I hope everyone has managed to stay dry today. The downpour has put a bit of a dent into progress today, but it has been a good week out on site generally.
Just a reminder that next Monday is an RDO – but once we return we head into a big week of construction.
Let’s dive into it.
- Utility Works – Bowen Lane to Bowen Crescent
It’s been a bit of a slog down in this section of the job, but we’re finally done with the water and we’re onto the installation of the new drainage through this area. Next week we’ll start the excavation for the drainage run and that will dominate activity during the week.
- Albert Road Reserve Station entrance
Nothing new to report in the station entrance, it’s more of the same as the team continue the steel fixing and concrete pours for the station walls.
- Albert Road legacy construction (Major Works)
This is where all the resources and action will be next week, with some big traffic changes put in place
- Overnight on the 22rd of August, the traffic will be adjusted to allow you to once again exit Albert Road onto Kings Way. (I’ve included a shot of the asphalt going down yesterday, just beating the rain today)
- From 24th August the exit from Albert Road to St Kilda Road will be closed
We’ll then commence the full rebuild of Albert Road (roughly from Kettle Black up to St Kilda Road)
As you’re walking around the site, please be aware that there will also be multiple stages of pedestrian detours as we work our way through each of the stages of work.
Two of the big changes you’ll see during the works are:
- The footpath alongside Albert Reserve will be opened to give us some flexibility to get everyone up to the Tram Stop.
- The footpath will be closed in front of 18 Albert Road (Domain Hill) while we rebuild the driveway and footpath here.
Keep an eye out for the updated signage as you make your way through the site.
In terms of the actual works – the work kicks off in earnest on Thursday next week, and includes:
- Excavation of the existing roadway
- Breaking out of the Domain Hill Driveway and footpath
- Installation of the final drainage connections
- Construction of the legacy kerb and separated bike lanes
- Laying of the asphalt along the length of the road
- St Kilda Road median works – South
We’re now well underway in the section of outbound road between Bromby Street and Toorak Road, this week the team pulled up the pitchers in the kerb and started with some good progress on the trench excavation. Next week the drainage pipes will arrive and will be installed as the trench excavation advances.
On the city bound side of the road, it’s much of the same scope of works, however the trench is largely excavated and the team are already underway laying the new drainage pipes.
One development at this end of the job was the new turf installed in the median – a sure sign that we’re getting closer to the finish line for roadworks.
- St Kilda Road median works – North (Nightworks reminder)
There is a bit of work going on overnight this week, but nothing that would be considered overly disruptive.
On Wednesday night the barriers will be removed from the outbound lane of St Kilda Road between Dorcas and Park Street some line marking will take place to return traffic and bikes to the outer lane.
On Thursday night we’ll then shift some of the barriers in the outbound lane next to the tram stop, this will allow us to get in and start the utilities work in this section of the site – which will ultimately lead to the construction of the second lane of traffic through this section.
The section of St Kilda Road between Park and Dorcas will have a whole new look, as for the first time there are no barriers separating one side of the road from the other.
- Station box construction
The station works remain fairly consistent, with granite paving going down on the train platform and the fitout works for individual rooms continuing on the concourse level.
- Shrine Entrance
The work on the pre-cast stairs for the Shrine entrance made some good progress this week and will continue in the following week. We’ll include a photo in the coming editions, as the completion of these stairs will be a nice mini-milestone.
- Park Street to Albert Road
No new action in this area – We’ll provide an update when the trees are scheduled to be planted in this section of the job.
Have a great weekend
Rob and Remy
The Botanica 