Recycled bitumen good base for change
26 August 2022
Ipswich’s largest road upgrade is incorporating sustainable techniques in road paving as council continues to move to a circular economy.
The Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial work is incorporating recycled materials in the production of the foam bitumen being used in construction.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council continues to lead by example looking for sustainable ways to work.
“The foam bitumen uses the existing material on-site which reduces the need for transporting new materials, reducing the number of trucks on the road and producing a more efficient use of resources,” Mayor Harding said.
“Foam bitumen is also more environmentally friendly to produce as it does not need the high temperatures that traditional bitumen does, reducing the carbon footprint.
“Council is leading the way on circular economy initiatives through its Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Policy Directive, which will change the way our city thinks about waste, recycling and modern manufacturing, as well as drive change in the wider industry.
“Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial are being expanded from two lanes to four lanes to assist in supporting efficient transport for Springfield and the city’s eastern corridor’s growing population.
"These projects are now moving into the next phase of construction.
“Work already completed for Stage 1 on the Springfield Greenbank Arterial (from Eden Station Drive to Springfield Parkway) and Springfield Parkway (from Hymba Yumba Community Hub to the Centenary Highway, Springfield) include bulk earthworks, drainage works, retaining walls, water main works, underground conduit installation, relocation of services and the construction of a single span 20 metre bridge over Opossum Creek.
“This has allowed for the commencement of Stage 1 Civil Works package which is progressing well, with asphalt being laid on the newly constructed lanes from Eden Station Road to the new Opossum Creek bridge.
“Completion of the package is expected in approximately 14 months, including pavements, shared pathways, traffic signals, street lighting and landscaping.
“Further work on upgrading and duplication of the Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial Road will continue with $23 million allocated over the next year.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson and Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said some Stage 3 early works have been advanced in preparation for service relocations and allow completion of new Lions Stadium access and this includes the abutment modifications for the Centenary Highway Bridge and demolition and earthworks along the new Stadium frontage and around the new Park and Ride Facility.
“Stage 3 is located on Springfield Greenbank Arterial (from Eden Station Drive to Sinnathamby Boulevard) and is currently in the final design phase,” Cr Tully said.
“Once the design and early works have been completed the service relocations will commence, followed by civil works with an estimated duration of 18 to 24 months.”
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic thanked the community for their continued patience as the works progress.
“Residents and motorists may notice changes in the landscape and experience possible traffic delays or an increase in noise for sections of the upgrade,” Cr Jonic said.
“We appreciate your patience and support as we build the essential road infrastructure to cater for future growth in the area.”
The Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial Road Upgrade is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) and Ipswich City Council.
For more information on the project, contact council’s project team by calling (07) 3810 6666 or emailing at ied.projects@ipswich.qld.gov.au