The 350 m main was installed beneath the Weyba Creek to replace a failed 30-year-old line running along the bed of the canal.
Installed using horizontal directional drilling (HHD), the project faced significant challenges including confined construction area of 300 m2 and a drill exit zone of just 15 m2.
In conjunction with this, the job site was surrounded by private properties, was subject to several noise restrictions, and could only be accessed via a nearby footpath.
Unitywater contracted Pipeline Drillers to complete project works.
The two organisations worked closely with the local community to inform residents about the nature of the project and the impact it would have on their lives.
The 350 m pilot drill passed up to 18 m below the Weyba Creek in silty soil. This work took 10 days to complete.
During the following 25 days, a 350 mm and 500 mm back-reaming process was completed to prepare the final bore hole for the pipe pull through.
Project contractors Pipeline Drillers selected a DN315 HDPE pipe which was successfully installed three days later.
Unitywater Executive Manager Simon Taylor said “The drilling operation was completed from emergency project initiation to construction in a total of nine weeks by working 12 hour days over seven-day weeks”
“This was the outcome from close cooperation from all those involved.”
The project is in the final stages, which includes the demobilisation of the HDD rig and restoration of the work site to pre-installation conditions.
For further information visit the Unitywater website.