The Port of Brisbane’s $110 million Port Drive Upgrade Project, which will significantly upgrade the main road in and out of the port, is one of the first major road projects to use EME2 (Enrobés à Module Élevé Class 2) asphalt, making it the largest placement of EME2 in Australia.
The Port of Brisbane CEO Roy Cummins said employing the new technology would deliver long-term safety, efficiency and sustainability benefits on the project, and support the Port’s long-term growth.
“The Port Drive Upgrade Project is about enhancing safety and future-proofing the port’s road network for decades to come. This meant looking at innovative ways to deliver a better design and end-product for road users while also lowering maintenance costs,” said Mr Cummins.
“For this project, EME2 asphalt offers the prospect of reduced asphalt thicknesses for motorway pavements and is proven to have superior resistance to rutting and fatigue caused by heavy traffic usage when compared to conventional road pavements.
“This is essential for a heavy industrial precinct such as the port, which experiences more than 3.1 million vehicles every year.”
Port of Brisbane required the project’s Principal Contractor, Seymour Whyte, to consider innovation and sustainability initiatives in its designs and construction materials as the project seeks to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA).
Port of Brisbane specifically required the asphalt to be incorporated on the project following the successful trial placement of 1,100 tonnes of EME2 as part of a port road rehabilitation project in 2016.
The EME2 asphalt mix design for the Port Drive Upgrade project was specifically developed targeting durability, flexural stiffness, rut resistance and reduced fatigue.
Fulton Hogan was elected by Seymour Whyte, as the project’s sub-contractor for the development and laying of the deep-lift asphalt pavement.
The Port Drive Upgrade is one of only two projects in Queensland to use this technology, which has been used in France, UK and South Africa.
Other sustainable measures employed on the project include the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)-approved LED street lighting and Super I girders (to bridge the existing Queensland Rail corridor), off site stormwater management, and the re-use and recycling of spoil.
The Port Drive Upgrade Project was brought forward ahead of capacity demand to enhance safety and efficiency of port roads – vital for Queensland’s largest multi-cargo port.
Port of Brisbane has worked closely with TMR in planning and design, including the incorporation of EME2, and will continue to collaborate with TMR to deliver the project.
Construction commenced in September 2016 and is on track for completion mid-2018, weather permitting.
Once complete, it will deliver significant upgrades to the main road in and out of the port and the local road network.
