You are here: Home Building, Planning & Projects Current Projects Works Underway Riverway Drive Pipeline Decommissioning

Riverway Drive Pipeline Decommissioning

Investment $8.345 million
Goal
  • Goal 2: A Sustainable and Resilient City
    • 2.1.2 Improve reliability and resilience of water infrastructure to support growth and adapt to climate and environmental pressures.
  • Goal 4: A Well-managed City
    • 4.1.2 Funding advocacy and allocation of budget to maintain essential services, critical infrastructure, and long-term asset renewal.
Strategic PurposeTo safely decommission redundant water infrastructure within the Riverway Drive corridor, reducing future risks and supporting the long-term safety and reliability of the transport network.
Status Construction

Project Background

The DN1200 Pre-stressed Concrete Pipeline (PCP) was constructed in the 1970s to transport raw water from Ross River Dam to the Douglas Water Treatment Plant and formed an important part of Townsville's water supply network for many years.

Following the construction of a new pipeline in 2024, the old PCP was taken out of service and is no longer required. While the pipeline is no longer operational, sections remain underground within the Riverway Drive corridor.

Townsville City Council is now permanently decommissioning the remaining sections of the redundant pipeline to meet Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) requirements and reduce the risks associated with ageing infrastructure.

Project Overview

The project will involve permanently decommissioning the remaining sections of the former DN1200 PCP within the DTMR-controlled Riverway Drive corridor. These works will remove infrastructure that is no longer required and support the long-term safety and reliability of the corridor.

Map of Kelso and Rasmussen with Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the pipeline highlighted

Project Benefits

Once complete, the project will:

  • improve safety within the Riverway Drive corridor by reducing risks associated with ageing underground assets
  • support the long-term management and reliability of Council infrastructure
  • meet DTMR requirements for infrastructure located within the state-controlled road corridor
  • eliminate future maintenance requirements associated with the unused pipeline.

What works are coming up?

Works will focus on decommissioning two remaining sections of pipeline:

  • Section 1: Near 963 Riverway Drive to the valve pit on the northern side of the Allambie Lane and Riverway Drive intersection.
  • Section 3: Between approximately 1718 Riverway Drive and 1614 Riverway Drive.

Section 2 of pipeline within the Riverway Drive Stage 2 Upgrade area has already been decommissioned as part of previous works.

What will the works include?

Works will focus on decommissioning two remaining sections of the former pipeline, including:

  • excavation to access sections of the redundant pipeline
  • filling and decommissioning the pipeline in accordance with engineering requirements
  • associated reinstatement and site restoration works.

What does this mean for me?

During construction, nearby residents and road users may experience:

  • construction vehicles and machinery operating in the area
  • increased noise, dust and vibration during work hours
  • temporary traffic management and changed traffic conditions
  • reduced speed limits near work zones.

Residents along Riverway Drive within the work area may also experience temporary disruptions where works are taking place near driveway access points.

Council will work to minimise disruptions wherever possible and appreciates the community's patience and understanding while these important works are completed.

Documents

Works Notifications

Stay Informed

Council will provide regular project updates throughout construction, including information about upcoming works, traffic changes and any temporary water interruptions.

For the latest project information, check this page regularly or contact Council on 13 48 10.