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.