Jounama Creek culvert upgrade

The concrete slab on the culvert separating Jounama Creek and Jounama Pondage was damaged, resulting in the slab separating from the culvert. The adjoining road embankment was damaged and needed repair.

The damage was due to flood events in Jounama Creek since the culvert was built over 50 years ago. Repairs were required to ensure further damage does not occur during flood events and to reduce the risk of emergency repair work closures on the Snowy Mountains Highway.

Construction started in November 2019 and was completed in 2021.

Features of the work included:

• building an access track off the Snowy Mountains Highway
• building site compounds for stockpiling of materials and equipment
• building an access ramp from the compound into Jounama Pondage
• removing the damaged concrete slab and loose material
• extending the external culvert side walls
• building a new apron slab
• reinstating road batters.

The objectives of the work included:

• providing a safe and available structure for all users
• ensuring the long-term serviceability of the Snowy Mountains Highway and culvert structure
• maintaining structural integrity of the culvert and embankment
• providing timely repairs to minimise asset deterioration
• being sensitive to the area’s natural environment, heritage and local communities.

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) was carried out to assess the likely impacts of the project on the environment and to detail the protective measures to be implemented.

The REF found the project would not significantly impact the environment. The safeguards detailed in the REF would avoid or minimise the expected impact.

View or download the Review of Environmental Factors report.

• May 2019 review of environmental factors report

  Jounama Creek culvert scour repairs.