The project remains in the environmental approvals stage. This has been a lengthy process however it is reflective of the highly constrained environment we are working in, namely with construction occurring between two nature reserves and nearby to residential areas. As such, the comments received on the Environmental Impact Statement require significant consideration and further assessments/investigations and this work is ongoing.
The revised EIS and Impact Track DA were renotified by EPSDD in late June 2022 with representations closing on 1 August 2022. It is currently undergoing assessment.
Included with the revised EIS was the updated noise modelling report following additional noise monitoring activities undertaken in February 2022. The findings were generally consistent with the initial report. Approximately 10 properties have been identified to have predicted noise levels in 2031 up to four decibels higher than the criteria/target threshold. However, the use of noise reducing pavement will reduce the predicted noise levels to within the criteria/target threshold and therefore this remains the intention for the upgrade of William Hovell Drive. The revised noise modelling report is available on the YourSay project page.
Furthermore, the section of the shared path between John Gorton Drive and Bindubi Street required a referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It was publicly notified with representations open until Monday 5 September 2022. It is currently undergoing assessment.
Construction timeframes are dependent on receiving approval from the Commonwealth and ACT planning authorities and construction procurement. Construction procurement will progress once approvals have been received.