Jan Juc,  on the Victorian Surf Coast, recently set the scene for a dramatic construction feat involving the use of a helicopter to airlift a new staircase into place at a popular surf access point. 

Storm damage in 2017 necessitated the complete replacement of the beach access stairs, upper tier lookouts and boardwalk sections.  AW Maritime was engaged by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) to provide an assessment on the structural integrity of the original structure, and also consulted on options for its eventual replacement. Working alongside GORCC and CMW geotechnical engineers, AW Maritime provided  detailed design and construction phase support for the project which is now nearing completion. 

The use of a helicopter to transport the new stairs for installation was a technique decided on to significantly reduce construction time.  In a display of tremendous skill, the helicopter pilot and the team on the ground worked with incredible precision to manoeuvre the old staircase out and lower the new staircase into place. 

The lower tier replacement stairs have been constructed using Wagners FRP materials and non-slip FRP treads, designed to be safer and withstand the predicted impacts of climate change.  Upgrades to drainage will also be completed to help prevent erosion.

The project was funded by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s capital works program and a $60,000 grant from Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Coastal Environments Grant Program.

For more information, please visit https://www.gorcc.com.au