Metro Trains Melbourne introduce specifications supporting recycled materials

February 11, 2019

Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) have recently changed specifications to include the use of recycled materials, encouraging a sustainable approach to new infrastructure, and reusing thousands of tonnes of materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.

The new specifications enabled more than 900 tonnes of recycled glass sand to be used as bedding for the combined services route (CSR) on the Kororoit Creek Road Level Crossing Removal Project.

Kororoit Creek Road is part of the ‘VicRoads Principal Freight Network’, a thoroughfare to the State’s west, carrying more than 22,000 cars to Laverton, Williamstown, Altona and beyond. This crucial transport corridor is vital to the large-scale industry and transport operations that power the western region’s economy.

A grade separation at Kororoit Creek Road (placing rail over road at Williamstown North) was undertaken by the Level Crossing Removal Project along with the Western Program Alliance, comprising McConnell Dowell, Arup, Mott McDonald and Metro Trains Melbourne.

Alex Fraser’s recycled sand was used as bedding material for the combined services conduit housing the communications and power cables.

Rebecca Hendy, Senior Sustainability Advisor for the Western Program Alliance said the decision to choose recycled product over virgin material was simple.

 “We found a recycled, low embodied energy material that could aptly replace virgin sand; with all 900 tonnes diverted from landfill and delivered at a lower cost; it was a simple decision.”

The Level Crossing Removal Project set a target for the Western Program Alliance to achieve an ‘Excellent’ sustainability rating – measured by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia’s rating tool – which rewards the use of recycled material.

MTM Environment and Sustainability Manager Christian Beasley said Metro Trains Melbourne now encourages all projects installing new CSR or drainage to use recycled products.

“We have access to a great new sustainable product we can use on all metropolitan railways (Metro Trains Melbourne network).  Because it is an MTM specification it can be applied without requiring approval on all metropolitan railways CSR and drainage bedding,” said Christian.

Alex Fraser Sales Manager  Jason Walsh said clear specifications were the key to increasing the use of sustainable, recycled products in new infrastructure.

“We’ve seen that recycling works best when government agencies clearly endorse the use of recycled materials in specifications.  This enables the people building our infrastructure to use green products that reduce their project’s carbon footprint.

“The Kororoit Creek Road Level Crossing Removal Project is a great example of what needs to happen to achieve a circular economy around rail infrastructure materials. Congratulations to the teams at the Level Crossing Removal Project the Western Program Alliance for this initiative; especially Rebecca and Christian who enabled a change that will bring about better outcomes for the community and environment,” said Jason.

Over the years, Green Roads by Alex Fraser has diverted almost one million tonnes of glass from landfill to supply recycled glass sand (in asphalt, road base and pipe bedding) to a variety of Victorian road and infrastructure projects.

The upcoming launch of Alex Fraser’s new state-of-the-art glass recycling plant will enable recycling of even the most problematic glass waste streams (like CSP) into clean, high-specification construction sand; putting an end to landfill and stockpiling of glass in Victoria.

If you’d like to discuss how recycled materials can work for you on your next project, get in touch with us today.