Riverbank remediation wraps up at Thebarton

Work to remediate a 45-metre section of storm-damaged riverbank along the River Torrens at Thebarton is now complete, enabling the adjacent walking and cycling path to be fully re-opened once the City of West Torrens completes minor clean-up later this week.

The site near Murray Street is the fifth location which SA Water, on behalf of the State Government, has helped repair since the areas were damaged by severe storms in late 2016.

Management of the River Torrens and Linear Park is a joint state and local government responsibility, with SA Water sometimes called on to contribute its construction management and engineering expertise to help repair riverbanks.

SA Water’s General Manager of Asset Operations and Delivery Mark Gobbie said favourable weather over the past few months helped to minimise challenges at Thebarton and keep construction to schedule.

"For the safety of our crew, pumping to lower the water level at Thebarton was only required during rain events in the early stages of construction, and so allowed for more continuous work," Mark said.

"Learnings our crew gained at previous riverbank repair locations – such as reassessing and altering the type of equipment used in some of the construction work – also contributed to the success and efficiency at this site.

"The City of West Torrens has advised the shared-used path on the southern side of the river will be accessible to the public again after the council clears a build-up of leaf litter and other debris.

"We will be returning to the site in a few months’ time to complete some revegetation along the riverbank, allowing for expected autumn rain which will help to re-green the area."

SA Water has helped with similar riverbank remediation adjacent the brewery at Hindmarsh, and in Paradise.

"Since receiving funding in 2018 to progress repairs on behalf of the State Government at four additional sites along the Torrens, we have undertaken extensive planning and design work, completed works at Gilberton, Lockleys and now Thebarton," Mark said.

"Work is also underway at the last site near Hardys Road in Torrensville, which is the most complex location. Subject to weather and river flow conditions, repairs at this site are expected to be complete around mid 2019."

All repair sites were assessed and prioritised based on safety, the volume and frequency of visitors they receive, and the likelihood they might deteriorate further in the near-term.

Work being undertaken by SA Water as part of the overall $5.2 million project varies between locations, and includes:

• debris and unstable soil removal
• some vegetation removal to ensure bank stability and safety of our workers and the community
• installation of concrete pins and gabion walls (specialised steel baskets filled with rocks) to support the riverbank through any future high water events
• temporary removal of existing infrastructure such as walkways and fencing, for better access during construction.

Contact:

Phone:

Email: