The construction of 700 metres of Abercrombie Road was the last major construction project for Oberon Council in 2013/14.

Drainage and shoulder widening works were completed, and gravel was carted, spread and compacted for the 300mm base layer, in accordance with the pavement design.

Benkelman beam testing was carried out, which showed the pavement deflections were well within the limits.

However, some concern about several areas of the pavement remained. 

They were wetter than optimum, and it appeared they may have had a higher than normal clay content, which can result from natural variability in the gravel pit.

Inspections were carried out by works and engineering staff before the decision was made to proceed with bitumen sealing of the road pavement.

It was recognised there were risks with proceeding with the seal. 

If the moisture content was worse than it appeared, or if further moisture got into the pavement or extended into other parts of the road, then a significant portion of the seal could  have been lost when the pavement was reworked at a later date.

It was felt there were even greater risks with not proceeding, as rain was forecast a couple of days later, with more predicted through the following week.

The concern was that if much more water got into the gravel, it could become slushy or boggy.

There would then be a difficult task of maintaining this section in a safe and trafficable condition throughout the whole winter.

The decision was therefore made to take what might have been the last opportunity to proceed with the seal, effectively a “sacrificial” seal. It was hoped this would provide a trafficable surface, albeit with some regular maintenance, through winter.

It was also considered that this was probably cheaper than maintaining it as an unsealed road, even if some areas may need further work in spring.

Concerns were expressed by members of the community about the poor management of the project.

This escalated to a decision at the Works Committee Meeting on May 13 and a subsequent councillor inspection May 15.

An Interim Improvement Action Plan was prepared to address concerns about work practices.

In recognition of concerns about current work practices associated with road construction on local sealed roads, a number of initiatives will be implemented by the general manager and the works and engineering director of Oberon Council.

An Interim Improvement Action Plan was tabled at the May Ordinary Council Meeting and expected outcomes in the plan will be reviewed, with progress reported to each monthly council meeting by the general manager.

The key features of the Interim Improvement Action Plan include: Major works planning meetings – prior to major works being undertaken an initial planning meeting will be held with  key works and engineering staff. 

These meetings will involve a presentation on the major work proposed and will include duration and scope of project, major challenges, proposed start and finish dates and key milestones.

Other elements of the meeting will be to determine a preliminary traffic management plan, requirements for manpower and also plant and equipment, use of contractors, materials and other stores and purchases required.

A project leader is to be assigned for each major work and, in conjunction with the works and engineering director, will have responsibility for project-related “tool box” sessions, risk management and identification of critical factors such as environmental, potential hazards, climate and community consultation initiatives. 

The general manager, in consultation with the director, will prepare information on works activity for the current week and the next week for inclusion in the weekly councillor newsletter, which is issued each Friday, and also details of future works for inclusion in the weekly council page in the Oberon Review.

Weekly updates on works will be posted on council’s website www.oberon.nsw.gov.au

Competency-based training and practical instruction associated with road construction on local sealed roads will be implemented.

It is intended that at least one councillor workshop be held each year with councillors and key staff. 

There is to be generally two councillor roads inspections held each year, one in the southern  part of the LGA and the other in the northern area.

The plan will be reassessed during December 2014.