Update 26 June – Stephenson Avenue Extension Project Asbestos Management
Main Roads has recently received preliminary results from the samples taken by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) from the site’s stockpile areas.
Samples which were in a bonded form were analysed and confirmed as asbestos containing material. However, soil samples returned results below the DWER health and environmental thresholds, including asbestos fibres.
In addition, airborne asbestos monitoring results, indicated that there is no evidence of airborne asbestos to date.
An extensive network of airborne asbestos monitors has been installed around the site to ensure the safety of the community and workers.
Since our last update, we have continued to work closely with DWER and have engaged contaminated sites auditor and industrial hygienists to undertake ongoing assessments and support the ongoing management of the site.
Precautionary mitigation measures continue to be implemented including dust and airborne asbestos monitoring and the application of dust suppression polymer.
In the coming days, we are planning a staged recommencement of works. Once industrial hygiene experts confirm that the operation of the construction site is safe to resume.
The first section of the site to restart works will be the casting yard for the Stephenson Avenue bridge to the west of Mitchell Freeway. This will allow for the incremental bridge launch works over the freeway to continue.
The health and wellbeing of the community and our workers is our priority, and we will continue to implement mitigation measures for the remainder of the project.
We will continue to provide information as it becomes available.
Media Release – Stephenson Avenue Extension Works Resume
Updated Frequently Asked Questions - Asbetos Management Measures
Stephenson Avenue Extension Project Asbestos Management
Main Roads advises that it has implemented asbestos management measures on a project stockpile site, following the discovery of suspected asbestos containing material.
All work on the construction site has ceased until it is determined safe for workers to return.
A portion of the project is located above the old Hertha Road landfill site in Stirling and samples of the material were gathered last week for testing.
While the risk to the community is currently considered low a range of measures to mitigate any risk has been put in place. This includes:
- The stockpile site is now an exclusion zone and all work on the construction site has ceased until it is confirmed that it is safe to recommence.
- Application of dust suppression polymer over the stockpile site
- Installing asbestos and dust monitoring equipment across the site
- Appointing an accredited contaminated sites auditor and other contamination experts to help in the management of the site. An industrial hygiene expert has also been engaged.
If contaminated material is confirmed, it will be taken off site by licenced and approved waste management contractors and disposed of safely.
Main Roads is working closely with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), Department of Health and WorkSafe in the control and management of stockpiles.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
To stay up to date with the project, subscribe to email notifications.
We also have a 24/7 project information line that can be contacted on 138 138 or email enquiries@mainroads.wa.gov.au and a project team member will get in contact with you.
For an update on the project, check out the video below: