CBD Utilities Project unearths large hole
Date published: 27 October 2016
Council engineers are assessing a large hole uncovered under Stanley Street this afternoon during works as part of the CBD Utilities Upgrade Project.
The hole, which measures approximately 7m x 6m x 4m (around the size of a backyard swimming pool), was discovered by workers digging a trench in the roadway between Walker and Wills Street.
CBD Utilities Project Manager Simon Ormes said early assessments revealed the hole had been caused by the failure of an aged brick stormwater pipe.
It is unclear how long the hole has been present for.
“With a broken brick stormwater pipe, the water has been left with nowhere to go,” Mr Ormes said.
“This has created a large void, starting around 1.5 metres under the surface of the road.”
Mr Ormes said crews would secure the hole with a trench box to ensure no further subsidence before using a CCTV camera on a remotely operated vehicle to assess the old brick drain and remaining pipe.
Townsville City Council Infrastructure Committee Chairman Cr Mark Molachino said the discovery illustrated the importance of the CBD Utilities Upgrade.
“Much of the underground services in the CBD is more than 60 years old and must be upgraded to support both our present and future city vision,” Cr Molachino said.
“We understand many commuters, residents and businesses in the city have been impacted by this project but a discovery like this reminds us why this project is so vital.
“During the course of this project we will be excavating much of the road network throughout the city and will remediate issues as we find them.”
Water and Waste Committee Chairman Cr Paul Jacob said the $43 million CBD Utilities Upgrade was being carried out in three stages.
“To support thousands more workers and residents in the CBD the upgrade has to be done but it will be carried out over a number of financial years to ease the upfront cost and in stages to minimise disruption.”
Cr Jacob said the upgrade would improve the capacity and efficiency of basic services to residents and businesses.
