The Townsville Council is making the most of trenchless technology in its major sewer upgrade in North Ward and Belgian Gardens.
The $1.5 million project is using trenchless construction technologies to lay lengths of pipe to minimise the impact on residents and motorists in the busy suburb.
Approximetly two kilometres of pipe will be laid along Isley and Mitchell Streets in the next six months, connecting the Belgian Gardens and North Ward sewer network with upgraded facilities in Leichhardt Street.
Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chairman Cr Paul Jacob said the use of trenchless technology would ensure minimal disruption to the road network, which was especially important given the area’s popularity as a thoroughfare for The Strand.
“By using an advanced drilling process to tunnel an underground passage for the pipe, we won’t need to excavate large sections of the road, verge or footpath,” Cr Jacob said.
“Instead, the pipe is fed through entry and exit pits spaced 100 – 300 metres apart, meaning the surface stays intact. It also means we can install the pipe below other existing services without any disruption to those services.”
Divisional councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the new 315mm diameter pipe would substantially increase the capacity of the sewerage system to meet the demands of a growing population.
“The duplication of the sewer network in Belgian Gardens and North Ward will increase its capacity, which is important in suburbs with medium density buildings,” Cr Greaney said.
“The new sewer pipeline will also reduce the risk of failures and environmental issues that can be associated with older infrastructure.”
Construction started in early March 2017 and is anticipated to take six months. Works will be staged with installation of the pipeline currently underway in Mitchell Street, between Howitt and Landsborough Street.
