Adjusted construction hours along Waterport Road

Informed by community feedback, SA Water has revised the hours of work for a water main upgrade along Waterport Road in Port Elliot to  improve traffic flow through the area.

The installation of around 1,500 metres of new water main is a duplication of the existing underground pipe to support future residential growth by increasing capacity and resilience of the local water network.

SA Water’s General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Amanda Lewry said works began in early April before a planned pause during the recent school holidays, with construction set to resume from 9 May.

“Our crews will now finish at the earlier time of 2.30pm each day of work from Monday to Friday, removing traffic restrictions during the afternoon peak,” Amanda said.

“After carefully considering community feedback, as shared through local stakeholders, we’re confident this is the safest and most feasible solution, that doesn’t unnecessarily impact on nearby residents.

“By actively listening to local views, we’ve been able to make this change early on in the works to enable the continued delivery of essential water infrastructure, which importantly won’t extend the overall project completion date of September 2024.

“While alternative suggestions were considered, such as keeping one lane open with a stop-go traffic system or carrying out work overnight, safety concerns for local residents and our crews, as well as noise impacts, made these options unworkable.

“Temporary roundabouts were also deemed impractical due to Waterport Road being used as a freight route for heavy vehicles.”

As previously shared with the community, during construction hours, traffic will be detoured between Tottenham Court and Ocean Road. Waterport Road will reopen with reduced speeds each night, as well as on weekends, public and school holidays.

Access to homes and businesses in the area will be maintained throughout the construction period.

“Prior to the project commencing in April, we consulted with the Alexandrina Council and the City of Victor Harbor, and provided advance notice to local residents and businesses, and we will be sharing these latest updates with the community ahead of works resuming,” Amanda said.

“The collaboration between SA Water and local groups such as councils, underscores the importance of open communication and cooperation when delivering essential infrastructure upgrades like this.

We’re thankful to the Port Elliot community for their valuable feedback, which has helped shape our updated works plan.”

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