BY CARLA FEATHERSTONE

TRANSFORMING THE DAWSON HIGHWAY INTERSECTION

Every journey through the Dawson Highway and Don Young Drive Intersection is a reminder of the meticulous care and expert design that goes into creating safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing roadways. For me, this intersection holds a special place in my heart, often serving as a beacon of calm on challenging days.

Project Highlights:

  • Collaborative Approach: Worked closely with the Department of Main Roads, Rockhampton, to secure necessary approvals, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinated with Powerlink and Ergon to address requirements for overhead transformers and connections, integrating their feedback into the design.

  • Innovative Design: Undertook vertical and horizontal geometry alignment, sight checks, and drainage adequacy assessments, eliminating the risk of "bird baths" with precise engineering solutions.

  • Advanced Lighting: Engaged Sylvania Lighting in Brisbane for comprehensive lighting design, followed by rigorous inspections to guarantee optimal visibility and safety.

  • Adaptable Planning: Redrafted the entire intersection design to comply with updated standards in Main Roads' revised Part 13: Intersections at Grade, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of regulatory changes.

  • Detailed Execution: Finalised plans included spot leveling for drainage, comprehensive line marking and signage layouts, and detailed specifications for luminaire upgrades and drainage infrastructure.

  • Efficient Project Management: Provided accurate quantities and collaborated with Gladstone City Council managers and a reputable contract civil engineer to complete the estimate and specification documents for final Main Roads approval.

The Dawson Highway and Don Young Drive Intersection project exemplifies my commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration in civil design. It stands as a testament to my ability to transform complex challenges into functional, safe, and beautiful roadways that benefit the entire community.