AECOM, an infrastructure consulting company, has deployed its latest full suite of digital tools for the final design phase of the new R45 link connecting the N7 and R46 at Malmesbury, South Africa.
This project has been tasked by the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, as per information in a press release posted on Zawya.
AECOM implemented a 3D model to optimise material quantities and ensure precise construction cost estimates.
This approach is now being extended into the project management phase to guarantee that the construction aligns with the design specifications.
The Malmesbury Bypass is a part of a broader 170km road network that links the Port of Saldanha in the west with the N1 and N2 in the east.
The new 6.7km Greenfield Malmesbury Bypass will feature two lanes, each 3.7m wide, accompanied by 2.4m surfaced shoulders.
The infrastructure includes two road-over-road underpass bridges, a river bridge, a bridge over an environmentally sensitive wetland, an interchange bridge.
Additionally, an agricultural underpass is included to maintain access for a local landowner.
The project is expected to create approximately 45,000 worker person days and more than 290 work opportunities.
Local service providers from the designated area or the broader Western Cape will receive around 25% of the project budget, with 60 work packages dedicated to the development and empowerment of local subcontractors.
These packages include contracts for emerging local subcontractors and training provided by the main contractor and site team to help these subcontractors achieve the required Construction Industry Development Board grading.
Western Cape Highways and Transportation lead technical director Nabeel Omar said: “The advanced design process commenced in 2022. Our full suite of digital tools played a major role in getting the project up to speed.”
H&I Construction was appointed for the construction work, which is expected to complete by November 2026.
Earlier in August 2024, AECOM was named the lead designer for the replacement of two bridges along the Bronx River Parkway in the United States by the New York State Department of Transportation.
