| SECTOR | Boardwalks and Bridges |
| PROJECT NAME | Rocky Creek Dam Footbridge Replacement |
| LOCATION | Dorroughby NSW |
| CLIENT | Rous County Council |
| COMPLETION DATE | March 2018 |
| PROJECT DESCRIPTION | Construct a replacement aluminium truss and timber piled footbridge at Rocky Creek Dam park |
The Rocky Creek Dam Rainforest and Water Reserve is a popular natural attraction in the Northern Rivers region, comprised of the area’s main source of drinking water, along with spectacular waterfalls, creeks and a variety of beautiful walks that showcase the area’s stunning views. In 2017, Council undertook upgrade works to the reserve, which included the construction of a replacement boardwalk footbridge, in line with Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
Roman Contractors was engaged by Council as Principal Contractor to construct a replacement aluminium truss and timber piled footbridge, as part of the upgrade works to the walking tracks at Rocky Creek Dam Rainforest and Water Reserve. In order to do this, the existing pontoon style footbridge had to be removed. The construction of the replacement footbridge included the installation of piers, abutments and stairs.
The catchment area of the reserve is located in a high rainfall area, and the area provides habitat to a vast range of flora and fauna, including many endangered, threatened and vulnerable species. In undertaking the project works, Roman Contractors ensured minimum disruption was caused to this unique environment, including by installing environmental controls as described in an Environmental Plan; ensuring spill kits were on site at all times and correct procedures followed in case a spill occurred; and confirming correct areas were marked out in accordance with detailed drawings.
The high rainfall area also affected the method of construction of the footbridge. The footing detail had to be redesigned due to the unexpected ground conditions, and an alternative construction method was required which included the use of new materials and equipment. Despite this challenge, only one day of slippage occurred and the changes did not result in any impacts to the project time frame or budget. Roman Contractors also overcame the extremely limited site access in order to successfully complete the project.
The successful construction of the footbridge at Rocky Creek Dam Rainforest and Water Reserve by Roman Contractors as part of the upgrade works has improved the accessibility of the reserve and ensured that the reserve continues to operate as a high quality, environmentally significant recreational facility that can be enjoyed by all members of the community.
