About the Gateway ProgramThe Gateway Program will deliver critical rail infrastructure projects between Newark, New Jersey and Penn Station in New York City (PSNY), along the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The cables connect to the deck segment at its furthest edge from the tower. Environmental management is key to the successful delivery of the WestConnex projects. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Therefore, the publisher does not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Edited to correct for the Western distributor, as helpfully pointed out by a commenter below. Baulderstone Hornibrook Engineering Pty Ltd was the major contractor for the bridge. Stage one - construction of the M4-M5 Link Tunnels between the New M4 at Haberfield and . The Ukraine war may be a battle for the global order but whose rules are we fighting for? Construction is underway on the Rozelle Interchange, which will connect the new M4-M5 Link tunnels with Anzac Bridge and Iron Cove Bridge. We have been involved with many iconic Australian bridges, such as the Anzac Bridge, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Westgate Bridge and the Bolte Bridge. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. The People The second Glebe Island Bridge was an electrically operated swing bridge opened in 1903, the year after the opening of the new Pyrmont Bridge over Sydney's Darling Harbour, which has a similar design. The bridge was officially opened in December 1995 as Glebe Island Bridge. However, if you would like, you can change your cookie settings in your browser any time. The bridge deck was constructed in 10 metre concrete segments. The NEC is the most heavily used passenger rail line in the U.S., with more than 2,000 trains per day carrying approximately 800,000 daily passenger . But Ms Penn said the community's concerns about ventilation pollution and traffic congestion had largely fallen on deaf ears. The Rozelle Parklands is up to 10 hectares of public parkland and open space. The Rozelle Interchange and Iron Cove Link will provide a new underground motorway interchange to City West Link and provide a toll-free underground bypass of Victoria Road between the Iron Cove Bridge and the Anzac Bridge, with links to the approved Western Harbour Tunnel. Find out more about the Rozelle Interchange AQCCC here. Peter Wellings was the RTA's on-site project engineer. From world-famous landmarks, beaches, and national parks, to museums, art galleries, theme parks and wildlife parks you can find everything here! The NEC is the most heavily used passenger rail line in the U.S., with more than 2,000 trains per day carrying approximately 800,000 daily passenger trips across eight states and Washington D.C. By: WacoKidd110. Tunnels connecting the mainline tunnels with the other sections of the road network via Rozelle. In May 2021, the Rozelle Interchange Project Urban Design and Landscape Plan was approved by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. Construction of the ANZAC Memorial Bridge in Ne. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. It can carry a maximum of 125,000 vehicles each day, and average traffic is 125,000 vehicles, confirming its value as a strategic artery for the metropolis. Its been horrendous.. The disused (second) Glebe Island Bridge viewed from water level, with the deck of Anzac Bridge visible above. Originally the ANZAC Bridge was to have been a conventional concrete box girder construction with support piers in the water. These cookies are used exclusively by the Company and are therefore first party cookies. Attention: NSW Caretaker Period has commenced. Construction is underway on the Rozelle Interchange, which will connect the new M4-M5 Link tunnels with Anzac Bridge and Iron Cove Bridge. The group has made numerous submissions objecting to the Western Harbour Tunnel project, and presented a petition with almost 11,000 signatures to the NSW Parliament last year. The reinforced concrete pylons are 120m (390ft) high[9] and support the deck by two planes of stay cables. The entry point to the new road is just past Robert St on Victoria Road, as shown on the map below. Join the Boral mailing list and receive regular updates on the latest news and product information relevant to you. Construction will be carried out in phases, with a number of important changes taking place along Victoria Road, City-West Link, The Crescent and James Craig Road from September 2020. With such a large mass of concrete, it was necessary to alleviate any problems caused by differential cooling of the concrete. The current name was given to the bridge only on November 11, 1998 by Premier Bob Carr (the first name was Glebe Island Bridge), who decided to call it Anzac on the 80th anniversary of Armistice Day and to remember the fallen in World War I of the Australian New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). The bridge has been used in a number of artistic works including: Aerial view of Sydney Harbour from the west in 2008. anzac bridge constructionrivercrest tunkhannock, pa. anzac bridge construction. suzette malveaux partner; dumpling making class; joel diaz boxing gym location; shooting in belle vernon, pa; cara nak tengok astro arena live; porsche 911 whale tail for sale 0 $ 0.00; french hairstyles 2022; There are no bus stops at the bridge end, as this was seen to create a traffic hazard as the buses joined traffic. Statutory and planning framework As the proposal is for the construction and initial operation of a temporary maintenance compound associated with the proposed ANZAC Bridge essential maintenance and safety The divided traffic carriageway spans Johnston's Bay, linking Sydney's CBD along the Pyrmont peninsula with Victoria Road and the start of the City West Link at White Bay. maintenance and safety works to the ANZAC Bridge. The NEC is a vital artery in the region and a critical element of the national transportation network, linking millions of people to good jobs, and connecting this region with the rest of the country. This includes the opening of two new access roads: These roads will remain open for around two years while the project is being completed. To walk through the features view the flythrough video. The M4-M5 Link project received NSW, The Rozelle Interchange and Iron Cove Link will provide a new underground motorway interchange to City West Link and provide, underground bypass of Victoria Road between the Iron Cove Bridge and the. If youre travelling from Victoria Road towards the Anzac Bridge you will need to use a new temporary road known as the Anzac Bridge Access Road. To know more or to customize your choices, click on settings. The Berejiklian government is forging ahead with construction of the tunnels as part of its ambitious motorways agenda, the vast bulk of which is being built beneath thousands of Sydney homes. Choose from the categories that interest you to recive the latest articles just published. The public was directed to ourvirtual Community Centreto view the full plan, access the interactive map, read the Community Guide and watch an information session. Stage one - construction of the M4-M5 Link Tunnels between the New M4 at Haberfield and the M8 at St Peters and stub tunnels to the Rozelle Interchange. The site uses technologies such as cookies, including ones from third parties, to personalize content and to analyze website traffic. Dominic Lorrimer The Berejiklian government is forging ahead with construction of the tunnels as part of its ambitious motorways agenda, the vast bulk of which is being built beneath thousands of Sydney homes. The Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) outlines the urban design principles and objectives for the Rozelle Interchange project (the Project), including details of the transformation of the former Rozelle Rail Yards into a new open green space of up to ten hectares, similar in size to Victoria Park near Sydney University. A 4km stretch of the Warringah Freeway will be upgraded as part of the first stage of the project. Initially the stay cables were plagued by vibrations which have since been resolved by the addition of thin stabilising cables between the stay cables. Tunnels connecting the mainline tunnels with the other sections of the road network via Rozelle. Boral supplied marine and shrinkage limited cement. The bridge makes it possible to quickly connect the city center with the far west side of the metropolis. 1.64K subscribers Exposition about the construction of the Glebe Island Bridge, now known as the Anzac Bridge, linking Pyrmont and Rozelle in Sydney. Joint venture contractor Acciona Samsung Bouygues previously sought planning permission to allow the use of controlled blasting to break rock for excavation on sections of the underground M4-M5 Link from Haberfield to St Peters. When tower construction was completed, the first stay cables were installed. WestConnex" is a registered trade mark of Transport for NSW. Their project director was Sandy Buchan and Hugh Bishop the engineering manager. A statue of a New Zealand soldier was added to a plinth across the road from the Australian Digger, facing towards the east, and was unveiled by Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark in the presence of Premier of New South Wales Morris Iemma on Sunday 27 April 2008. The UDLP was on public display from 10 August till 6 September 2020. The interchange in Rozelle will be mostly underground and located at the site of the old Rozelle Rail Yards. "We're devastated because this project is high impact and high risk," group spokeswoman Larissa Penn said. "Description and history (with construction photos) of the Anzac Bridge, Sydney", "REMOVAL OF THE SLAUGHTER HOUSES FROM SYDNEY", "COMMENCEMENT OF THE GLEBE ISLAND BRIDGE", "Kiwi joins his little mate on Anzac Bridge watch", "Which musical landmarks in Sydney should be recognised with plaques? The main features of the substructure are the two delta-shaped reinforced concrete towers about 120 metres high. A design review process involved aninvestigation with the commissioning of a Special Design Review Panel, additional community and stakeholder workshops and additional traffic and pedestrian modelling and assessment. Today the western area of the city, which is connected by the bridge to the Central Business District, is undergoing a major urban renewal and infrastructure development programme. But an update to homeowners confirmed blasting would not be used to excavate that section of the route running 40 to 50 metres below homes, as well as the Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt and two parks. Stay cables attachment at the top of the pylon. For information on current and future traffic changes around Rozelle, please visithere. Motorists using the Anzac Bridge must note that there is a speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour. Bridges, roads, subway lines, ports, and airports have all contributed to making the Australian metropolis and capital of New South Wales one of the most modern and livable cities in the world. "The reason the Government engaged the Chief Scientist to assess ventilation is to give that confidence so that people know the Government is not going to do anything that is unsafe or detrimental to the health of school children or the community," he said. ANZAC = Australia & New Zealand Army Corps Advertisement Participants Initial construction (1992-1996) Owner Roads and Traffic Authority, New South Wales Contractor Baulderstone Hornibrook Cables Freyssinet International Prestressing Freyssinet International Formwork Freyssinet International Cable maintenance (2011) Cable repairs The new bridge will rise 50-feet over the river and, including the approaches, span nearly 2.5 miles of the Northeast Corridor. The Route 495 Viaduct is a nine span bridge that was constructed in 1938. Four concrete pumps were used at the height of each pour. Residents are bombarded by jackhammering at the surface, and they get tunnelling noise and vibrations coming up through the floor. Our Morning Edition newsletter is a curated guide to the most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Accordingly, no ministerial press releases or related information issued by the Government from this date will be available on this website. AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), abc.net.au/news/sydneys-western-harbour-tunnel-approved-for-construction/13081236, Help keep family & friends informed by sharing this article, Australia's biggest drug bust: $1 billion worth of cocaine linked to Mexican cartel intercepted, 'Pincers are closing': Ukrainian forces under pressure as Russians shell roads out of Bakhmut, Four in hospital after terrifying home invasion by gang armed with machetes, knives, hammer, 'We have got the balance right': PM gives Greens' super demands short shrift, Crowd laughs as Russia's foreign minister claims Ukraine war 'was launched against us', The tense, 10-minute meeting that left Russia's chief diplomat smoking outside in the blazing sun, 'Celebrity leaders': Mike Pompeo, Nikki Haley take veiled jabs at Donald Trump in CPAC remarks. Please visit our website for more information on the Anzac Bridge. The bridge is 805 metres (2,641 feet) long in total, has a 345-meter (1,132 foot) long central span, and is supported by two 120-metre high towers and 128 cables. A spokesman for Transport for NSW, which is managing the project, said there were currently no plans for the contractor of the Rozelle Interchange and Iron Cove Link to utilise controlled blasting for tunnel excavation. We have invested in project-specific environmental professionals to develop and operate under robust environmental management systems that advise, guide, monitor and report on our environmental obligations. Feel free to contact us on 1800 660 248 (toll free) and ask to speak to a member of the Rozelle Interchange project team or email us atinfo@rozelleinterchange.com.au. The cables connect to the deck segment at its furthest edge from the tower. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer. The best time to do this is in the early morning just before sunrise or at sunset. the same method was unviable in Annandale. The interchange in Rozelle will be mostly underground and located at the site of the old Rozelle Rail Yards. The Beatrice Bush Bridge was closed on 21 August 2020 and has now been removed to allow for the construction of the future tunnel portals. See the Response to Submissions Report on the DepartmentsPlanning Portal. From the past to the present, the history of Sydneys development goes hand in hand with its infrastructure. In 1997 Mr. Bishop took a team of Baulderstone . Australia, Copyright 2023 Freyssinet Australia Pty Ltd | Website by Digital Catalyst. An Australian Flag flies atop the eastern pylon and a New Zealand Flag flies atop the western pylon. The technical cookies also include those used to statistically analyze accesses or visits to the Site, also known as "analytics", which exclusively pursue statistical purposes (but not marketing or profiling) and collect information in the form aggregated without the possibility of tracing the identification of the individual user. The ANZAC Connection Construction Construction Construction Closing the Two Halves Stay Cable Construction Stay Cable Maintenance Walking and Cycling Events Events Olympic Marathons 2000 The Opening Day Walk Old Glebe Island Bridge Facts Facts Facts and Figures References Contact Impact of the WestConnex Development [citation needed], The bridge is regularly patrolled by security guards as a counter-terrorism measure. The approach deck is supported by concrete box girders which were cast in situ. From day one, the bridge made a contribution to Sydneys economy and development, as did all the other great works of a city in perpetual movement. It replaced a double steam punt crossing.[4]. The project is expected to cost the NSW Government $14 billion. 8. "The kids will have a dozen unfiltered smoke stacks around them between Rozelle and Balgowlah by the time these projects are finished," she said. The western end viewed from the south. Delays due to increasing traffic, which were exacerbated by having to close a major arterial road to allow the movement of shipping into Blackwattle Bay, led to the construction of the present-day Anzac Bridge. The contractor made an application to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment late last year in order to maintain the option to use blasting if crews hit hard rock along the route during February. Mr Constance said the Western Harbour Tunnel would resolve a major "choke point" in Sydney's road network when it eventually connects to the Beaches Link and the WestConnex motorway. By building the interchange mostly underground, the project will deliver new active transport options in Rozelle and up to 10 hectares of new open space in the, Find out more about the Rozelle Interchange AQCCC. User session id management (duration 30 days), Site traffic aggregate analysis (Duration 365 days), Infrastructure related news from Italy and the rest of the world, The Anzac Bridge connects central Sydney with the western part of the city, The bridge opened in December 1995 and is 805 metres (2,641 feet) long, Approximately 125,000 vehicles a day can cross the bridge, New South Wales announced a US$3.1 billion investment in infrastructure for the west side of the city in 2021, Sydney is Australia's largest city with over 5 million inhabitants, contributing a third of the nations GDP, Centro Direzionale Milanofiori Strada 6 - Palazzo L - 20089, Via della Dataria, 22 - 00187 - Tel +39 06 67761 - Fax +39 06 677626288, Via Giulio Vincenzo Bona 65 - 00156 - Tel +39 06 417661 - Fax +39 06 41766720. The Community Guidesummarises the feedback and comments we received. Austress Freyssinet Pty Ltdwas the sub contractor responsible for the cable stays and other specialist engineering technologies. Roadheaders are currently tunnelling beneath Darley Road, and between Catherine Street and Balmain Road in Leichhardt. Construction will be carried out in phases, with a number of important changes taking place along Victoria Road, City-West Link, The Crescent and James Craig Road from September 2020. The towers and decking were constructed using concrete incorporating Boral's shrinkage limited cement. Far fewer know their real story, Anna called police to report an assault, but they took out a family violence order against her. Storms threaten north-east United States after tearing through the south, leaving 10 dead, Tunnels will slash Northern Beaches to Airport drive by 41 minutes, NSW Government says, Sydney's Beaches Link toll road to open two years later than expected, Canberra coach Ricky Stuart slams NRL, RLPA following further concussion controversy, 'How dare they': Possum Magic author hits out at 'ridiculous' Roald Dahl edits, 'Dastardly and heinous crime': Philippines governor killed at home by unknown gunmen, Vanuatu hit by two cyclones and twin earthquakes in two days, Emily was studying law when she had to go to court. The Gateway Program focuses on a 10-mile segment of the NEC, and includes a program of projects that would replace and update rail infrastructure assets that, in many cases, are over 100 years old, as well as increase track, tunnel, bridge and station capacity. Can the dogs of Chernobyl teach us new tricks when it comes to our own survival? The contractor on this stage is Acciona Samsung Bouygues Joint Venture (ASBJV). The Anzac Bridge is an eight-lane cable-stayed bridge that carries the Western Distributor (A4) across Johnstons Bay between Pyrmont and Glebe Island (part of the suburb of Rozelle), on the western fringe of the central business district of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Four concrete pumps were used at the height of each pour. Anzac Bridge is visible at lower centre right, while the disused (second) Glebe Island Bridge is visible immediately to its left. The additional scope provided to the JHCPB contractors include the delivery of 1.7 kilometres of mainline road tunnels between Emily Street, Rozelle and Cove Street, Birchgrove as well as additional ventilation tunnels, ramps, and other services. This stage is being managed by WestConnex | Transurban. Photo about Anzac Bridge, Sydney, Australia: ANZAC Bridge is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Australia, and amongst the longest in the world. The bridge carries traffic on Route 495 over the NYS&W and Conrail rail lines, as well as Route 1&9, Paterson Plank Road and Liberty Avenue in the Township of North Bergen, Hudson County. Anzac Bridge is an 805-metre-long concrete bridge replacinga low-level, four-lanesteel truss swing span bridge built in 1903 that could not support the increased volume of traffic. The 1903 bridge is still standing, but there is no access to pedestrians or vehicular traffic. They are saved on the User's computer only during the current browser session. The UDLP determined items including; landscaping, tunnel portals, tunnels, service buildings, bridges, retaining walls, pedestrian and cyclist access, lighting and wayfinding, heritage, monitoring and maintenance. "The entire road network is going to dramatically change as a result of cars and trucks being underground and it'll completely transform the city for centuries to come.". This stage is being managed by Transport for NSW. Enjoy a 40-minute walk by starting at the Glebe Point Road, through Bridge Road, over the Bridge, and make a turn at Blackwattle Bay before heading back to the starting point. WestConnex is committed to effectively managing air quality during the construction and operation of the WestConnex road network. When tower construction was completed, the first stay cables were installed. Mr Constance assured local residents that the Government's Chief Scientist had considered the health and environmental impacts of the ventilation stacks. Bridge Construction. The Modification was approved by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment on 30 September 2020. Find out more about air quality at WestConnexhere. The Anzac bridge was built in 1995 to . "Those construction impacts aren't a passing inconvenience, they're really significant.". In October 2021, the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors approved a contract . In place of the bus stops, the Australian Anzac Statue was erected in the northern side and the New Zealand Anzac statue installed at what was the southern bus stop at the end of the bridge. Anzac Bridge is 32.2 metres wide and contains a span of 345metres long. The M4-M5 Link project received NSW planning approval in April 2018. Registered with the Court of Rome, New Zealanders. Since then, it is as if the bridge has grown with Sydney. The formtraveller on the western deck viewed from the north. Western Distributor Freeway, Rozelle, NSW. The Rozelle Parklands Working Group (RPWG) was established to manage this consultation and made recommendations to TfNSW under the Terms of Reference. The NSW Government hopes to begin construction in the first quarter of 2021 The tunnel aims to take pressure off the Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor Residents say the construction impacts will be felt by 20,000 school students In May 2020, the improved Modification design was on exhibition through a Design Amendment Report and the community were invited to make a submission. However consideration of the effects of a large ship hitting a pier precluded that design and the cable stayed option with support towers on the land was adopted. Anzac Bridge is within the scope of WikiProject Australia, which aims to improve Wikipedia's coverage of Australia and Australia-related topics.If you would like to participate, visit the project page. Freyssinet has an in-house civil engineering department to design and produce cutting edge designs. [10], There is a grade-separated shared pedestrian footpath and cycleway located on the northern side of the bridge, making possible a walk from Glebe Point Road, down Bridge Road, over the bridge and round Blackwattle Bay back to Glebe Point Road. Trans-Tasman relationships predate European settlement in New Zealand, and frequent exchanges between Sydney and New Zealand have persisted over two centuries ANZAC Bridge was also the precursor to the M Thun Bridge in Vietnam. For updates on the project, sign up to the mailing list viaRozelle Interchange TfNSW awarded John Holland and CPB contractors joint venture (JHCPB) a variation to carry out the Western Harbour Tunnel Southern Tunnel Work. The RPWG Recommendations Report has been finalised and was presented to the Minister for Transport in mid-2021. The Australian Anzac statue on the northern side of the bridge is adjacent to the former city-bound bus stop; the New Zealand Anzac statue was installed within the ramp area of the former stop on the southern side. The first bridge was constructed as part of a project to move the abattoirs out of central Sydney, and to construct public abattoirs at Glebe Island. The Rozelle Interchange project has prepared an Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) in consultation with Inner West Council, the community and affected landowners and businesses. The NSW Government will start tendering for contracts and hopes to begin construction in the first quarter of 2021. Bridge, with links to the approved Western Harbour Tunnel. Early in the life of the bridge the stay cables were subject to serious vibrations. The first three segments were initially supported by scaffolding. Security cameras also monitor the walkway. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. The formtraveller on the western deck with the eastern tower in the background. The Anzac Bridgeis an eight-lane cable-stayed bridgethat carries the Western Distributor(A4) across Johnstons Bay between Pyrmontand Glebe Island(part of the suburb of Rozelle), on the western fringe of the central business districtof Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The contractor on this stage is John Holland and CPB Contractors Joint Venture. "The Western Harbour Tunnel will take pressure off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor corridors to revolutionise transport capacity in and around our city," he said. How did it come to this. The previously considered use of controlled blasting between the 36th Battalion and Pioneers Memorial Parks in Leichhardt will not be proceeding, WestConnex said in the projects quarterly community update. The bridge forms part of the road network leading from the central business district, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Cross City Tunnel to the Inner West and Northern Suburbs. The ANZAC Bridge or Anzac Bridge, replacing the earlier Glebe Island Bridge, is a large cable-stayed bridge spanning Johnstons Bay between Pyrmont and Glebe Island. The final goal is to arrive in 2026 ready for the inauguration of the Western Sydney International Airport, a new facility designed to serve the western area of the metropolis. Macquarie Park NSW 2113 Even today, after almost twenty years since the first cars crossed it, using the bridge is one of the main city routes from East to West one accessible to all because there is no toll to cross it. s The eastern end, with CBD view in background. Seven deck segments each side. Sydney Point will cover everything there is to do and see in Sydney. The land side segments were cast first. Freyssinet is now frequently involved as an alliance or joint venture partner with an active role on the overall project, rather than a post-tensioning subcontractor. The does not depend on the General enquiriesFor projects enquiries, free call our 24/7 hotline1800 660 248. The first three segments were initially supported by scaffolding. Historical Significance or Value. "The route of these tunnels goes through Sydney's largest school zone we estimate about 20,000 kids will experience really high-level construction impacts for over 10 years. The noise, dust and disruption couldnt have come at a worse time with many locals still working from home and unable to escape the 24/7 construction noise. Freyssinet is recognised as the partner of choice for bridge construction. Freyssinet is now frequently involved as an alliance or joint venture partner with an active . The history of the Anzac Bridge does not end with its inauguration. ANZAC Bridge - Sydney Facts and Figures Construction Timeline, Statistics and Events Construction Timeline Statistics The People Events Note Many of these Facts and Figures came from the plaque called "A Little History" at the rest station at the top of the ramp at the eastern end of the walkway. Were working to restore it. ", "You Am I is the longest love affair I have ever had", Description and history (with construction photos) of the Anzac Bridge, Sydney, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anzac_Bridge&oldid=1127891408, All Wikipedia articles written in Australian English, Infobox mapframe without OSM relation ID on Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2015, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 17 December 2022, at 06:40. Construction of the bridge began with the bridge footings and steel casings in 1989 to 1990. Against a range of criteria, Option 1 was considered to be the preferred option. For further information please refer to our Privacy & Cookie Policy here. We use this information to give you the best experience on our website and for analysis. ANZAC Bridge has undergone routine maintenance since its opening in 1995. "People who've had to endure the absolute frustration of congestion which has had everyone by the throat is now discovering the great benefits of [these projects]," he said.