Field investigations

Field investigations, designed to identify constraints and opportunities, will be undertaken at various stages during the study period. Some of the key factors that need to be addressed are:

• What effects will the preferred route have on the environment?
• What are the potential benefits and costs in terms of economic, social, environmental and functional issues associated with the preferred route?

The entire study area was assessed initially, closely followed by more detailed field investigations focusing on the feasible route options.

All the information collected during field studies will be used to accurately locate and maximise route alignment opportunities.

Investigations have considered:

• Road safety.
• Traffic and transport.
• Topography, geology and soil investigations.
• Land use.
• Social.
• Noise and air quality.
• Plants and animals.
• Water quality, flood management and drainage.
• Economic issues.
• Visual and landscape.
• Indigenous and non-indigenous heritage.