Locals engaged as work starts on Hume Dam buttress
Construction of a temporary cofferdam at Hume Dam has begun in the second stage of works to improve the dam’s capacity to handle extreme floods and earthquakes.
The cofferdam is being built to create a dry area for construction of a new mass concrete buttress against the southern training wall, downstream of the spillway.
State Water program director Mel Jackson said the buttress would provide greater support to the southern embankment and enable it to better withstand extreme earthquakes.
“The buttress works are part of a three-stage upgrade to bring the dam in line with contemporary best practice,” Mr Jackson said.
The first stage of works was completed in August 2011 and involved constructing an improved filter and drainage system at the junction between the spillway and the southern embankment.
Project contractor for the second stage of works McConnell Dowell Constructors has established on site and has started to construct the cofferdam in the river.
“The cofferdam will ensure work to build the concrete buttress is not affected by normal water releases from the dam.”
Around 30 locals have provided various services for the works to date including electricians, plumbers and carpenters.
“Local quarry materials and concrete supply to the site is expected to continue for around 18 months.”
The buttress works are part of a $60 million package of works funded by the partner governments of Australia, NSW, Victoria and South Australia through the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, and is being managed by NSW State Water.
Public access to the boat ramp below the dam wall may be affected by construction traffic. People wanting to access the boat ramp should use caution and follow any signage or directions provided.
Pedestrian access to the dam crest will be restricted during construction for safety purposes; however access to the existing viewing platform will not be affected.
The activities at Hume are part of ongoing dam improvement programs occurring across NSW, Victoria and South Australia. In NSW State Water is upgrading seven other dams across the state.
The storage capacity, water entitlements and allocations will not be affected by the upgrade works.
Media contact: Jane Urquhart, State Water, (02) 6841 2087 or 0429 449 711
