Geotechnical field works took place at Wentworth Falls Lake Dam recently to ensure the dam wall and spillway areas are safe. It's part of improvements ahead of planning for a proposed accessible pedestrian bridge over the dam wall.
The works started on Monday March 23 and were set down for 11 days, but finished ahead of time. Access was closed to pedestrians, affecting residents in Lake Street and Waratah Road.
In a note at the site, residents were told "these geotechnical field works are part of a routine review of the dam and will also assist in planning for possible future works in the area". The work involved drilling into the tonnes of dirt in the wall of the man-made lake.
A council spokeswoman said they were "just one of a number of ongoing actions that council carries out in order to meet legislative reporting and management requirements under the NSW Dam Safety Act and associated regulation".
Previous geotechnical investigations undertaken at Wentworth Falls Lake Dam occurred in 1989 and 2007. The work was partly funded under the Western Parkland City Liveability Program project.
"The investigations have progressed as planned and expected," she said.
Other proposed upgrades at the lake include a new accessible viewing platform, improvements to the dam wall to support the accessible walkway, and a new multi-purpose shelter.
"These works will complement previous works done at Wentworth Falls Lake Park, and ensure more people can spend longer enjoying this popular and beloved nature spot," the spokeswoman said.
The lake dam is a typical earthfill embankment dam with a clay core and bywash spillway and was "currently assessed as being in good condition" she said.
"Council undertakes regular inspections and monitoring of the dam as part of a number of ongoing actions to meet legislative reporting and management requirements under the NSW Dam Safety Act and associated regulation.
"The investigations .. provide information on existing geotechnical conditions at and around the dam. This information will then be used, as needed, within the review and planning works."
Wentworth Falls Lake Park and Buttenshaw Park are receiving upgrades, thanks to the Western Sydney City Deal Liveability Program. They are two of 10 projects to be completed across the Blue Mountains over the next three years. The community can complete the online survey until April 5 at yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/wentworthfallslake
