Hutchins School Underpass

Completed 2025-2026

Project Value $3.5M

The Underpass project provided a critical pedestrian connection between the NJ Edwards Hub and the Middle and Junior School campuses under Nelson Road. Delivered under a constrained program to align with completion of The NJ Edwards hub, the project progressed through development approval, detailed design and construction within 18 months, achieving completion for Term 1 2026.

The works involved the construction of a 4m wide pedestrian underpass beneath Nelson Road, improving safety and accessibility across the campus. The underpass was formed using precast culvert sections installed during full road closures over the Christmas break, along with an extended ramped approach to achieve DDA compliance.

Extensive service relocations were undertaken to facilitate the works, including stormwater, sewer, water, high voltage electrical, fibre optic communications and gas infrastructure. These were repositioned to enable construction of the underpass clear of existing services, which was critical due to the constrained corridor and extremely tight program.

Construction required excavation to a depth of approximately 6m in challenging ground conditions, including groundwater and poor-bearing materials. Subgrade improvement measures were implemented to ensure long-term performance, along with a soil nailed retention system to protect adjacent structures during excavation.

The underpass structure comprises precast wall panels, base slabs and roof units, craned into position to accelerate construction and reduce road closure duration. In-situ concrete works completed the internal tunnel floor and associated elements, with additional civil works including retaining walls and stair tie-ins to surrounding ground levels. The project also included the upgrade of the existing Nelson Road bus stop to an indented bus bay and the provision of communications interconnectivity between campuses.