CASE STUDY: HILLTOPS COUNCILTARRANTS GAP

®

PCT/AU2016/050390, PCT/AU2017/051387

enquiries@inquik.com.au+61 1300 467 845 www.inquik.com.au

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.

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”.

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

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.