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InQuik causeway replacement for Hilltops Council to improve local flood immunity and access
Under the Roads to Recovery Program, Council received funding for the upgrade of the causeway over Maryamma Creek on the Tarrants Gap Road approximately 2.8km from the Darbys Falls Road intersection.
Having seen information on the InQuik system, the team at Hilltops were keen to assess whether the InQuik system would improve access and flood immunity in an environmentally sensitive catchment area.
The new bridge would allow residents, tourists and freight carriers full access to this road under heavy rainfalls and flooding, which in the past was not possible. With the previous causeway, a small amount of rain in this large catchment area could sometimes render Tarrants Gap impassable.
About
Hilltops Council was established on May 12, 2016 and includes the former council areas of Boorowa, Harden and Young in New South Wales. Situated less than two hours from Canberra, the Hilltops Region is renowned for the undulating countryside, fresh produce, fascinating pioneering history and exciting events.
The Hilltops Region has a growing tourism economy.
Latest figures released by Tourism Research Australia show that in 2016, there were 414,000 visitors to the region injecting $79m into the Hilltops economy.
The Process
Having never installed an InQuik bridge before, the team at Hilltops Council valued it’s “top-down installation” which minimised impact on the waterway and the speedy two-stage “place and pour” installation process.
The design and order process was very efficient and enabled the short project window to be met. Through InQuik’s partnership with Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation ( SMEC ), the Council had a fixed cost service for the design of foundations and scour protection.
Construction of the InQuik bridge was undertaken by local contractors, who assisted with the placement of abutments and deck panels and the concrete pour.
Three key reasons which proved InQuik were the optimum solution:
1) Reduced site time of just 2 weeks for the “place and pour” installation process
2) Minimal impact on the waterway and surrounding environment
3) Reduced maintenance costs over the 100-year “whole of life” asset plan
How We Helped
This project will enable increased access for motorists in this area, particularly after periods of heavy rain. The previous causeway would be submerged after heavy rain, preventing vehicles from crossing.
The InQuik team worked very closely with the Council and contractors, as this was Hilltops first InQuik bridge installation. InQuik provided on-site support before, during and after the installation process.
“Top down easy install process – cut the usual build times right down and enabled us to do the project using local resources and materials” – feedback from Hilltops Council.
“It does exactly what they say, it goes “In Quick” and enables us to work with local contractors and suppliers to keep funds and work in the community”.
Results
The new structure at Tarrants Gap is good news for residents, tourists and freight carriers because the bridge will not be as susceptible to flooding. It’s also of great benefit to the environmentally sensitive area, as the structure goes over Maryamma Creek rather than through it.
Hilltops Council work closely with DPI Fisheries to minimise negative impacts to the catchment area and waterways in this region.
Key Project Points
- Hilltops Council installed the InQuik system using local plant, materials and labour, ensuring project funds and work were retained within the local community,
- Efficient two-stage “place and pour” top-down installation minimised the environmental impact on the creek,
- Mitigated safety and WHS risks due to lightweight components, top-down installation and reduced site time; and
- The InQuik installation process minimised traffic disruption during construction.
