Case Study: Banksia Link Road Project Overview

Project Overview

Title: Banksia Link Road Project

Location: Perth Metropolitan Area, Western Australia
Objective: To construct a new urban road to connect the Banksia residential development
with the existing highway, facilitating better access to the city centre and reducing traffic
congestion in surrounding neighbourhoods.
Client: City of Perth
Consultants: ABC Urban Design Pty Ltd
Date: 20 April 2024

1. Introduction

The Banksia Link Project is a comprehensive urban road development initiative designed to
enhance the transportation infrastructure within the Banksia region. This project aims to
improve connectivity and accessibility, catering to the increasing traffic demands projected
over the next 30 years. The new road is intended to support both motorists and cyclists,
facilitating safer and more efficient travel.

Key objectives of the Banksia Link Project include reducing traffic congestion, promoting
road safety, and integrating sustainable practices into urban planning. The project will
feature a major access road with a design speed of 60 km/h, accommodating an initial
traffic volume of 400 to 450 vehicles per day, which is expected to grow to a maximum of
500 vehicles per day. The design adheres to AustRoads guidelines, ensuring that the road
meets high safety and functionality standards.

The project will be executed in stages, beginning with the construction of a shared path
along key streets, and will eventually expand to include the full road network. Community
feedback is a critical component of the planning process, ensuring that the project aligns
with local needs and expectations. This engagement helps inform the detailed design and
fosters community support for the development.

Sustainability is a core aspect of the Banksia Link Project, with plans to replace any removed
trees and incorporate additional green spaces along the route to mitigate environmental
impact. These efforts aim to balance infrastructure development with ecological
preservation, contributing to a greener urban environment.

2. Site Analysis

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Geographical Overview:

 Coordinates: 31.9505° S, 115.8605° E

 Total road length: Approximately 3.5 kilometers

Existing Infrastructure:

 The Banksia development is currently served by two minor roads that connect to the
main arterial roads.

 Nearby features include a community school, shopping centre, and public park.

Environmental Considerations:

 The proposed route crosses a rehabilitated natural bushland, requiring environmental

safeguards.

3. Design Criteria

Road Layout:

 Four lanes (two in each direction).

 Dedicated bus lanes to encourage public transport use.

 Protected bicycle and pedestrian pathways on both sides.

Traffic Analysis:

 Designed to accommodate an estimated 15,000 vehicles daily.

 Includes traffic calming measures around pedestrian-heavy areas.

Safety Features:

 Smart traffic signals at intersections.

 Emergency vehicle priority signals.

4. Geotechnical Information

 Predominantly sandy soils with patches of limestone.

 Design includes reinforced earth structures at key points to ensure stability.

5. Hydrological and Meteorological Considerations

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  Annual rainfall: Approximately 850mm.

 Incorporation of bio-retention systems to manage stormwater sustainably.

6. Cultural and Heritage Considerations

 Consultations with the Whadjuk Noongar community to assess any potential impacts
on Indigenous heritage sites.

 Archaeological survey conducted prior to final design approval.

7. Materials and Specifications

 Road surface: Polymer-modified bitumen for enhanced durability.

 Sidewalks: Recycled composite materials to reduce environmental footprint.

8. Design Options

Option A: Direct route cutting through the bushland.

Option B: Curved route minimizing environmental impact.

Recommended Option: Option B, as it avoids major environmental disruption and has

community support.

9. Appendices

 Environmental Impact Statement.

 Community Feedback Summary.

 Detailed Cost-Benefit Analysis.

10. Conclusion

The Banksia Link Road is poised to significantly enhance connectivity for the Banksia suburb,
promoting sustainable urban development. Following stakeholder approval, the next phases
will involve detailed engineering designs, procurement of construction services, and the
commencement of construction.

Sample Design Visualization

Visuals:

 Detailed CADD renderings of the road layout showing all features including
intersections, pedestrian pathways, and integration with existing roads.
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Cross-sections:

 Detailed cross-sectional drawings showing road makeup, pedestrian pathways, and

landscaping.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

1. Project Description:

 Project: Banksia Link Road Project

 Objective: To improve connectivity between the Banksia suburb and the main
highway, facilitating access to Perth's city center.

2. Environmental Baseline:

 Location: Perth Metropolitan Area, Western Australia

 Key Features: Rehabilitated bushland, local fauna habitats, and proximity to

residential areas.

3. Impact Assessment:

 Flora and Fauna: Potential disruption to local ecosystems, particularly bird habitats in
the bushland.

 Water Resources: Alterations to local drainage patterns, with potential impacts on the
natural hydrology.

 Noise and Air Quality: Temporary increase in noise and air pollution during
construction, with long-term improvements due to better traffic flow.

 Cultural and Archaeological: No significant heritage sites identified; ongoing

consultations with the Whadjuk Noongar community.

4. Mitigation Measures:

 Ecological: Construction of wildlife crossings and fencing to protect fauna.

 Water Management: Implementation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to

manage stormwater.

 Noise and Air: Use of low-noise construction equipment and dust suppression
techniques.

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  Cultural Preservation: Continued engagement with Indigenous groups to monitor and
protect potential cultural sites.

5. Monitoring and Compliance:

 Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA).

 Monitoring Plan: Regular environmental audits and public reporting of compliance.

Community Feedback Summary

1. Public Consultations:

 Methods: Online surveys, community workshops, and public exhibitions.

 Participants: Local residents, business owners, environmental groups, and Indigenous

representatives.

2. Key Concerns:

 Environmental Impact: Strong concerns about potential damage to the bushland

and local wildlife.

 Traffic During Construction: Worries about increased congestion and noise.

 Long-term Benefits: Questions about the actual reduction in traffic congestion and
safety improvements.

3. Recommendations:

 Enhanced Environmental Protections: Requests for more robust environmental

safeguards.

 Regular Updates: Desire for ongoing communication throughout the project's phases.

Detailed Cost-Benefit Analysis

1. Project Costs:

 Construction Costs: Estimated at $30 million, covering materials, labor, and

machinery.

 Environmental Mitigation: Approximately $2 million for ecological conservation and

mitigation strategies.

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  Monitoring and Compliance: Around $500,000 for ongoing environmental and
compliance monitoring.

2. Benefits:

 Economic: Increased property values in Banksia and improved business access.

 Social: Enhanced community connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

 Environmental: Long-term benefits from sustainable design features and improved

urban air quality.

3. Cost-Benefit Ratio:

 Analysis: The benefits, particularly long-term economic and social gains, are
projected to outweigh the initial and operational costs over a 20-year period.

 ROI: Estimated return on investment within 15 years based on improved traffic flows
and reduced vehicle operating costs.

Tools and Software Recommendations:

 CAD Software: AutoCAD for detailed drafting and design.

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