Albert Park branch sewer upgrade begins
South East Water has started construction on a major 1.9 km branch sewer upgrade in Albert Park and surrounding streets to boost network capacity for Melbourne’s growing population and increase resilience during extreme wet weather events.
To limit disruption to local businesses and the community, South East Water is completing the project in stages with trenchless pipe construction.
South East Water’s General Manager Liveable Water Solutions, Charlie Littlefair, said the major upgrade will ensure the network has the capacity to support the growing customer base in the area.
“New pipes and trenchless technology in Albert Park will protect the environment by supporting future wet weather flows and reducing the risk of localised spills from the sewer network."
“We’re grateful for the public’s support and patience while we complete this 1.9-km sewer upgrade project along with other major inner city works.”
South East Water General Manager Liveable Water Solutions Charlie Littlefair
Stage 1 has started near Ross Gregory Oval and should take about two months to complete. Crews will pack up over the Christmas and New Year break and will finish this stage by January 2025.
Work has also begun on stage 2a, involving relining the existing sewer in Cowderoy Street and will be completed prior to Christmas.
Stage 2b works start in Deakin Street in St Kilda West from early 2025 and are anticipated to finish in mid 2025.
Stage 3 works will begin take place in Albert Park near Hockey Drive from April until August 2025.
Stages 4, 5 and 6 of the works in Union Street, St Kilda Road and Beatrice Street will follow. These works in this complex and busy area aren’t expected to start until at least mid-2025.
The works have been planned to ensure there is no impact on the F1 Grand Prix weekend from March 13-16.
Working hours within Albert Park are Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm. On occasion, engineers may need to work outside these hours for safety, technical or permit reasons. The whole project is scheduled for completion by mid-2026.
South East Water’s delivery partner Zinfra, Jaydo, WSP Joint Venture (ZJW) are working on the upgrade in collaboration with Parks Victoria, to connect with local sporting clubs to minimise impacts to playing fields throughout construction.
Engagement with City of Port Phillip, Parks Victoria, Department of Transport and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation is ongoing, to ensure best outcomes for the community while these essential works are undertaken.
South East Water will deliver this project in strict adherence to both environmental and cultural heritage management plans and is working closely with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to ensure the site is managed appropriately.
South East Water supports healthy and liveable communities by delivering water, sewerage and recycled water services to almost 1.8 million people every day and every night.
For more information on this project visit:
Digital Engagement Space - https://consultationspace.com/SEW/
Project webpage - www.southeastwater.com.au/albertpark