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We’re upgrading the Elizabeth Street sewer so we can continue to deliver a safe and reliable sewerage service to Melbourne’s CBD.
About the project
The existing sewerage network under Elizabeth Street is 120 years old. We are upgrading the network to make sure we can continue to provide a reliable sewerage service to people living and working in Melbourne’s CBD. This is part of a four-stage project to upgrade the city’s sewerage network.
Construction started in early 2023 and will take about 12 months to complete.
TEXT ON SCREEN: Elizabeth Street sewer upgrade
VOICE OVER: After more than 120 years of outstanding service, Melbourne city’s sewer network is being upgraded.
The original pipes were built before Australia was a federation and they’re still working. However, the system was designed for 1.5 million people, not five million and counting.
To keep delivering safe and reliable services for a growing population, and to future-proof the system for generations to come, we're building a new 700-meter sewer line under Elizabeth Street, from Lonsdale Street to Victoria Street.
The works start at Lonsdale Street, and move along Elizabeth Street in sections. We’re using a tunnel boring machine for this upgrade. Using this machine to tunnel underground between worksites helps us minimise traffic disruptions during construction.
The project is expected to be completed late 2023.
This is a big project in a busy part of our city. So we’re working with residents, businesses, transport operators, the City of Melbourne and others to minimise the impacts on everyone who lives, works in and visits Elizabeth Street.
To find out more visit YourSay via our website.
How the project will be delivered
We will construct a new 700m long sewer line under Elizabeth Street, from Lonsdale Street to Victoria Street.
To minimise disruptions for everyone who lives in, works in and visits Elizabeth Street, a tunnel boring machine will be used to construct the new sewer. We will dig shafts at seven locations and then tunnel under the road.
The Elizabeth Street sewer upgrade is stage three of the four-stage project to upgrade the Melbourne CBD’s sewerage network. The first two stages are complete.
Stage one
A 700m long sewer was installed under Spencer Street.
Stage two
A 900m long sewer was installed under Lonsdale Street.
Stage three
Works are underway constructing a new 700m long sewer under Elizabeth Street, from Victoria Street to Lonsdale Street.
Stage four
Stage four will connect the sewer underneath Spencer Street to the main sewerage network.
What to expect during construction
There will be no disruption to water or sewage services during the works.
Construction will mostly happen during the day, although some activities must be completed at night.
There will be some changes to road access for vehicles on Elizabeth Street and some side streets. Footpaths and access to businesses will be maintained at all times.
To reduce disruptions to traffic conditions, we are working closely with the City of Melbourne, Department of Transport, emergency services, the Metro Tunnel Project, Yarra Trams and utility providers.
For more information and to get in touch, visit the Elizabeth Street Sewer Upgrade project page.
