Elster Creek Sewer Upgrade

The population in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs is growing, placing pressure on the current sewerage system. These works will upgrade the capacity of the existing Elster Creek sewer, so that future growth can be met.

 The works will: 
• Improve service reliability into the future.
• Future proof the sewer network.
• Reduce ongoing maintenance and repair costs. 

Site investigative works were completed earlier in 2022 to inform the design of the sewer upgrade. Construction started in late 2022 at the Higgins Road Stage and progressed along to the Wood Street and London Street Stages (refer to map above). We're now expecting to finish in early 2024.

We will be installing relief sewer pipes and new concrete manholes along Higgins Road, Wood Street, Hobart Street and London Street, Bentleigh. The installation of relief pipes will be done through a process called underground micro tunnelling. This involves excavating up to four access shafts in stages along each of the streets listed above.

We will renew the sewer pipeline in sections of approximately 100 metres at a time. The works zones will involve some road closures and include temporary fencing and water barriers to ensure the safety of nearby residents and the local community. 

Construction hours will be Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm. If Saturday works are necessary, they will take place between 8am and 5pm. On the odd occasion, we might need to work at other times for safety, technical or permit reasons.

Construction started in mid October 2022 and we expected to take approximately ten months to complete the project, including reinstatement of road surfaces. We encountered unexpected delayed and now expect to finish in early 2024.

The project will be completed in stages starting on Higgins Road moving to Wood Street and then Hobart and London Streets. We'll keep affected residents updated.

South East Water and their appointed contractor ZJW (Zinfra, Jaydo, WSP Joint Venture) will keep you informed about the project and construction in your area. We'll also keep this webpage up to date.

Sections of the road along the works alignment will be closed for up to six to eight weeks at a time. Vehicle access to driveways in these sections of the road will be blocked. Pedestrian access to properties however will be maintained. The project team will notify affected properties in advance and advise of alternative parking arrangements. The crew will also be available to assist residents where possible. We’re sorry for the inconvenience and will work to make sure this is for as short a time as possible. 

During the works ZJW will have a site compound on Higgins Road opposite the Bentleigh McKinnon Youth Centre. This location has been approved by council. The compound will be secure and adhere to strict safety requirements. 

The construction methods chosen are not likely to cause high levels of dust and vibration. The project team will carry out regular site area inspections during high volumes of work to monitor for the safety and comfort of local residents and the community.  There will be periods of noise from machinery and drilling rigs. The crew will try to keep noisier works to a minimum between 7 am and 9 am. 

If you require property access due to a medical condition, please contact the ZJW Project Manager Dan Schaede immediately on 0423 534 377 or dschaede@jaydo.com.au

No. If you experience any disruption to your water or sewerage services please call our 24/7 Faults and Emergencies team on 13 28 12.

There is no cost to the property owner for these works. 

When we’ve finished the job, we’ll leave things how we found them and make sure we return any areas we’ve impacted as close as possible to their original condition.