Scrivener Dam Dissipator Strengthening Project

Drone image of Scrivener Dam looking out towards Telstra Tower.

Construction Start Date

April 2025

Completion Date

Late 2027

Current water level

The NCA is lowering the water level of Lake Burley Griffin to support these construction works. The latest water level reading for Lake Burley Griffin is 255mm below normal lake level (as at 10/08/26).

Current update

July 2026

In early June month we completed our second (of 10) major concrete pours on the project. The second pour involved 250 cubic metres of concrete placed in the new slab. The team adapted to Canberra’s changing weather conditions between pours — using ice in the first pour to control temperatures, then applying heat in the second to help the concrete cure properly. This involved incorporating water heated to between 30 and 40 degrees into each mix. Some updated imagery has been included in the gallery below.

We now move to the third pour, with preparatory works underway. It is anticipated to take place over the next month.

Construction image gallery

This image is a drone photo of Scrivener Dam from above showing the road bridge and water in the base of the dam with Lake Burley Griffin in the background.

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This image is a drone photo of Scrivener Dam showing the early construction of the access roads down to the dam.

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This image is a drone photo of Scrivener Dam showing the early construction of the cofferdam.

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This image shows workers installing the concrete 'lego blocks' of the temporary cofferdam

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This image shows the concrete block wall which is the first stage of construction of the cofferdam

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This image shows the 250 tonne crane in action on site.

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This image shows a crane onsite lifting a baffle block.

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This image shows hyro demolition activities at Scrivener Dam

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This image is an aerial shot of Scrivener Dam demonstrating a daytime water release whilst construction continues

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This image shows a water release occurring overnight at Scrivener Dam

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This image shows ground anchor test drilling at Scrivener Dam

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This image shows anchors being prepared for installation

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This image shows a water release occurring during the day with the cofferdam keeping the water out of the construction area.

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This image is taking from the timelapse camera showing a water release occurring during the day and anchor drilling activities occurring on site

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Drone shot taken of Scrivener Dam with Lake Burley Griffin and Telstra Tower in the background

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Wide lens shot of construction underway at Scrivener Dam including drilling and crane movements

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Wide lens shot showing construction underway at Scrivener Dam inclusive of crane movement

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This image shows a water release underway as works continue on the dissipator strengthening project.

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Drone image of Scrivener Dam during the concrete pour from above

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This image shows a water release happening on site whilst site preparation is underway the day of the second major concrete pour.

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The image shows a major concrete pour underway with two concrete pumps operating.

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This image shows a major concrete pour underway as the sun begins sitting with most of the concrete slab now poured.

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This image is a close up of three workers laying the concrete within the slab.

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This image shows finishing works underway following a major concrete pour.

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This image shows the heat blankets laid on the freshly poured concrete slab to support its curing period.

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Project Overview

The National Capital Authority is undertaking a major project at Scrivener Dam. The project will involve strengthening work on the downstream structure of the dam – the dissipator. These works are the most significant strengthening works completed on the dam since it was first built in 1963.

About Scrivener Dam

Scrivener Dam is a concrete gravity dam responsible for retaining the water which forms Lake Burley Griffin. It plays a critical role in controlling the flow of water and managing the risk of floods by controlling water levels in Lake Burley Griffin at a consistent level through five flood gates and three sluice gates, which in turn protects the residents of Canberra from flooding and downstream areas from sudden fluctuations in water flows.

Learn more about the dam on the Scrivener Dam Attractions page.

This image is a basic diagram of Scrivener Dam. It shows the two abutments either side of the road bridge (Lady Denman Drive), the five flood gates and three sluice gates as well as the dissipator located at the bottom of the diagram.

About the project

The spillway, located immediately downstream of the dam, includes a dissipator structure. The dissipator is a concrete structure comprising of a horizontal concrete slab and concrete chute blocks and vertical concrete baffle blocks. The dissipator absorbs the energy of the water flowing over the flood gates and prevents potentially damaging erosion in the river channel downstream of the dam. The chute and baffle blocks disperse water and reduce the impact of water pouring over the horizontal concrete slab structure.

Diagram of Existing Scrivener Dam

Since the dam was first constructed in 1963, standards of construction and the body of knowledge regarding dam safety have improved. Based on several investigations and studies undertaken in recent years, the NCA identified several structural risks with the dissipator of the dam.

During flood conditions, there is a risk the dissipator structure could fail, which in turn could cause the dam to fail. Hence, the dissipator strengthening project is essential to ensure the ongoing safety of the dam.

Project benefits

Mitigate the risk of failure of the dissipator structure and, in turn, ensure ongoing safety of Scrivener Dam.
Mitigate risk of flooding to surrounding community during flood events.
Ensure contemporary standards are met.
Improve safety.

Project key features

Strengthening the existing horizontal concrete slab of the dissipater by installing approximately 700 new ground anchors into the foundation rock of the dam (10 to 20 metres deep).
Increasing the thickness of the horizontal concrete slab of the dissipator by half a metre.
Reconstructing new baffle blocks to match the increased thickness of the concrete slab.
Reinforcing the adjacent riverbanks downstream of the dam to minimise erosion that could lead to failure of the dissipater structure.

Diagram of Additions to Scrivener Dam

Construction

Seymour Whyte was awarded the construction contract in December 2024.

Site works began in April 2025 with major works underway from June 2025.

During construction there will be an increase in construction traffic on Lady Denman Drive. Construction traffic will enter the site on the western access road to Scrivener Dam and will cross the existing bike path adjacent to Lady Denman Drive. Traffic will be controlled during construction hours however we urge all users to take care when navigating the area.

Lowering of Lake Burley Griffin

To manage risks associated with working in the spillway of the dam, it is necessary to lower the level of the lake during construction. It is planned to lower the lake by a maximum of 500mm during construction. This will be reduced as far as possible to minimise the impact to lake users. We urge all lake users to consider the impacts and potential new hazards prior to setting out onto the water.

Construction staging

Major works are being carried out in two main stages as shown in the image below. The stages will be separated by a temporary cofferdam which will allow operation of the dam around the construction site.

What is a cofferdam?

A temporary enclosure built within or around a body of water to create a dry area for construction or repair work.

Both stages consist of demolition of the existing baffle blocks, installation of ground anchors into the foundation rock, pouring of the new reinforced concrete slab and reconstruction of the baffle blocks on top of the new slab.

This image is a diagram of the two stages of construction. The first stage of works takes place closest to the lookout near the left abutment. The second stage of works takes place closest to the right abutment (on the National Zoo side of the dam).

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If you would like to contact the project team, email us at communications@nca.gov.au

Publications and previous announcements

Public Interest Certificate

2 December 2024: Project to Strengthen Scrivener Dam Moves Ahead

16 November 2023: Public Notification - Scrivener Dam Strengthening Project Call for EOIs

31 March 2022: Scrivener Dam to get needed upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the NCA need to do the Scrivener Dam Dissipator Project?

The construction of Scrivener Dam was completed in 1963 - which is now over 60 years ago. Since the dam was first constructed, the standards of construction and the body of knowledge regarding dam safety have improved. Studies commissioned by the NCA identified the need to strengthen the Scrivener Dam Dissipator. NCA worked with the University of New South Wales Water Research Laboratory (UNSW WRL), and the Dam Safety Engineers (SMEC) to design, construct and test a scale model of Scrivener Dam. The model and other investigative methods were used to ascertain how the dam and its environs function under a range of operational scenarios. The modelling and subsequent assessments identified structural risk with the dissipator under flood conditions. There is the potential for the dissipator to be significantly damaged during a major flood event, which in turn, could lead to the failure and subsequent collapse of Scrivener Dam. Hence, the NCA must undertake the Dissipator Strengthening project to ensure the ongoing safety of the dam.

When will the construction start and how long will it take?

Construction began on site in April 2025 with completion anticipated in late 2027 (weather permitting).

What community impacts are expected?

Lowering of Lake Burley Griffin – to effectively manage the risk for construction while working in the spillway of the dam, NCA will be lowering the level of the lake. It is planned to lower the lake by a maximum of 500mm during construction. This will be reduced as far as possible to minimise the impact to lake users. The NCA urges all lake users to consider the impacts and potential new hazards prior to setting out onto the water.
Increased traffic on Lady Denman Drive – during construction there will be an increase in construction traffic on Lady Denman Drive. Construction traffic will enter the site on the western access road to Scrivener Dam and will cross the existing bike path adjacent to Lady Denman Drive. Traffic will be controlled during construction, however NCA urges all users to take care when navigating the area. The NCA will continue to work with the community to understand and mitigate impacts wherever practical.

Will the bike path or the bridge be closed during construction?

There will be no extended closures of the bike path or the bridge over the dam during construction. From time to time, there could be short closures to allow movement of construction vehicles, however, disruption will be kept to a minimum.

How noisy will the works be?

The project will involve drilling for roughly 700 new ground anchors between 10 to 20 metres deep. The process used to drill these holes will be noisy. However, the NCA undertook a noise and vibration impact assessment as part of the design for the project. The study identified all noise generated during the project will be below ACT guidelines for the areas surrounding the dam. The NCA will monitor noise during the project and will work with stakeholders to mitigate impacts during the project.

Has consideration been given to the animals/wildlife at the National Zoo and Aquarium, noting their proximity to the project?

During the design phase NCA liaised with the National Zoo and Aquarium to ensure their awareness of the planned works. NCA modelled the predicted noise levels and simulated the predicted noise levels at sensitive areas of the zoo in the presence of qualified zoo staff. These tests found there would be low noise impact for sensitive areas around the zoo. Mitigations have been implemented including limiting the work hours for the project. NCA and the Head Contractor have also installed noise monitoring for the project and will continue monitoring to ensure noise levels are managed during construction.

Where can I learn more?

We are keen to keep the community involved and aware of what’s happening at Scrivener Dam. Keep checking back on this website and register for project updates. If you have any questions about the project, you can email us at communications@nca.gov.au.