Water Corporation has announced that works have commenced on a 1.2km section of the Hazelmere and Helena Valley water pipeline project.
The project aims to secure drinking water for over 24,000 properties in the Perth Hills and as far afield as Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The entire project will see 2.4km of pipeline laid through parts of Helena Valley and Hazelmere, including a vital section along Helena Valley Road.
Measuring 1.4m in diameter, the pipeline is some of the largest of its type in Western Australia.
Water Corporation said its installation is essential to the future water security of more than 100,000 Western Australians who receive drinking water via the Goldfields Pipeline.
Each 12m pipeline section weighs around eight tonnes and will be installed in a trench between 2.5m and 4m below ground.
To ensure the safety of residents and road users during the ten-month project, Helena Valley Road westbound will be closed at various times, with traffic management and signage in place. The road’s eastbound lane remains open, as does an adjacent footpath.
Water Corporation General Manager Assets Investments and Planning, Evan Hambleton, said the project would cause some short-term disruption, but reassured residents that every effort was being made to complete work as quickly and safely as possible.
“This is a really important project not only for the local area, but also for communities that receive drinking water from the Goldfields Pipeline.
“In scoping these works, we’ve made every effort to compress timeframes and reduce impacts to those living nearby, but we are conscious there may be inconvenience for some residents.
“For that, we would like to apologise in advance and also thank people for their patience and understanding while our crews are in the area.”
Featured image: Pipes being laid for the Hazelmere and Helena Valley water pipeline project. Image credit: Water Corporation.
