M2 upgrade project

Challenge

Sydney’s M2 Motorway spans approximately 21 km from Baulkham Hills to North Ryde and is located in close proximity to densely populated residential areas. In response to increasing demand causing the motorway to regularly run at capacity during busy periods of the day, planning approval requirements were issued in April 2009 for a formal Environmental Assessment covering a major upgrade project. This consisted of an additional lane on both eastbound and westbound carriageways coupled with major connecting road interchanges.

SLR was commissioned to prepare the Environmental Assessment for the Upgrade Project and provide ongoing noise and vibration consultancy services associated with the construction and operation of project.

Of particular significance was the management of the regenerated noise and vibration impacts on residences located above the Norfolk Tunnel arising during critical night-time work phases, eg rock bolting, rock breaking, rock milling, carried out during the tunnel widening.

Solution

SLR undertook the following works:

• Environmental Assessment
  Noise and vibration impact assessment during construction and operational phases, including regenerated noise and vibration impacts
• Design Phase
  Baseline noise surveys to validate the Operational noise predictions and mitigation outcomes involving low-noise pavements, noise walls and property treatments; Heavy Vehicle Compression Brake Noise Strategy; Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan
• Stakeholder Engagement
  Community Consultation
• Construction Phase
  Construction noise and vibration monitoring
• Post-Opening Phase
  Post-compliance (operational) noise monitoring and residual property treatments.