Century old water main to be replaced on Beaufort Street

Water Corporation will soon start work to replace two kilometres of 100-year-old water main on Beaufort Street in Northbridge and Highgate.

This essential work will start on 11 March 2019 between Newcastle and Bulwer Street, with this first section expected to take around six weeks to complete.

Water Corporation Assets Delivery General Manager Nathan Hardwick said the water main replacement was part of the Pipes for Perth program, which is replacing old water mains to ensure a reliable water supply to the community for decades to come.

“Replacing ageing water mains reduces the likelihood of bursts and the disruption this can cause businesses, residents and commuters when they occur,” Mr Hardwick said.

“While the work we are doing is essential, we understand there can be an impact on local businesses and commuters and we thank them for their patience and understanding.

Mr Hardwick said the Corporation had been liaising with local business owners, including restaurants and cafes since late last year, and they will all remain open for business during the work.

“People are encouraged to still head to their favourite local venues on Beaufort Street as we plan to do all we can to minimise any impact,” he said.

The next section of pipe to be replaced on Beaufort Street will be between Aberdeen and Newcastle Street and begin on the week of 20 April and is expected to be finished by 15 May 2019.

The following section between Roe and Aberdeen Street will begin on the week of 16 May to and is expected to be finished 19 June 2019.

On all sections of this work, northbound lanes will be closed to road users. The southbound lanes will be converted to allow traffic to flow in single lane northbound and southbound directions.

Pedestrian footpaths will be unaffected and access to properties will be maintained. 

Dates for the remainder of the Beaufort Street project, from Bulwer Street to Chelmsford Street, are being finalised with regular updates available at watercorporation.com.au/pipesforperth

Since 2016, Water Corporation’s Pipes for Perth program has replaced more than 120 kilometres of water mains across metropolitan Perth.

Many of these water mains have been supplying drinking water to homes and businesses in Perth for over a century.