Visitors to the Ross River Dam will see an increase in activity on the site from today, signalling that the remaining work to upgrade the dam is under way.

An excavator is on site digging test pits adjacent to the dam to obtain samples for geotechnical testing said NQ Water Chief Executive Officer Ken Diehm.

"This testing is a normal part of the preconstruction work that will give us the technical foundation to carry out the physical upgrade," Mr Diehm said.

"In addition to excavator pits, a drilling rig will be used to allow engineers to install instruments to monitor the ongoing performance of the dam."

The Premier’s representative in North Queensland Lindy Nelson-Carr said the latest activity at the dam site gave a very real sense of the project pushing steadily forward towards the main construction phase.

"Ross River Dam is the life-blood of Townsville and Thuringowa and the State Government agrees with NQ Water that the upgrade is essential to ensure that the dam continues to do its job effectively.

"All of the planning and physical activity associated with this huge task has progressed smoothly to now, which bodes very well for the work yet to come," Ms Nelson-Carr said.

The State Government is underwriting the upgrade to two-thirds of the final cost, which is expected to be between $60m and $90m.

Mr Diehm said members of the public may also see increased activity along Upper Ross River Road as the upgrade process is rolled out.
This upgrade will ensure the dam meets new international standards in dam safety, he said.

The remaining works of the upgrade include constructing sand filters and supporting earth fill, designing and fitting spillway gates and augmenting rock work protection.
It is expected to be completed by 30 June 2008.

© 2003 NQ Water