Construction work starts week of 9 November 2020
Important dates
Start of work: Week starting 9 November 2020
Levee banks closed: Week starting 9 November – mid-2021
Pedestrian bridges over the drain closed: 23 November 2020 – mid-April 2021
What is happening?
Water Corporation will begin construction work to upgrade the Vasse Diversion Drain in the week starting 9 November 2020. The work will be undertaken by Vasse Joint Venture (VJV) as an authorised contractor of Water Corporation.
How long will this take?
Work will take place Monday to Saturday between 7am – 6pm and will continue until winter 2021.
If required, work may occur on a Sunday in order to avoid any unforeseen delays to project completion.
What does the work involve?
The drain’s channel will be widened so it can hold and move more water during a flood. We will also build an overflow structure where the drain meets the Vasse River in Bovell, so there is better control of the flows between the two waterways.
In order to complete the work in time for winter, four construction crews will be working along the drain in sections as shown on the map below. All sections will be under construction for the duration of the project.
The early stages of work will involve the construction of two clay walls at either end of the drain, to stop the flow of water into the construction area. Water currently in the drain will then be pumped out so the drain can be worked on and used as a transport route for construction machinery.
Majority of the construction work on this project will be earthworks, but will also involve concrete work in some areas and the extension of the pedestrian bridge between College Ave and Glenmeer Rmbl.
Why are the bridges closing?
The pedestrian bridges between College Ave and Glenmeer Rmbl and between Moore St and Queen Elizabeth Ave will be closed from 23 November 2020 (end of year 12 exams) to mid-April 2021 (in time for school term 2).
The bridge between College Ave and Glenmeer Rmbl needs to be closed and extended so it spans the width of the new, wider drain.
The bridge between Moore St and Queen Elizabeth Ave will be closed so work can be carried out safely beneath it.
What are the impacts of construction?
As with most work, you may experience increased levels of noise, dust, and vehicle movements while this work takes place.
As the site is near to school commute routes, we will endeavour to minimise vehicle and machinery movements during school commute times. The levee bank and some sections of shared path will be closed while light vehicles and machinery are moved into the area. Please observe any detours of these pathways.
Traffic management will also be in place at times throughout the project. We will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible if you live nearby to the detours.
An update on the environment
Over the last fortnight 15 possum bridges and around 35 fauna shelters have been installed in trees surrounding the drain. These structures will help possums and other wildlife move safely away from the work area, should they wish to.
In addition, over 35,000 of the protected Carter’s Freshwater Mussel were relocated last week from the drain into the Vasse River where they will be safe from construction impacts.
Essential clearing will continue over the next fortnight and environmental experts will be present to keep an eye on wildlife movement. If you see a lost or distressed animal that you believe is related to this work, please contact the local FAWNA wildcare helpline on 0438 526 660.
Where can I go for more information.
Visit the document library (on the right hand side of the project home page) for over 40 project documents such as plans, maps, FAQs and environmental surveys.
