Half-way point on $8m dam upgrade

July 2, 2014, 4 a.m.

CONSTRUCTION on the $8.4 million Burrendong Dam safety upgrade has reached the half-way mark, according to State Water.

CONSTRUCTION on the $8.4 million Burrendong Dam safety upgrade has reached the half-way mark, according to State Water.

The project involves construction of an auxiliary spillway as well as strengthening and painting of the existing spillway gates to enable the dam to better withstand extreme floods.

Project manager Guresh Ahuja said to date contractors had established the site, carried out 60 per cent excavation to make way for the auxiliary spillway and commenced strengthening and painting of the spillway gates.

"This upgrade follows the first phase where the main dam wall and saddle dams were raised 1.8 metres to bring the dam into line with NSW Dams Safety Committee standards for extreme floods," he said.

"The two separate contractors Bardavcol and McElligott Partners have sourced subcontractors and suppliers from Wellington, Dubbo and Orange for the earthmoving and gate painting works representing a direct investment in the region's economy.

"Around 30 people are working on the project at the moment, with one third from the local area and most being accommodated locally."

The spillway automation and control systems are also being upgraded as part of the works.

The project will not affect access to the recreation area and will not impact the permanent storage capacity of the dam.

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Half-way point on $8m dam upgrade