Project Description

Project: Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 – Early Investigations Work
Client: Parramatta Connect (CPB Downer Joint Venture)
Date: 2019-2020

Locaters were engaged by Parramatta Connect (the successful Joint Venture of CPB & Downer) for the early investigations work across the entire project scope of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1.
This work was ultimately for the validation of the existing utility network necessary to increase design and constructability confidence by significantly increasing the number of Class A locations via Non destructive digging (potholing) investigations – Almost 1600 slot trenches were completed.

Our depth of experience from a number of previous projects and more recently the Sydney Light Rail, was beneficial to the initially small delivery team of the JV.
Further to this our multi skilled surveyor/locator personnel provided a cost effective solution resourcing the scope of works that were subjected to heightened levels of community and archaeological sensitivity.

Prior to site works, our Utility Survey Manager was embedded with the construction team to provide planning support and systems development including the ‘Permit to Excavate’ required to meet Transport for NSW’s satisfaction. Assisting in compliance and safety strategies we were able to co-develop training and data transfer systems that were ultimately adopted by Parramatta Connect and rolled out during the construction/delivery phase of the project.

Site works included site mark up (locating) for ground excavation, quality checks and permit sign off, positive identification of infrastructure exposed, reporting on identifiable/unknown infrastructure, survey of all features found and trench card photo reporting.

Additional works undertaken during the ‘quieter’ part of the shifts included drainage connectivity surveys, pit dilapidation surveys, establishing temporary survey control and DBYD validation surveys.

New information was rationalised into the master utility project model by our USM, the model data made available to the design and engineering teams immediately thereafter.

Project issues:

  • Congestion of underground networks
  • High-risk networks including high pressure gas, optic fibre, transmission electricity, Oil pipeline
  • Northern Sydney Ocean Outfall Sewer Main (NSOOS) alignment validation survey
  • High profile environment working around the public
  • Unidentified utilities
  • Short windows of opportunity

How we we helped:

  • Gained thorough understanding of client requirements
  • Supplied multiple staff, as needed, to accommodate project demands
  • Provided an inhouse software solution for reporting Unknowns
  • Undertook utility identification and reporting
  • Delivered data in Real time
  • Innovated data transfer between parties
  • Training to UTC staff