checked and maintained in a proper and efficient condition.

Adjacent businesses and residents would be notified of the commencement of works and encouraged to contact us directly with any concerns they have. We endeavor to minimise the impact of our works on the community wherever possible.    

17^th January 2013

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