Riders should make the most of Beach Road through Brighton this holiday January as sewer works along the road look likely to start in February.
Melbourne water is rehabilitating the 100-year-old Brighton main sewer from Hampton to Brighton over 12 months next year, and riding may become odorous as well as strenuous.
Sections of the road are likely to be closed during the year as manholes are opened up to access the sewer under the road.
Sewerage will be piped above ground at certain stages of the project, and spills are possible.
But as much of the work may be done outside of the peak rider periods.
Melbourne Water has been meeting with Bicycle Network to determine how best to manage interruptions to what is one of the world’s busiest road circuits.
Although Melbourne water is still to determine the exact methodology for the sewer re-lining, it is expected that it will involve half-closing sections of the street around each manhole, and possibly between contiguous manholes that are being worked on.
This means that for several hundred metres at a time the road would be reduced to two lanes on the western side, one each way.
The sewer sits under the left side of the road for 4.6 km from North Road along to Orlando Street and has close to 50 manholes with work being undertaken by Melbourne Water at each manhole expected to take about three weeks at a time.
Melbourne Water says it will continue to work closely with major stakeholders including the Bicycle Network on this major project and communications will be provided as information becomes available to ensure safe cycling for all riders.
For more information about the project please call 1800 870 729 or email brightonsewer@melbournewater.com.au or visit yoursay.melbournewater.com.au/sewerupgrade
