Eastern Sector Sewer Trunk Main Upgrades

Advance notice: Hartmann Road closure from August 2026

We want to give you a heads-up about an important change coming to Hartmann Road later this year, as part of the Eastern Sector Sewer Trunk Main project (ESTM).

Mount Barker is one of the fastest-growing communities in South Australia. The ESTM is the final stage of a broader sewer installation program that has been under construction since 2023. 

As part of the ESTM, you may have already noticed activity at:

• Mountain Glen Estate, along Parkview Drive and Scarborough Way
• Aston Hills Golf Course 
• Early works on Hartmann Road and at the Dean Street pump station
• Nightworks on Bald Hills Road.

What’s happening on Hartmann Road

The next section of the project involves laying new sewer pipe along Hartmann Road, between Dean Street and Emerald Way. 

To install this section of pipe safely and as quickly as possible, the closure of Hartmann Road with detours is required. Please refer to map #1 for details. Note that access for pedestrians and Hartmann Road residents and businesses located within the work zone (refer map #1) will be maintained at all times.

We’ve changed our approach to reduce impacts

We've changed our approach for this next section of the project to reduce impacts on nearby residents and commuters, where possible:

• We’re finishing works on Bald Hills Road first, so you’re not dealing with two major closures in this location at once
• That crew will then join the Hartmann Road team, so we can work from both ends of the closure and finish faster
• We’re implementing extended working hours so that we can get in, get it done, and get out as quickly as possible.

This approach is expected to bring the closure down to approximately seven (7) weeks instead of the original 10-week program, subject to weather and ground conditions.

We’ll confirm the exact start date and more details closer to commencement. In the meantime, you can subscribe to project updates using the Subscribe link above.

For further details on our chosen methodology, please read the Hartmann Road Factsheet

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we deliver this important upgrade for our community.

Bald Hills Road - Night Works Postponed
Due to wet weather forecast, the Bald Hills Road night works have been postponed. Works will now commence on Sunday, 21 June 2026. All other details relating to Bald Hills Road works remain the same. 

Scarborough Way - Road closure and detour
Works on Scarborough Way are taking longer than expected due to difficult ground conditions. The crew has encountered highly saturated soil, which has caused the trench to collapse and affected the surrounding road pavement. 

The crew is working to complete the pipe installation and make the area safe. Scarborough Way will remain closed to through traffic with detours until this work is done and the road is safe for vehicles to use again.

We understand this is an inconvenience and thank you for your patience. 

Bald Hills Road nightworks 

Pedestrian detour between Simper Crescent and Parkview Drive

GMB Water is continuing work to install a new sewer trunk main to support the ongoing growth of Mount Barker. This important upgrade will improve the reliability of the wastewater network, support existing and future demand, and help protect the environment.

Construction of the new Eastern Sector Sewer Trunk Main (STM) commenced in February 2026. It involves the installation of around 2.1 km of new sewer pipeline, starting at the Laratinga Wastewater Treatment Plant and finishing at Emerald Way.

Where we’re working

Works will take place across the following areas:

• Laratinga Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Parkview Drive
• Bald Hills Road
• Aston Hills Golf Course
• Hartman Road to Emerald Way

Eastern Sector Sewer Trunk Main Map

When we’re working

Construction timeframe: February 2026 to January 2027 (subject to weather and ground conditions)

Standard hours

• Day works: Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm
• Night works (Bald Hills Road and Scarborough Way): Sunday to Thursday, 7pm to 5am

Works won’t occur on weekends or public holidays unless required and approved by GMB Water, or during extreme weather.

Why we’re doing it

This upgrade will help deliver:

• Increased capacity for current wastewater needs and future growth
• Improved environmental protection by reducing the risk of leaks and overflows
• Fewer service disruptions over time through modern, lower-maintenance infrastructure

What you may notice during works

As construction progresses, you may see:

• Construction activity including workers, machinery and vehicles.
• Temporary laydown area and construction compound in the reserve on Parkview Drive (between Scarborough Way and Melville Street). Having this area close to the construction works reduces the need for plant, equipment and materials to travel longer distances through Mount Barker. This helps lower vehicle movements and emissions, reduces noise and impacts on local roads, and supports safer, more efficient construction with less disruption to the community.
• Traffic and pedestrian management such as reduced speeds, temporary footpath/lane/road closures, and detours (please follow signs and traffic controllers)
• Noise, dust, mud and minor vibration at times (vacuum trucks can be especially noisy). Water trucks and streetsweepers will be used when required.
• Vegetation removal where required, undertaken only when necessary and in consultation with Council’s Urban Forest Officer. Some sections along Parkview Drive have been redesigned to retain native vegetation where practicable.

How we’re building the new pipeline

Two construction methods are being used:

1. Open trenching (main method)
   A long, narrow trench is excavated to lay the pipe. Once installed, the trench is backfilled, compacted, and the surface restored (road, footpath or vegetation).
2. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) – beneath the golf course (Stage 3)
   Pipe sections are welded and pulled through a pre-drilled underground path, using an entry and exit pit. HDD is being used under the golf course to reduce surface disturbance and minimise vegetation and tree removal.

Keeping things safe and tidy

Safety is built into every stage. Traffic controls, barriers and signage will be used where needed, and measures will be staged to reduce disruption as much as possible while maintaining access.

Once construction is complete, disturbed areas will be reinstated to their original condition.

Stay informed

We’ll continue providing updates as works move through each construction stage.

To keep up to date, visit the GMB Water website and Facebook page:

• Eastern Sector Sewer Trunk Main Upgrade
• GMB Water Facebook
• Subscribe to receive project updates by email
• Project Notification February 2026