Mulloon Manar Road Culvert Upgrade
In 2024, Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council received finding to upgrade a low-lying causeway situated on Mulloon Manar Road following substantial structural damage during major flooding in August 2022.
The low-lying causeway was often submerged during elevated creek flows which resulted in numerous road closures affecting local residents and emergency services.
To provide greater resilience during natural disasters whilst reducing the environmental impacts, Reliance Engineering were engaged by Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council to develop feasible engineering solutions to improve local connectivity during adverse weather conditions.
Reliance Engineering worked together with Fairlight Consulting Engineers throughout the duration of the project to deliver a feasible and functional design.
The project was jointly funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement (DRFA) and NSW Infrastructure Betterment Fund.
The scope of works included:
Pre construction investigations including survey and geotechnical investigations
Detailed Engineering Design
Site Establishment
Implementation of Erosion and Sediment Controls
Construction of a temporary sidetrack
Demolition of low-lying concrete causeway
Rock excavation and subgrade preparation
Construction of insitu multi cell box culvert structure
Installation of rock scour protection
Reconstruction of road approaches
Reliance Engineering provided the following scope of services:
Consulted with the Department of Primary Industries to define NSW Fisheries design expectations and requirements for the proposed culvert upgrade
Liaised with an environmental consultant to complete Review of Environmental Factors and Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment
Prepared and obtained environmental clearances for proposed works
Consulted with Fairlight Consulting Engineers to prepare detailed engineering drawings for construction
Swept path analysis for road geometric design
Tender preparation and evaluation
Contract Administration
Project Superintendency
Monitoring and enforcing Contractor compliance
The new design finished level is 2.0m higher than the previous structure, significantly improving local connectivity during adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the new design provides minimal maintenance costs, improves safety and provides lost-lasting benefits for Council and local residents.
The financial contributions towards the project demonstrated a commitment from both funding agencies to improve infrastructure and connectivity in the region.
The project was successfully completed by AJ Power Pty Ltd and commissioned for opening in January 2025.
