NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
DEKACON works with NSW National Parks and Wildlife to remove and replace timber and earthen built fire access trail bridges, with pre-fabricated concrete and steel bridges. This work ensures the bridges are correctly load rated for emergency services requiring safe access to regions within their National Parks. After bridge completion, load capacities increase from 3 – 5 tonnes to 25 – 44 tonnes, depending on the fire trial category.
Access to some of the sites presents unique challenges. The bridges, often located in remote and diverse locations, are nestled amongst pristine creeks and rainforests. Understanding the sensitivity of the surrounding ecosystems, DEKACON works closely with NPWS to ensure all care is taken to preserve the existing environment and critical habitats.
The bridges vary in construction, design and load ratings depending on the classification of maintenance and firefighting appliances requiring access. The nature of the construction is also dependent upon the location of the bridge and flow/flood calculations, which change the footing design required for the securing of abutments and structural members. The footing designs vary from mass footing and concrete mass blocks, to bored pylons with pile caps.
DEKACON has also undertaken the civil/road works to bridge approaches and departures, inclusive of installing Armco Barriers, guideposts, speed signs and bridge load ratings signs; all of which have been successfully installed within controlled conditions and with minimal disturbance impacts to the surrounding environment.
Other works DEKACON have completed for NSW NPWS include:
- Gabion headwalls around pipe culverts
- Rock armouring of road shoulder / batters
- Scour protection on drainage networks
- Rock lined splash-ways and concrete causeways
- Environmental management
- Asset renewal
- Cultural campgrounds
- Visitor precinct upgrades
- Carpark upgrades
- And other works within sensitive areas
