Mike Turtur Bikeway Overpass Project

Minimising the impact on Forestville Reserve has been a key consideration in the design and in developing the construction methodology. The following will be implemented to help minimise impacts to the reserve:

• the site compound for the project will be located outside of Forestville Reserve to minimise the impacts;
• construction works within the reserve are scheduled for completion by late 2022;
• the overpass will be constructed 7.5 metres off the tram overpass helping to minimises the footprint of the project and the visual impact of the overpass within the reserve, while allowing for natural light to flow in between the structures;
• the ramps will be open structures to allow for natural light and landscaping underneath the ramp structure; and
• the basketball key and netball ring will be relocated nearby.

Every effort will be made to retain and protect as many trees as possible. This design has worked to avoid large trees with the majority to be removed being amenity trees and ground covers.

See the Vegetation Fact Sheet here for more information.

The Mike Turtur Bikeway Overpass Project has been carefully designed and planned to minimise vegetation impacts, as much as practically possible. However, vegetation removals are required as part of the project to safely construct the bridge, ramps, stairs and create cycling and pedestrian paths.

The vegetation removals will be managed in accordance with legislative requirements, with vegetation removals offset in accordance with the Department for Transport and Infrastructure’s Vegetation Removal Policy.

See the Vegetation Fact Sheet here for more information.

The design of the overpass provides extra space to minimise the conflict between users. The overpass has a clear width of 4 metres, which is above the minimum width required. The overpass will provide clear delineation using line marking and signage to direct users. This includes line marking the path at 3 metres wide, central to the bridge, to create a landing space along the edge of the path for people to step into from the lift before encroaching the Shared Use Path.

There is also a short walkway connecting the overpass to the elevators that will provide further separation between commuters waiting for the elevator and cyclists.

The elevators are located on opposite sides of the overpass due to a number of existing constraints on the Goodwood Railway Station platforms. These include the platform width, existing Brownhill Creek culvert, door opening locations, accessible boarding locations and overhead wiring masts.

Modification or replacement of the existing pedestrian underpass at Goodwood Station was considered by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport in the planning stage. However, without significant complex construction and operational impacts, it would not meet the current standards for shared use or address the project objective of providing improved and more direct connectivity for cyclists.

Alternative designs that included a curved ramp within Forestville Reserve were considered. While that design met the project objective of providing connectivity to the Goodwood Railway Station and the Mike Turtur Bikeway there would have been more tree removals, cyclist conflicts between the Mike Turtur Bikeway and Marino Rocks Greenway and impacts to the skatepark. It was therefore deemed by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, the PTP Alliance, Council and user groups that this option would not be pursued.

An overpass structure on the southern side of the tram overpass would not be able to accommodate elevator access to Goodwood Railway Station platforms, the ramps for this overpass would also impact properties and their driveway access, on both sides of the railway corridor. As such the option did not meet the project objectives.

A tram stop and interchange are not included in the project scope as there are existing tram stops approximately 400 metres either side of the Goodwood Railway Station. The Mike Turtur Overpass Project will improve accessibility between the railway station and the existing tram stops by connecting directly to the station platforms.

The primary objective of the project is to provide a direct link over the railway lines for the Mike Turtur Bikeway. East of the Goodwood Railway Station the Mike Turtur Bikeway switches to the southern side of the tram line via the tram underpass. If the eastern ramp was straight users would need to double-back to switch to the south via the tram underpass. A straight ramp would also impact the use of Railway North Terrace and Devon Street North.

The two tram underpasses on the western side (Forestville Reserve to Lyons Parade) will remain open in the final design with the on-ground Shared Use Paths linking into them.v

The Mike Turtur Bikeway Overpass project is constructing a new standalone structure over the rail corridor and is not undertaking works to the existing tram overpass. The design of the Mike Turtur Bikeway Overpass and its connecting paths and ramps will improve sightlines through the existing arched tram underpasses for Bikeway users.

While the Mike Turtur Bikeway Overpass Project does not include modifications to the existing tram overpass infrastructure, it does not preclude any future modifications.

The station underpass will stay open. Minor improvements will be carried out to the station underpass including installation of CCTV and upgrades to lighting.

The impacts to local traffic during construction will be minimal, however there will be the need for some traffic management on local streets while large pieces of equipment are transported to site. Advanced notice will be provided to local residents before any traffic management is in place.

During construction, pedestrian and cyclists’ detours will be in place to maintain safe access around the project area in all directions. Advanced notice of pedestrian and cyclist detours will be communicated via footpath stickers, signage, notices to the mailing list and local residents, and also be available on the project website. Every effort will be made to minimise impacts to the community.

Construction noise and vibration on an infrastructure project cannot be eliminated altogether, however works will be managed to minimise disturbance.

The PTP Alliance uses a range of measures to mitigate noise and vibration impacts including:

• provision of advance notice of works to nearby stakeholders;
• where possible, scheduling intrusive works for least impact to nearby residents and businesses;
• monitoring noise levels prior to, and during construction;
• enclosing stationary equipment (such as generators) to reduce noise;
• regularly testing equipment to ensure it is operating at a high standard; and
• where possible, using small or non-vibratory equipment.

Vibration levels will be managed throughout the project to ensure compliance levels set by the Environment Protection Authority are adhered to.

It is important to note that experiencing vibrations does not mean the structural damage will occur to properties.

See the Construction Impacts Fact Sheet here for more information.

The ramps are designed to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) standards and includes the provision of rest and flat areas and providing a gradient no greater than 1:14 with landings every 6 metres, in line with the rail
access standards.