We’re starting to build North East Link, and early work for the project is kicking off this year. Builders are getting ready to start the mammoth task of moving around 100 above and underground services to make way for the North East Link. Power, water, gas, sewer and telecommunication lines need to be moved, ready to start major construction of the North East Link from 2021.

What are construction impacts?

As with all construction projects, there will be some impacts to the community including increased noise, dust or vibration.

These impacts may be caused by use of heavy machinery, ongoing site activities or the removal and transport of excavated material. We know that through careful planning and consultation with local communities, we can manage these impacts well.

Environmental Performance Requirements

We are dedicated to keeping the community informed and reducing the impact of early works and major construction as much as possible.

As part of the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, a number of requirements were put in place to help manage the impacts of construction on the community and the environment.

These measures are called Environmental Performance Requirements (EPR) and define the outcomes that contractors must achieve during the design, construction and ongoing operation of the project.

EPRs are just one way the project and its contractors will manage the impacts of construction.

What you may experience during early works

Traffic impacts

As part of the North East Link early works, CPB Contractors will be excavating and relocating existing underground services across the project area. To complete these works safely, traffic changes may be required.

Noise

There may be increased noise from construction vehicles and equipment such as concrete saws, piling rigs, excavators, and power tools. Noise will be managed in line with the project’s EPRs.

Site compounds

Site compounds will be set up near work areas to provide workers with nearby offices and parking, to keep workers’ cars from parking on local streets and minimise disruption where possible.

How we measure construction noise

Noise monitors will be set up nearby construction activities across the project area, to monitor noise levels during construction activities.

We can use this information to:

• Identify community members who may be impacted by the works
• Model future construction activities and consider how construction impacts can be managed

Mitigation measures

CPB Contractors and North East Link are committed to working closely with affected communities to minimise disruptions.

There are several ways we can minimise the impacts of construction, including:

• establishing site buildings, access roads, plant storage and stockpiles away from businesses and residents where possible
• works may be scheduled at times when they will have the least impact
• the project must provide notification to community prior to noisy works beginning
• covering dirt loads on trucks, when transporting excavated material
• rumble grids on roads to reduce to transfer of dirt on local roads and
• noise control equipment may be used on machinery and tools.

Communicating impacts

During construction, CPB Contractors will be on the ground speaking with affected communities and businesses. Regular construction updates will be distributed on a monthly and as needed basis to notify people affected of any upcoming works. For regular project updates and works notifications, subscribe to our project news.