EARTHTEC to drive reconstruction project at Mount Archer

Published on 11 February 2016

An extensive reconstruction of Pilbeam Drive is set to get underway next week, in a bid to not only repair but enhance the iconic local attraction.

Crews are set to roll out early next week and over the next six months will work to repair the 140 defects the site faces as a result of TC Marcia this time last year.

Civil construction project management firm EARTHTEC will be conducting the reconstruction.

Chair of Council’s Infrastructure Committee Cr Tony Williams said the team will bring a wealth of experience to the local project, having previously worked in similar situations.

“We are very pleased to welcome EARTHTEC to this project and look forward to working with them over the upcoming months in seeing Pilbeam Drive back on track and even better than it was before TC Marcia,” Cr Williams.

“Pilbeam Drive’s reconstruction will be no easy feat but we are confident that the project lies in good hands. 

“This company’s experience includes some of the most significant landslip restoration construction projects in the country,” he said.

Echoing Cr Williams’ regard for the successful tender applicant, Rockhampton Regional Council CEO Mr Evan Pardon said he was pleased to see the project underway.

He said that while he acknowledges there is some disappointment that Council could not engage a local contractor to carry out the work; there were numerous factors why this could not be done.

“Council will always give strong preference to a local company,” Mr Pardon said.

“Our 'local buy' policy gives weighting depending on whether the head office is based in our Region as well as how many employees are based here and in some cases Council will pay up to 12% more to have a fully local company win the tender.

“In saying that though, in some circumstance such as this project, other issues weigh more heavily.

“The successful tenderer has an office in our Region but it also has vast experience doing roadworks in similarly dangerous and difficult terrain, the likes of Kuranda Range. No local company demonstrated that sort of experience,” he said. 

Works for Pilbeam Drive are expected to be completed by August 2016, depending on weather.

 

Works to be carried out:

First major landslip site

  • Descaling and treatment of damaged uphill batters including shotcreting and soil nailing
  • Construction of retaining walls
  • Horizontal realignment of the existing road
  • Installation of major drainage structures
  • Reinstatement of the road
  • Guard rail installation

Second major landslip

  • Reinstall cross drainage concrete pipes
  • Install storm water drop structure
  • Reinstatement of the road with concrete kerb and channels
  • Guard rail installation

Other works

  • Pavement repairs
  • Resurfacing
  • Table drain construction
  • Installation of erosion control walls, mats and fences.

 
 

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