Cunneens Bridge Replacement Project & Paynes Crossing Rd Upgrading Project

Date: 01-Jun-08
Author: Kevin Dillon (CCC)
Organisation: Progress
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[Letter to Wollombi Valley Progress Association]

Simone,

 Further to our telephone conversation I provide the following update on progress with the  Cunneens Bridge  and Paynes Crossing Rd projects for  the Wollombi Progress Assoc. meeting tomorrow.

The current status of the Cunneens Bridge project:

1. Geotechnical field investigation work ( core drilling) was completed  in early April by consultants RCA Australia and a report on the piling design parameters  has now been received.
2. Consultant archeologists  Kayandel have just  provided a draft  of their supplementary 'Statement of Heritage Impact'  covering the likely significance of the heritage impacts of the upstream alignment route on the former Wesleyan Cemetery , bridge , approach roads and old shed opposite Tony Palfreeman's house.  The draft is in the process of being reviewed and our comments will be sent to Kayandel early next week.
3. Consultants Kayandel have revised  the Section 87,NPWA  Research Permit Application ( for indigenous relics) for the upstream  alignment option and submitted it to Dept. Environment and Climate Change (DECC) for approval. DECC have acknowledged receipt but no timeframe indicated for processing. To be followed up.
4. Traffic chicanes to restrict heavy vehicle access onto Cunneens Bridge have been adjusted and reinforced . No recent damage or movement of these structures  has been report  following these adjustments.
5. The recently approved revised speed limits along Paynes Crossing Rd affecting the section from near Williams Bridge to Wollombi township have now been implemented.
6.  Preparation of tender documents for design and construction of the new concrete Cunneens Bridge has commenced. Draft documents should be reviewed next week.

The current status of the Paynes Crossing Rd Gravel Section Upgrade project:

1. A second Concept  Design of the road formation widening is being developed  involving a split-level carriageway section. The  northbound traffic will use the existing formation and the southbound traffic  will use a 'high' road    to minimise disturbance to identified heritage relics ( possible hand drill and pick marks) and  also minimise the volume of  rock excavation required.
2. Consultant Bill Jordan & Associates  ( in conjunction with the Convict Trail Project) has  prepared a Statement of Heritage Impact  for the project . This will be submitted to the Heritage Office once Council determines a preferred strategy.  
3. As mentioned above, the 40kph speed zone changes proposed  along the gravel section have  now been implemented.
4. Application has been made to the RTA for approval to install temporary barriers adjacent to the down-hill side along the narrow section to improve safety for motorists. This will create a "No Passing" section  with appropriate signage .

If you require any clarification on the above issues please feel free to contact me .

Kevin Dillon
Design & Contracts Manager
For Cessnock City Council

Phone: 4993 4281
Fax: 4993 2505