Eastern Sector Sewer Trunk Main Upgrades

From Wednesday 23 September, Scarborough Way will be temporarily closed for up to two weeks to allow crews to crossover the road to install the new trunk main between Parkview Drive to the Bald Hills Road intersection.

What this means for you:

• Full closure at the Bald Hills Road connection point
• Please detour via Green Avenue to enter and exit Mount Glenn Estate
• Works will take place during dayshifts, Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 5:00pm

Scarborough Way will be repaved later, once trunk movements in the area have settled, to reduce the risk of damage to the new surface.

Thank you for your patience while we get this important work done.

Hartmann Road Closure and Detour

To facilitate the installation of a new sewer trunk main as part of the Eastern Sewer Trunk Main project, Hartmann Road will be closed to all through traffic. A light vehicle detour will be in place via Dean Street, Douglas Drive and Belmont Crescent. The heavy vehicle detour will be via Springs Road, Heysen Boulevard and Paech Road.

Closure date: Monday, 7 September for up to eight (8) weeks, weather and site conditions permitting.

For full details, including resident notices, detour maps and answers to frequently asked questions, please click HERE

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.

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