PLUMBERS toiling in trenches on Warrnambool’s Koroit Street will finish this week knowing their work will hopefully last another 80 years.
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They have been laying a high-strength PVC water main to replace 50-year-old asbestos, concrete and cast iron piping damaged by Norfolk Island pine roots.
Next week the focus will shift to Henna Street, where another old cast iron main also affected by tree roots will be replaced between Koroit and Merri streets. Traffic will be blocked off at the request of the city council, unlike Koroit Street where a 20km/h speed limit was in force in sections.
Wannon Water has allocated $700,000 to replace mains in Warrnambool and Port Fairy this financial year.
“Assessments confirmed the Koroit Street main had reached the end of its service life,” Wannon Water acting manager Andrew Jeffers said. “Replacing it was essential to maintain reliable services for Warrnambool into the future to avoid bursts and major supply interruptions.
“The new main was constructed with more robust materials and has been relocated away from the trees to protect it from root intrusion.
“It is expected to have a lifespan of 80 years.
“The final water main to be replaced under this program is along the Princes Highway at Port Fairy. These works are expected to begin in May.”
Work is being undertaken by Warrnambool contractors Cri-Tech Plumbing.