Memorial Drive embankment stabilisation and new footpath

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We are restabilising a 115m section of embankment along Memorial Drive, The Hill, following a land slip during a period of significant rainfall.

Council voted to accept a tender for the embankment stabilisation works on 27 February, with the project commencement from late May through to November 2024 (pending weather).

The project is being delivered by City of Newcastle (CN) with around $3 million funding from the Federal Government's Roads to Recovery Program. 

What does the work involve?

We carried out extensive geotechnical investigations to determine the work required for this complex project, which takes into consideration the constraints presented by this site.

A new retaining wall will be constructed as part of the stabilisation works, with a series of steel-reinforced concrete piles to be poured vertically through the underlying rock. Upgrades at the base of the existing stormwater channel will also help improve the flow of water during periods of heavy rain. 

This will be followed by construction of a new street-level footpath on top of the renewed embankment to replace the temporary access, while kerb and guttering and road resurfacing work will also be completed. 

Memorial Drive embankment project - visual explainer of works

 Project details:

      • Symal Infrastructure is the Principal Contractor managing the project.
      • Construction will be between 7am - 6pm weekdays, 8am - 1pm Saturdays.
      • Increased traffic (truck movements) between site and contractor compound in Nesca Park.
      • Pedestrians are advised to use the footpath on the eastern side of Memorial Drive during the construction phase.
      • Access track between Nesca Parade and Memorial Drive will be closed during construction.
      • The preparation of a Review of Environmental Factors (REF - PDF 14.35MB) report was prepared by RPS on 1 February 2024.
      • An REF addendum for night works (PDF 607.52KB) was prepared by RPS on 9 May 2024.

Project update:

June 2024 - The first stage of major work started with the construction of a new concrete piled retaining wall to stabilise the road embankment retaining wall. 

August 2024 - Concrete piles have been installed for the retaining wall. We are working on pile capping, embankment stabilisation earthworks and stormwater upgrades (to extend down the gully). 

September 2024 - The concrete pile capping beam construction was completed. Works commenced on the utility relocations and pavement preparation on Memorial Drive. The stormwater upgrades also continue in the gully with increased plant movements on Nesca Parade.

October 2024 - Utility relocations, kerb and gutter, and guard rail installation are completed. Stormwater upgrades in the gully continue.

November 2024 - Footpath, guardrail, and road pavement works are completed on Memorial Drive. Traffic controls have been removed and the footpath now open to the public. Stormwater upgrades and earthworks in the gully are completed. We will be working with our local Landcare Group for embankment revegetation restoration along with some other minor works prior to the Christmas shutdown. 

We would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding throughout the successful delivery of this project.

Latest News:

6 March 2024 - Memorial Drive bank set to be stabilised via $5 million project.