Bridging the Gap for Spectaular Scenic Views

摘要

Lawrence Hargrave Drive, a coastal road north of Wollongong, is one of the most scenic roads in NSW and a major tourist attraction. The 900-metre section of the road between Clifton and Coalcliff is also the highest slope risk section of road in NSW, with a long history of rock falls and embankment failure. The road had been closed for several years due to a rock fall. Due to the nature of the surrounding cliff lines, geotechnical stabilisation of the cliff faces is underway, with the installation of rock anchors and draped mesh. In June 2004, work commenced on the 49 million dollars preferred design option for reopening a 900 metre stretch of the Lawrence Hargrave Drive between Coalcliff and Clifton. The project involves the construction of two bridges, one spanning the southern amphitheatre and the other the middle headland, connecting to form a 665 metre long bridge. This bridge will effectively move the road alignment eastwards towards the ocean, away from the rockfall danger zone. The work is being undertaken by an Alliance Agreement between NSW Roads and Traffic Authority, Barclay Mowlem, Maunsell Australia and Coffey Geoscience. Lawrence Hargrave Drive is expected to be reopened early 2006.