Bendigo Creek sewer pipe damage – repairs complete!
After heavy rain during the week commencing Monday 29 June, high creek flows damaged sewer pipes that had been exposed during construction work in the creek.
The force of the water was so strong it dislodged the pipes.
Despite the damage, our teams worked around the clock to keep sewer services running for customers whose used water flows through these pipes on its way to the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant.
In challenging conditions, our teams installed a temporary bypass, worked safely around power lines to lift excavation equipment and debris into and out of the creek, and quickly completed the repairs. Careful planning, expertise, and teamwork helped the job progress quickly, smoothly, and safely.
We're pleased to confirm the repairs are complete, the trench has been capped with concrete, and this section of our underground pipe network is operating as normal.
The City of Greater Bendigo can now resume work on the Bendigo Low Line project.
Thank you to the local community for your patience and for helping keep the work area clear.
This incident highlights the important work that happens behind the scenes every day to keep water and sewer services flowing in the Coliban Water region - often without our customers ever noticing.
EARLIER
In Bendigo our water and sewer infrastructure is located underground, with some sewer pipes located alongside Bendigo Creek.
Recent construction work removed sections of the creek's surface near Lily Street, exposing this pipework.
Heavy rain and high creek flows over the past week dislodged the exposed pipes, causing a spill.
Advice for residents and businesses in the area:
- Sewer and water services are not affected.
- Pedestrians should avoid the creek and nearby pathways while repair work is underway. The footbridge near the worksite will remain closed until further notice.
We will continue to provide regular updates. If you have specific questions, please call us on 1300 363 200.
We apologise for any inconvenience and will make every effort to complete repairs quickly and minimise noise, odour, and vehicle movements.
Update: Friday 10 July
For your safety, please do not enter Bendigo Creek or the surrounding pathways near Lily Street while cranes are being used to lift excavators and other machinery.
If you are in the area, you can stay safe by following all signs and directions from the construction team.
A small crew will return next week to complete a general site clean-up and final tests.
Update: Thursday 9 July
Sewer pipes damaged during last week’s wet weather have been repaired and reconnected to the network.
Today, the temporary bypass pump will be removed and the trench within the creek backfilled and capped with concrete. The City of Greater Bendigo will then be able to resume their work on the Bendigo Low Line project.
Cranes will be back onsite tomorrow to remove earth moving equipment.
Members of the public should continue to avoid the Bendigo Creek and nearby pathways around Lily Street, particularly while cranes are operating. Please follow all signage and directions from the construction team.
We will share another update tomorrow.
Update: Monday 6 July
For your safety, please do not enter Bendigo Creek or the surrounding pathways near Lily Street while work is underway to repair sewer pipes that were damaged during recent wet weather.
If you are in the area, you can stay safe by following all signs and directions from the construction team.
Over the weekend, contractors used excavators and other machinery to remove the dislodged pipes and debris. Work starts today to relay and reconnect the pipes to the sewer network.
Coliban Water and Council contractors will remain onsite throughout the week.
We will provide another update later this week.
Update: Saturday 4 July
- A temporary bypass has been installed, and sewer flows will be diverted into an adjacent pipeline until repairs are complete.
- Parking between 133 and 157 Creek Street South can resume today.
- Contractors will be onsite for the remainder of the weekend. Excavators are being lifted into the creek to clear debris.
- We expect work to repair the dislodged section of pipe to start on Monday.
Update: Friday 3 July
- Repairs are now underway. Today, the sewer will be diverted into an adjacent pipeline and a temporary bypass pump installed.
- The bypass pump will be located opposite 157 Creek Street South. A hose will extend from the pump along the creek fenceline before entering an access chamber opposite 133 Creek Street South.
- The pump will then operate intermittently until the damaged section of pipe is repaired and reconnected.