Drilling tests begin for new railway

5/1/03
Work has begun on the preliminary stages of the Gallop Government's 1.6km Perth City rail tunnel that will link the faster direct rail line from Mandurah with the northern suburbs route.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said geotechnical and hydrogeological soil drilling tests had started along the Perth foreshore.
From Monday, testing would also begin in the central business district, along the proposed railway tunnel route.
"The tests are to determine the strength of the ground and soil conditions along the route of the railway," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Initially, there will be probing tests that will take between three to four hours, followed by more intensive drilling and pump testing of one to two days.
"Every effort will be made to minimise the impact of the works on pedestrians and businesses, with much of the work carried out after business hours or on week-ends.
"Most of the testing will be carried out on land owned either by the State Government or Perth City Council.
"Drilling will be conducted in the middle of the road rather than footpaths, to minimise inconvenience to businesses and pedestrians. Lane closures will be required, but the closures will be no more than those experienced with general road maintenance work.
"Our engineers are very fortunate to already have up-to-date information on what they are most likely to find, because of the drill testing that was done before the construction of the Northbridge tunnel.
"The budget allocated to this project has built-in allowances that cover the cost of the removal and safe disposal of any contaminated soil."
The testing should be completed by the first week in February, with the design work finished by the end of March.
Depending on test results, work on ground improvements to the foreshore is expected to begin by the middle of the year.
Minister's office: 9213 6400