Pushing boundaries and boosting efficiencies with digital engineering

A purposeful, digital-first approach is revolutionising the planning and execution of this major road project.

The Greater Connect Alliance, comprising Laing O’Rourke, AECOM and Arcadis, is delivering the Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges Project in partnership with Main Roads Western Australia. The project involves the construction of two grade-separated interchanges that will replace the current signalised intersections currently used by more than 60,000 motorists every day.  The project also includes duplication of Abernethy Road (between Kalamunda Road and Great Eastern Highway Bypass), extension of Lloyd Street from Midland to the Bypass including a bridge over Helena River, and duplication of the existing Roe Highway Bridge over Helena River.

The challenges

The Project features a number of complexities and challenges.

They include:

• Completion of project development and obtaining environmental and statutory approvals within tight timeframes
• Works to be carried out in areas with a high water table and subject to flooding
• Management of significant environmental and heritage risks, including protected flora and sites of cultural significance
• Undefined land requirements
• Working adjacent to commercial precincts and Perth Airport, with associated freight traffic, high/wide load access requirements and flight path restrictions
• Protection and relocation of major services
• Diverse views within the community

The solution

The project has been pushing boundaries in many areas, particularly digital engineering. Our design partners have embraced innovative digital strategies. In a first for linear road infrastructure in WA, Laing O’Rourke is modelling first and drawing second.

This has enabled us to undertake digital design reviews and coordination, clash detection, more accurate quantification for estimators, construction staging, and creation of animations and visuals for stakeholder and community engagement.

The design delivery model has been tailored to run in parallel with the planning and approvals process, meaning the four-stage design-delivery model is developed to a level of detail aligned with each stage of approvals.

The completed works will:

• Reduce local congestion, improving travel times for freight and general traffic, particularly in strategically significant industrial areas and freight distribution centres surrounding Perth Airport, Kewdale and Hazelmere.
• Reduce crash rates at intersections through removal of conflicting movements
• Contribute to an efficient and reliable road transport corridor along the Roe Highway and the Great Eastern Highway Bypass
• Provide capacity for anticipated long-term growth along the Roe Highway