Silky Oak CCRC Minor Culvert Program

Stratos Civil was engaged by Cassowary Coast Regional Council to deliver a minor culvert replacement program across six sites between Tully and Innisfail, replacing aged drainage assets with a combination of reinforced concrete box culverts and reinforced concrete pipe culverts.

The project required detailed planning to repair damaged road and water diversion implemented to allow works to be executed around inclement weather events.

Project: CCRC Minor Culvert Program

Client: Cassowary Coast Regional Council

Location: Silky Oak

Scope of Works:

• Service location and protection

• Erosion and sediment control implementation

• Demolition and disposal of existing culvert structures

• Excavation to underside of new invert level (including dewatering as required)

• Construction of reinforced concrete base slabs

• Supply, placement and installation of new culverts, including:

• RC box culverts (from 1200x600 up to multicell 3 x 1200x900)

• RC pipe culverts (ranging 900 mm to 1200 mm diameter)

• Backfill with cement-stabilised sand and pavement reinstatement with cement-modified roadbase

• Sealing / resurfacing to match existing conditions (where required)

• Headwall construction and installation:

• Precast headwalls for single-cell culverts

• In-situ headwalls/wingwalls for multicell structures

• Scour protection works: Rip rap rock on geofabric & Grouted rock protection on batters

Challenges & Solutions:

Wet season delivery across multiple sites

High rainfall risk, variable site access, and programme exposure during construction.

Solution: Planned works around forecast weather windows, maintained dewatering readiness, and sequenced activities to protect open excavations and maintain quality outcomes.

Maintaining traffic and local access

Works occurred on active road corridors requiring continuous access management.

Solution: Implemented site-specific traffic staging using temporary sidetracks/detours and traffic signals, with clear delineation and progressive reinstatement to reduce disruption.

Environmental controls during drainage works

Elevated runoff/sediment risk during culvert excavation and reconstruction.

Solution: Installed and maintained fit-for-purpose erosion and sediment controls, managing water movement and preventing sediment migration throughout the wet season works.

Project Outcome:

The Silky Oak Culvert Upgrade will provide an improved drainage asset and road access. All works have been performed in accordance with project standards and in a safe manner.