Project Case Study | SMEC
TRANSFORMING BRISBANE:
KINGSFORD SMITH DRIVE Delivering transformative infrastructure able to provide growing metropolitan areas with long-lasting community value is only possible through the establishment of strong, collaborative relationships.
Local experience and strong collaboration key to success
As a A$650m project, Kingsford Smith Drive was a priority project, but it is so much more than just a critical road upgrade. It has transformed one of Brisbane’s key transport corridors into a subtropical boulevard creating an enhanced urban design as the eastern entry to Brisbane. This is in keeping with Brisbane City Council’s vision for the city.
As the Independent Verifier (IV) for the design and construction of the Kingsford Smith Drive Upgrade, SMEC’s role was to independently verify that the Design and Construct (D&C) Contractor complied with the Project Deed requirements. SMEC was well positioned to provide our client with experience, capability and knowledge with many of our team members having worked on other major Brisbane City Council projects including the Clem 7 and Legacy Way tunnels.
Importantly it has delivered significantly improved pedestrian and cycle facilities, including a 1.2km cantilevered Riverwalk, as well as upgraded access to the Brisbane River. It has also considered and met the future transport needs of a growing city and has reshaped this busy urban corridor by providing increased road capacity, improving public transport access, reducing congestion and accommodating future traffic volumes. The 3.5km Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade is now complete, with six lanes opened to traffic in late 2020. The corridor is a major gateway to Brisbane’s Central Business District connecting with the Brisbane Airport, Trade Coast industrial area and the urban renewal area of Northshore Hamilton. 58 Consulting Matters
Chris Demartini was SMEC’s Design & Construction Manager for the Independent Verifier throughout the project and transitioned to the Independent Verifier’s Representative for the completion works.
“In a verification role, stakeholder relationships are the key to success. We are often dealing with difficult issues that can have significant impacts on the Contractor’s program and budget. It is important to be able to maintain positive relationships with both Contractor and Principal so these issues can be pragmatically worked through to develop, where possible, win/win solutions,” explains Chris. “One of our unique capabilities has been to provide our client with a trusted advisor to help navigate the challenges which naturally present themselves in projects of this magnitude.
