With a total length of over 39 kilometres of controlled access motorway, 17 major interchanges and some 84 bridge structures, and a price tag of A$2.5 billion, Melbourne's Eastlink project is Australia's largest roadway project. The roadway will be fully electronically tolled, and is being designed and constructed to freeway standards. There will be about 7.5 million cubic metres of earthwork, some 30 kilometres of noise walls as high as 11 metres. There will be a variety of bridge structures, including those structures utilised in three level direct connection interchanges, a number of bridges over cross roads and streams, as well as pedestrian bridges, and a 1.6 kilometre twin tunnel designed and constructed to preserve the integrity of a bush land area. There will be 38 kilometres of shared bike and pedestrian paths constructed, integrated with existing paths and areas of interest and wetlands. To protect the interest of all stakeholders, a rigorous review and approval process has been contractually mandated. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214938.
Abstract