RSS completes guardrail upgrade and batter remediation on South Australia’s Rogers Road, Myponga

Roadside Services and Solutions (RSS) has successfully delivered a critical safety and infrastructure upgrade for the District Council of Yankalilla, improving road user safety and protecting vital assets along Rogers Road in Myponga.

A challenging site in a unique landscape

Rogers Road is a 2km unsealed, no‑through road servicing several farming properties on the south‑western tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The road climbs steadily from Pages Flat Road and crosses the Myponga River just 150 metres from its northern end.

During heavy rainfall events, the existing three‑pipe stormwater culvert regularly becomes overwhelmed with water flow through. Flooding and fast‑moving water caused erosion to the battered verges, scoured the gravel road surface, and reduced visual delineation between the roadway and the riverbed. Prior to this project, the only delineation at the crossing was a line of white guideposts.

Council engaged Roadside Services and Solutions to deliver a safer, more resilient solution.

Scope of works

The project involved a combination of bridge maintenance, batter remediation and the installation of a compliant guardrail system. Key elements included:

• Repairing and reinstating damaged batters around the culvert/bridge structure
• Protecting the reinstated batters with rock armour and riprap drainage
• Installing 45 metres of W‑Beam guardrail on both sides of the crossing, including leading and trailing end treatments and a driveway kit for a local property
• Maintaining a 4‑metre road width across the bridge
• Reinstating the gravel road surface following construction
• Ensuring both visual and physical delineation for road users, particularly at night and during flood events

Project delivery

All earthworks, construction, safety barrier installation and rock wall remediation were completed by Roadside’s experienced civil works team: Tony Abbey, Stuart Hardinge, Kym Simons, John Soldi and Damien Jones. Road rubble and concrete were locally sourced from Southern Quarries, Sellicks Hill.

Overcoming site challenges

The team navigated several complexities, including:

• Constructing and boxing‑up concrete foundations on an elevated, battered verge above the riverbed
• Maintaining continuous road access for local traffic, with no option for diversion
• Managing periods of inclement weather
• Working around an existing culvert structure with limited space for machinery

Despite these challenges, the project was delivered safely, efficiently and within the council’s design‑and‑construct budget.

A bespoke solution for a complex location

Close collaboration with the District Council of Yankalilla enabled Roadside to design and deliver a tailored outcome that improved safety without compromising road width or access. The new guardrail system now provides both physical protection and clear delineation for road users, significantly reducing risk during adverse weather and flood events.

Benefits for the community

Completion of the works provides long‑term value for both council and local landowners by:

• Improving safety at a previously vulnerable river crossing
• Reducing future maintenance costs through strengthened batters and drainage
• Enhancing resilience during heavy rainfall and flood events
• Supporting safe access for farming operations along Rogers Road