The Parramatta Escarpment Boardwalk, an award-winning community infrastructure project, marks a significant milestone in the transformation of Parramatta Quay.
Located along the northern foreshore of the Parramatta River, this 3.5m wide shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists connects Charles Street Weir and Rangihou Reserve, completing the Parramatta Valley Cycleway.
In addition to providing a seamless connection for pedestrians and cyclists the boardwalk also includes a new set of stairs, enhancing accessibility and integration within the riverside environment. This project represents the first stage in the greater vision for Parramatta Quay, transforming it into a vibrant gateway to the Parramatta CBD.
One of the major challenges of the project was excavating the natural steep Ashfield Shale escarpment, with up to 80-degree cuts. Maintaining the natural appearance of the shale, with no visible stabilization measures was a key objective of the design brief.
Douglas Partners’ extensive field experience and research provided critical insights into the behaviour of shale.
We discovered that shale frets upon drying and wetting but remains stable in a constant moisture environment. Additionally, a protective layer of fretted shale could prevent regression of the faces, a phenomenon observed in the Northern Beaches headlands.
With this in-depth knowledge and experience, we proposed an innovative approach, departing from the traditional shotcrete and rock-bolt stabilisation. An experimental trial excavation, supervised by Douglas Partners, utilised rock-hammer and milling head techniques, with hidden fiberglass dowels to stabilize the rock-wedges. This trial served as a very useful demonstration for tendering purposes.
Collaboration was a key factor to the success of this project. We worked alongside urban design architects (Hill Thalis) and structural engineers (Tonkin) to coordinate the tender specifications, design the hidden face stabilisation methodology and ensure that the excavation procedure achieved the overall objectives of the design brief and Council.
The project’s completion has been lauded by Parramatta’s City Council, who acknowledged Douglas Partners’ critical role towards the successful completion of the Escarpment Boardwalk. It stands as a testament to innovative engineering and design, seamlessly blending infrastructure with the natural environment.
The success of this project not only enhances connectivity and accessibility but also sets a new benchmark for urban design and engineering excellence in Sydney.
The success of this project not only enhances connectivity and accessibility but also sets a new benchmark for urban design and engineering excellence in Sydney.
Learn more here.
