Central Sewer Trunk Main

The Central Sewer Trunk Main project will enhance the wastewater network along the rail corridor between Hampden Road through to Heysen Boulevard.

The project involves the installation of approximately 2.4km of new sewer pipe, along with maintenance and flushing points for future connections. Ageing pipes along the route will also be replaced, ensuring wastewater infrastructure can meet current and future demands while safeguarding the environment. The below map illustrates the pipeline installation which is occurring within the railway corridor.

The Central Project is expected to finish in February 2026.

The Sewer Trunk Main Program of Works brings multiple benefits to the Mount Barker community, including:

• Increased Capacity: Enhanced capacity for existing wastewater flows and future growth, ensuring reliable service for residents and businesses.
• Improved Environmental Protection: Minimised risks of leaks and overflows, protecting local waterways and natural areas.
• Reduced Service Disruptions: Modern infrastructure requiring less maintenance, leading to fewer interruptions for households and businesses.

As construction gets underway, you may notice some activity in your area. Here’s what to expect:

• Construction times are Monday to Friday, between 7am and 5pm. No works will occur on weekends or public holidays unless necessary and approved by Council, nor during extreme weather events.
• Traffic and Pedestrian Management: To keep everyone safe, traffic and pedestrian controls will be in place where needed, especially near roads, pathways, and crossings. We’ll do our best to minimise disruption and thank you for your patience and understanding during these activities.
• Noise and Dust: Some work may generate dust and mild vibrations, and noise from equipment and machinery such as excavators will also be heard. Our team will use measures such as water trucks and other controls to minimise such impacts as much as possible.
• Two main construction methods will be used:
  • Underboring will be the primary method. This involves installing pits at either end of the work zone and tunnelling underground to pull the pipe through. It’s especially useful when working around rail corridors and under crossings as it reduces surface disturbance and keeps traffic moving.
  • Open cut trenching will be used in later stages (Sections 4 to 7). This involves digging a trench to lay the pipe. This work will be carefully managed to reduce impacts, and we’ll share more information closer to the time.

Once construction is complete, all disturbed areas will be reinstated, restoring roads, footpaths and land to their original or better condition.

The Contractor responsible for installing the pipes is BMD Construction, and they have appointed Andrea Shaw of CPR Communications to assist with community and stakeholder relations, and to keep directly impacted parties informed about the works.