Work will resume after Easter to connect a new rising sewer main to the existing sewer network at Long Beach after the 1.2km pipe was successfully installed last week.
Although construction only commenced late last year, planning for the $3.17 million project to relocate the main further inland began over three years ago after the existing pipe servicing Long Beach became exposed on Cullendulla Beach due to coastal erosion.
Installation of the new pipe involved directional drilling up to 30 metres below Cullendulla Creek.
Council’s water and sewer manager Brett Corven said it has been a noisy few months for nearby residents in Long Beach and Surfside as contractors drilling encountered hard bands of meta-limestone, quartz and thick heavy clays under the reserve.
However all went well on Monday 15 April, when three huge 400m strings of 450mm diameter pipe were welded together and pulled through the 1.2km long hole as a single length.
“Once installation began any interruption would have increased the risk of the pipe becoming stuck, which would have been catastrophic to the project, so the work continued throughout the day and night until the pipe was fully installed,” Mr Corven said.
“Thankfully works finished ahead of schedule at 12.30am on Tuesday morning at Long Beach and 1.30am at Surfside.
“The community has been fantastic considering the circumstances. We genuinely appreciate residents’ patience and understanding for this vital project.”
After Easter, the contractors will return to connect the new installed pipe into the existing sewer network and remove the exposed sections of old pipe from Cullendulla Beach.
Despite being reported otherwise, the project is now expected to be completed by the end of May. Remaining works are thankfully expected to be less noisy, less dusty and of lesser duration than previously experienced by residents.
Above: A 1.2km sewer pipe to service Long Beach was successfully installed deep beneath Cullendulla Nature Reserve.
