Downer undertook the upgrade of the Prospect Pump Water Station as part of the Prospect to Macarthur Link Project (PROMAC). The project involved extending the existing pumping station building, altering electrical connections, constructing a new HV switch room, erecting new surge vessels, and installing associated stairs and platforms. The upgrade of the Prospect Pump Station was aimed at renewing and expanding its pumping capacity. Ferrycarrig was engaged to install new pressure relief valves at Bossley Park and a new air release valve at Carnes Hill as part of the Prospect Pump Station upgrades.

In addition, Ferrycarrig was awarded two additional packages of work: bulk earthworks and enabling works, which included various civil, utilities, and FRP tasks.

The bulk earthworks package comprised:

• Bulk excavation works, including new entry road
• Base lime stabilization, supply, and placement of DGS/DGB and prime seal
• Subsoil drainage along the access road
• Formation of table drains and stabilization of batters
• Excavation for construction of a crane pad

The enabling work package comprised:

• Demolition works
• Relocation and protection of existing underground services
• Excavation works for the construction of a retaining wall for surge vessel
• Construction of a retaining wall for surge vessel
• Installation of new drainage network
• Upgrade to electrical network
• Construction of a crane pad

The project involved various disciplines including bulk excavations, utilities modifications, and concrete works. It was a multidisciplinary project that demanded diverse skill sets.

Key challenges encountered during the project included ensuring thorough service proofing to prevent any potential disruptions to the water pump station’s normal operations, as well as effectively managing a significant volume of excavated material within the constraints of a compact construction site. Implementing smart sequencing of activities was essential to optimizing overall work efficiency.