Transport for NSW (TfNSW) delivered a transformative project aimed at reducing travel times by up to 40 minutes for motorists traveling between Parramatta and Sydney Airport, while also providing capacity for 10,000 vehicles per day and a new shared cycling and pedestrian path connecting Tempe Reserve to the airport terminals. The John Holland–Seymour Whyte (JHSW) Joint Venture is responsible for constructing two sections totalling 5.1 kilometres of arterial road, including a 2.7 kilometre active transport link and 21 bridges and viaducts.
Witt Consulting provided a broad range of geotechnical and structural engineering services throughout the duration of this project, supporting both planning and construction phases with technical expertise and practical site-based solutions. The role has encompassed the following key areas:
Geotechnical Investigation & Monitoring: Conducted comprehensive geotechnical site investigations to inform both design and construction methodologies, ensuring that all foundational decisions were based on accurate and site-specific data. Throughout the construction process, Witt performed ongoing monitoring of ground conditions to maintain safety and optimise performance. Our engineers also carried out detailed geotechnical assessments and interpreted subsurface conditions, directly contributing to safe, efficient, and cost-effective design solutions.
Pavement & Foundation Assessment: Undertook pavement investigations that included on-site testing, data interpretation, and the development of pavement design recommendations. As part of this work, Witt performed various tests such as Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) testing, plate load tests, and proof rolling to evaluate subgrade strength and suitability for construction. Additionally, we assessed the bearing capacity of heritage platform structures, ensuring that all evaluations were sensitive to heritage constraints while maintaining the necessary structural adequacy.
Design & Engineering Services: Witt delivered bridge design services in compliance with relevant codes and project-specific requirements, ensuring structural integrity and regulatory alignment. Temporary works design and construction phase supervision were also provided, offering technical advice across both geotechnical and structural disciplines. We designed working platforms for plant and equipment access, taking into account site-specific loading conditions and soil properties to ensure stability and safety and delivered permanent gabion wall designs that were tailored to meet both the structural needs and aesthetic requirements of each site.
Slope Risk Management:Â Supplied expert slope stability risk management advice, identifying potential failure modes and mitigation strategies. Witt undertook slope stability analysis using both limit equilibrium methods and finite element modelling (FEM) to provide robust, defensible engineering solutions and supplied expert slope stability risk management advice, identifying potential failure modes and mitigation strategies.
Additional Services:Â
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Carried out vibration assessments to evaluate potential construction impacts on nearby structures and sensitive infrastructure.
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Provided foundation assessments to support both temporary and permanent structures.
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Conducted services impact assessments to identify and mitigate interactions with existing underground and above-ground services.
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Designed temporary fencing solutions to safely delineate the site from the adjacent rail corridor, ensuring safety and compliance with rail authority requirements.
