Ratio

The proposed Biosciences Research Centre Project (AgriBio) located in Bundoora Campus of La Trobe University is a major new research facility for agricultural bioscience with an estimated cost of $180 million. The project is to be developed as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on the basis of a Master Plan and Design Principles set by Major Projects Victoria.  

The Challenge:

To ensure that the proposed development can be accommodated from a traffic, transport and parking perspective including the following:

*  That vehicles up to 19.0m articulated vehicles are able to access the site;

*  That appropriate staff and visitor parking is provided on site;

*  That security arrangements and facilities are integrated with vehicle access design;

*  Safe and convenient pedestrian and cyclists access are provided; and

*  That the additional traffic can be accommodated by the surrounding road network without adverse traffic impacts.

The Approach:

Ratio's work included review of Master Plan and Design Principles set by Major Projects Victoria, provision of expert advice and recommendations on intersection, car park layout, configuration of loading area, bus parking, pedestrian and bicycle facilities which formed part of the Final Design.

Preparation of detailed design review of the proposed car park and loading facilities layouts, including the preparation of swept path assessment to ensure commercial vehicles including 19.0m articulated vehicles can access the proposed loading facilities.

Preparation of ramp grade assessment for the access road connecting to the loading facilities to ensure design vehicles can access the loading facilities in a safe manner.

Preparation of signage and line marking plan and tender specifications. Review of installed traffic treatments to ensure installed traffic treatments meet the requirement of the project brief.

The Result:

The design and construction phase commenced in May 2009 and AgriBio is expected to be fully operational in 2012.