The new rail bridge and underpass at Gap Road was pushed ahead by sustainable materials, described by the state government as setting a “new environmental benchmark” for the construction industry.
The upgrade incorporated more than 7650 tonnes of recycled and reused materials, including more than 4600 tonnes of crushed concrete and nearly 2500 tonnes of recycled crushed rock.
According to the project team, concrete used on the upgrade also incorporated 212 tonnes of by-products from industrial manufacturing, and the 150 metres of 100 per cent recycled plastic drainage pipes used diverted 12 tonnes of plastic waste from landfill.
“Another 329 tonnes of crushed glass not suitable for re-manufacture was used for drainage fill,” the level crossing removal team said.
“The recycled glass, crushed concrete and other components were all manufactured in Victoria using Victorian waste materials and supporting local jobs.
“Diverting these materials from landfill has also saved more than $250,000 in landfill costs.”
Sustainability is also a key focus of the Sunbury Road Upgrade, which will use reclaimed asphalt, recycled plastic drainage pipes and crushed brick and crushed concrete while new lanes, intersections and a bridge over Jacksons Creek are built.
Environment Minister Ingrid Stitt said the Gap Road Level Crossing project was a “great example” of how using recycled materials in Victoria’s Big Build was “helping to build a circular economy – where waste product becomes vital materials for the next big project”.
Soon, a plaque will be installed to mark the First Nations artwork on the bridge by Teena Moffatt, which showcases the nearby landmarks of Jacksons Creek and the Organ Pipes and features the word for the Sunbury area, Koorakoorakup.
