"I really enjoy helping civil engineering companies make either our roads or foot path areas safer for people whether they are walking or driving.
With so much urban development taking place in nearly every state of Australia it is so important to keep an eye on safety at all times"
ENCAT was engaged to manufacture one of our Fasterail partial balustrade systems to improve the safety of a culvert. ENCAT supplied and delivered a culvert safety rail system in Silverdale, NSW, as part of a road infrastructure upgrade led by a civil engineering company. The project required the installation of safety railings around a new culvert following council requirements designed to protect local residents and road users from exposure to fast-flowing water during heavy rainfall.
For this installation, ENCAT provided the Fasterail partial balustrade system which is a modular, weld-free balustrade product that is rapidly becoming the go-to choice for civil contractors, councils and developers across Australia.
Compared to traditional welded steel railings, the Fasterail system offers significant advantages in speed, safety, and cost-efficiency. It’s designed for flexibility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from culverts and civil infrastructure through uses in public spaces, schools, shopping centres, roadways, and national parks.
Partial balustrade installed on a culvert to improve safety
For this civil project the council called for a partial handrail configuration which we manufactured and hot-dip galvanised for long-term corrosion protection. Our streamlined supply and installation methodology meant the entire process, from order placement to final delivery, was completed in just four weeks.
The result?
A smart-looking, compliant railing system delivered on time, to spec and within budget.
Safety aside, the Fasterail system also helps reduce project costs by minimising installation time on-site which is a major benefit for contractors needing to keep labour hours down and meet tight deadlines.
It’s also ideal for repeat projects in fact culvert installations similar to this one is something ENCAT handles frequently. While this Silverdale installation required a partial rail configuration, we also supply full balustrade and 3-rail systems depending on the size, location and level of protection needed.
Why do culverts require a partial rail, three-rail or full balustrades in Australia?
With thousands of culverts lining our roads and residential areas, this type of safety improvement is not just a requirement, it is a necessity that can help save lives. ENCAT’s modular Fasterail solution continues to prove itself as the smart choice for councils and contractors looking to meet safety standards without compromising on time or cost.
The Australian regulations for Roadside Design, Safety and Barriers stipulates the provision of safety barriers or handrails around culverts as a critical requirement to mitigate the risk of injury to road users or pedestrians.
Culverts, particularly those adjacent to public roadways, pedestrian pathways, or within urban and residential estates, can pose significant hazards under certain conditions. During rain events, culverts may convey fast-moving water that presents a drowning risk, especially to children or unaware pedestrians.
Additionally, culverts with steep drops, headwalls, or side entry pits create physical fall hazards. Where culverts are located close to the edge of the road shoulder or within zones of pedestrian access, physical barriers such as partial rails, 3-rail systems, or full balustrades are essential to control access and prevent accidental entry into the structure or waterway. ENCAT can design, manufacture and install these types of physical barriers to any location.
The guidelines are very explicit and as civil engineers we can assist you to ensure your installation meets the criteria for clear zones, recovery areas, and hazard mitigation. We can assist you to identify where culvert headwalls or pits are within the clear zone and cannot be safely traversed and where necessary safety treatments such as guardrails, fencing, or handrails should be installed.
It is important to remember that culvert protection, be it in the form of a safety rail, balustrade or barrier system, is not just a discretionary item, but often a compliance measure tied to risk mitigation, public safety and essential civil design. The decision to install protection around a culvert should be driven by factors such as culvert depth, proximity to thoroughfares, likelihood of public access, hydraulic behaviour during storm events and adherence to local council or road authority standards.
Unique design elements of our partial balustrade system
Stainless steel structural material
ENCAT is an Australian manufacturer of handrails. Our no-weld modular designs mean there is no need for hot works permits, no toxic fumes & no site shutdowns required. Together with the durable design that we have developed in Australia, our system delivers the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry.
We consider every aspect including the handrail’s ability to handle Australian weather conditions & ensuring that any installation is tamper proof by using Pentaforce tek screws instead of easy to access alternatives found in competitor products.
Cost-effective and modular
We make partial or full balustrades that can be used practically anywhere. Our products will help you save money compared to the typical high costs associated with traditional welded handrails and balustrades. With Fasterail, you eliminate the need for complex design or on site production which reduces your upfront expenses.
Our pre-fabricated modular components streamline the installation process, allowing for faster project completion, reduction in labour costs as well as long term reductions in maintenance requirements.
Quite simply, removing the need for onsite welding means fewer delays and a more predictable project timeline.
Our system helps to protect the environment while also being easy to install on site and in this example it had to be made to sit low to the ground.
Learn more about our civil use balustrade and handrail products
ENCAT regularly works with civil works contractors, local or state government departments or national parks services to design, manufacture and install civil use structures to suit any type of application or existing site. We have been doing this since 1989
Learn more about our range of products
