15/02/2026
At SME Civil, we deliver full civil packages as a single-source provider from early planning and constructability input through to delivery and handover. With one team responsible for earthworks, structures, roads and services. Our clients get clearer coordination, fewer interfaces and better control of risk. Our Racecourse Road Culvert & Ford Crossing Upgrade is a great example of this.
Before: Racecourse Road was constrained by an ageing culvert and low road level across Kororoit Creek, creating flood risk and a pinch point for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. On a $3M upgrade in a live waterway surrounded by protected vegetation, existing services and a nearby community our solution tailored to tight environmental and safety controls.
During: SME Civil temporarily diverted the creek to safely demolish the existing crossing, then installed 25 new precast box culverts with headwalls and wingwalls, integrated fish passage and extensive rock beaching to stabilise the banks. The road was raised by around 1.5 metres to improve flood immunity, while a new shared user path and upgraded approaches were delivered under live traffic, with detours, signage and close coordination with Hobsons Bay City Council and Melbourne Water.
After: The finished crossing now provides a higher, safer and more resilient connection over Kororoit Creek, reducing future flood risk and improving access for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. Careful attention to pavement construction, surface levels and detailing has created a road that not only looks clean and well-presented, but is also fully fit for purpose and built to perform over the long term. The result is a durable piece of infrastructure that lifts the corridor visually and functionally, and showcases SME Civil’s ability to deliver complex works to a very high standard from planning through to final finish.
If you’re planning a complex civil package and want a full-service partner who can add value at every stage of the project, we’d love to talk. Get in touch with the SME Civil team to discuss how we can support your next project. https://smecivil.com.au/