Australian road construction in remote regions
Downer excels in delivering critical road infrastructure construction projects in remote and isolated areas. These projects involve road corridors that are critical to connecting remote local communities and ensuring the safe and efficient transport of goods and services important to the economy. The following three projects, Kangaroo Island Upgrade, Strzelecki Track Upgrade and Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands demonstrate our ability to deliver important infrastructure in challenging remote locations, with unique safety and stakeholder engagement requirements.
Kangaroo Island Upgrade for the Department of Infrastructure and Transport
Kangaroo Island is an important tourist and local holiday destination off the coast of South Australia, attracting over 140,000 visitors every year. Network safety and connectivity to the Island’s western regions and key transport hubs, Kingscote Airport and the Prenneshaw Ferry Terminal, was improved through Downer’s delivery of significant road rehabilitation upgrades to Hog Bay Road and the Playford Highway. Visitors, residents and freight operators now experience enhanced levels of network reliability and connection to the western areas of the Island.
This $33M project encompassed 210,000 m² of shoulder widening and 110,000 m² of shoulder priming with two-coat spray sealing, 14 km of pavement rehabilitation with stabilised sub-base and granular overlay, 25 km of resealing on existing roads, 11 km of new safety barriers and 65 drainage extensions and extensive new road markings and signage. Accessible only by ferry, Downer demonstrated highly effective logistics and project management ensuring the optimal scheduling of works with delivery of plant, equipment and materials to the Island.
Strzelecki Track upgrade boosts safety and connectivity in remote South Australia for the Department of Infrastructure and Transport
The Strzelecki Track is an important Australian road corridor. Spanning 472 km of unsealed rural road, Strzelecki Track is critical to the movement of oil, gas and tourism, and connections between the Lyndhurst and Innamincka communities. To improve the safety and reliability of this important network, Downer carried out significant road rehabilitation and drainage improvement. This included 73 km of road rehabilitation, sealing, stabilisation and drainage improvement works from Moomba to Strzelecki Creek Crossing. The significant drainage upgrades included 30 crossings with pre-cast concrete structures to improve the management of stormwater and protection of the surrounding natural environment.
The Downer team undertook comprehensive stakeholder engagement, including with the YY Indigenous Group and the Santos Gas Plant, to identify and manage safety and cultural heritage requirements. A strong focus on supporting local employment, resulted in a local spend of $25 million and 15% indigenous participation through the contract.
Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands for the Department of Infrastructure and Transport
Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands in South Australia is a large remote and sparsely populated area, with a road network that is critical for the wellbeing of the local communities. To improve the resiliency and condition of the roads, Downer undertook significant road rehabilitation and upgrades of 30 km of road between Kaltjiti (Fregon) and Umuwa. A total of 310,000 m² of pavement was upgraded, incorporating 65,000 tonnes of material across a 10-metre-wide formation. Bituminous surfacing works covered 240,000 m² with ancillary works including minor realignments, guideposts, signage, and line marking to 3.5m lane widths. The upgrades built up the road surface and improved its ability to withstand flooding, while improving safety.
