CBD flood relief
THE number and severity of damaging floods in Geelong’s CBD will be reduced because of a massive new project.
With four major incidents since 1999, authorities have been keen to find solutions to reduce the frequency of flooding and disruption for the city centre.
The most effective option was found to be a new 450m long drain installed under Gheringhap St.
It will run from near Johnstone Park to Corio Bay, with the stormwater to be filtered to reduce the amount of rubbish that is released.
Costings are incomplete, but the council has set aside $3 million in its 2018-19 budget to get it rolling. The project will be jointly funded by the State Government.
Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said construction work would begin early next year and run for up to a year.
He said crews would use the pipe jacking method, meaning works would be trenchless.
They would microtunnel the 1800mm pipe underground via access shafts, leaving most of the streetscape undisturbed.
He said two-way vehicle flow would be maintained along Gheringhap St for most of the works.
The project comes as the city’s western fringe prepares for multiple major developments. They include the proposed convention centre, the council’s new high-rise headquarters and the 21-storey Miramar apartment complex on Cavendish St.