Level 3 Investigation –
Wallamore Road Culverts.
Client.
Tamworth Regional Council
Location.
Tamworth, NSW
Project Description.
Ductile Consulting Engineers was engaged by Tamworth Regional Council to investigate the condition and structural capacity of two culverts located on Wallamore Road, crossing Boltons Creek and Savages Creek.
Wallamore Road is an important freight route connecting rural industries with Tamworth’s saleyards, abattoirs and Taminda industrial area. Previous inspections had identified significant concrete spalling and deterioration, prompting the need for detailed structural assessments and advice on appropriate remediation or replacement options.
The project focused on establishing the extent of deterioration, evaluating the culverts’ load-carrying capacity and identifying practical, cost-effective solutions to support the continued operation of this important regional transport route.
Our Role
Ductile’s scope included Level 2 inspections with detailed defect mapping and quantification, together with Tier 1-2D structural assessments to evaluate the culverts’ capacity under relevant heavy vehicle loading conditions.
The investigation was designed to provide Council with a clear understanding of each structure’s condition and capacity, along with recommendations for remediation or replacement.
A second stage was also proposed, if required, to assess alternative solutions through route and hydraulic assessments, high-level cost estimates and cost-benefit analysis.
Value Delivered
The project was designed to provide Tamworth Regional Council with an evidence-based foundation for managing two deteriorating culvert assets on an important regional freight route.
By combining condition inspections with structural capacity assessments and remediation options, Ductile’s approach supported informed decisions about maintenance, renewal investment and heavy vehicle access. The staged methodology also allowed Council to determine whether further investigation was warranted before committing to more extensive assessments or replacement works.
Other Projects.
Gunnedah Shire Council – Data Collection Assessments
We combined Gunnedah Shire Council’s bridge and culvert inspections with NHVR SLGAAP data collection, reducing mobilisation costs and improving efficiency. The project delivered digital inspection records and condition data to support maintenance planning and long-term asset management.
Tamworth Regional Council – L2 Inspections
Ductile Consulting Engineers completed Level 2 inspections of 64 bridges and 122 major culverts for Tamworth Regional Council. Using a dedicated culvert inspection methodology, DCE delivered more cost-effective inspections with reporting tailored specifically to culvert assets.
OSOM Vehicle Access Advice – South Burnett Regional Council
We completed a technical review of structural assessments for two bridges and two major culverts along Ironpot Road, providing South Burnett Regional Council with specialist advice to support oversized and overmass (OSOM) vehicle access for the proposed Tarong West Wind Farm.