A drone boat has made gathering subsurface information from waterways safer and easier for the next stage of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade.
In a planning innovation for the upgrade, the boat’s sonar technology has mapped depths and submerged contours of waterways in the project area. The data will help with the flood modelling for the project and potential upgrades to infrastructure like culverts, bridges, drainage and environmental features.
The tri-hull boat’s range of special features makes it safer and more effective than conventional methods for mapping submerged areas.
The drone’s remote-control operation means surveyors can stay ashore to gather data rather than venture onto waterways where they face attendant safety risks. Its small size and manoeuvrability also allow for the collection of information from areas impossible to reach in a full-size boat, such as under culverts, alongside shallow banks or amid foliage.
With its light weight, the drone is easily and safely launched on waterways without boat ramps.
Other benefits of the high-tech vessel include savings in transport, storage and maintenance costs, along with reduced environmental impacts.
The TriDrone boat is the first of its kind for contractor SMEC Australia, which is conducting survey activities for our planning of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade - Stage 2. SMEC has deployed the boat in sections of Armstrong Creek and nearby retarding basins as part of its surveying work.
The Barwon Heads Road Upgrade – Stage 2 would improve traffic congestion between Charlemont and Armstrong Creek. We're investigating options for the upgrade to increase the road’s capacity while improving safety, travel reliability and walking and cycling connections.
The potential project scope includes adding lanes, upgrading intersections, and building shared walking and cycling paths.
Stage 2 would extend the benefits of the upgrade’s first stage, between Belmont and Marshall.
Earlier last year we asked for community feedback to help inform planning and shape the development of design options for Stage 2.
We're now considering all feedback as part of the preparation of a planning application for Stage 2 before asking the Minister for Planning to decide on the application. We've also submitted a business case for Stage 2 to the Department of Transport and Planning.
Find out more about the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade.