EME2 asphalt to be rolled out on $110 million Port of Brisbane road upgrade
Port of Brisbane’s $110 million Port Drive Upgrade Project is one of the first major road projects to use EME2 (Enrobés à Module Élevé Class 2) asphalt, with more than 50,000 tonnes of the sustainably-sourced asphalt to be progressively laid – the largest placement of EME2 in Australia, the company said in its press release.
PBPL CEO Roy Cummins said employing the new technology would deliver long-term safety, efficiency and sustainability benefits on the project, supporting the Port’s long-term growth.
Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) required the project’s Principal Contractor, Seymour Whyte, to consider innovation and sustainability initiatives in its designs and construction materials as the project seeks to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating (‘Design’ and ‘As Built’) with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA).
PBPL specifically required the asphalt to be incorporated on the project following the successful trial placement of 1,100 tonnes of EME2 as part of a port road rehabilitation project in 2016.
The EME2 asphalt mix design for the Port Drive Upgrade project was specifically developed targeting durability, flexural stiffness, rut resistance and reduced fatigue. Fulton Hogan was elected by Seymour Whyte, as the project’s sub-contractor for the development and laying of the deep-lift asphalt pavement.
The Port Drive Upgrade is one of only two projects in Queensland to use this technology, which has been used in France, UK and South Africa.
Other sustainable measures employed on the project include the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)-approved LED street lighting and Super I girders (to bridge the existing Queensland Rail corridor), offsite stormwater management, and the re-use and recycling of spoil.
The Port Drive Upgrade Project was bought forward ahead of capacity demand to enhance safety and efficiency of port roads – vital for Queensland’s largest multi-cargo port.
PBPL has worked closely with TMR in planning and design, including the incorporation of EME2, and will continue to collaborate with TMR to deliver the project.
Construction commenced in September 2016 and is on track for completion mid-2018, weather permitting. Once complete, it will deliver significant upgrades to the main road in/out of the port and the local road network.
