Construction World October 2024

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

AECOM showcases its digital design capability ON MALMESBURY BYPASS

Globally trusted infrastructure consulting firm AECOM has used the latest digital tools to fast-track the final design of the new R45 link between the N7 and R46 at Malmesbury for the Department of Infrastructure in the Western Cape. “The advanced design process commenced in 2022. Our full suite of digital tools played a major role in getting the project up to speed,” explains Nabeel Omar, Technical Director: Highways and Transportation Lead, Western Cape.

The Malmesbury Bypass is a critical infrastructure project for the Western Cape.

plus the fact that the project crosses the major water source for the town of Malmesbury, which necessitated additional protection measures. The project has been a major testament to AECOM’s digital capabilities. “That is exactly what our client required, as it had a specific budget and timeframe. Given our capacity and expertise to complete such complex works, we were ultimately the consultant selected for the project,” highlights Omar. A critical infrastructure project for the Western Cape, it forms part of a larger 170 km road network between the Port of Saldanha in the West and the N1 and N2 in the East. The so-called Malmesbury Bypass falls under the Strategic Integrated Project 5 of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050, the Saldanha-Northern Cape Development Corridor. The Port of Saldanha was identified as a national growth point in terms of the government’s then adopted infrastructure plan. To support and initiate this growth, both national and provincial governments are making significant investments to expand the port and establish an Industrial Development Zone. The East-West link has long been in the planning stages, with AECOM subsequently working on additional sections, reveals Omar. The N2 is the major route for freight transport

A ECOM deployed a full 3D model to optimise quantities and ensure accurate construction cost estimates, which has rolled over into the project management of the actual construction to ensure what was designed is built accordingly. “The project has the hallmarks of any typical complex engineering project with various interfaces,” comments Danie du Plessis, Technical Director, Highway Geometry. Challenges included the topography, the relocation of fibre and telecoms lines, power transmission lines and pylons, Left: Danie du Plessis, Technical Director, Highway Geometry, AECOM. Right: Nabeel Omar, Technical Director, Highways and Transportation Lead, Western Cape, AECOM.

36 CONSTRUCTION WORLD OCTOBER 2024