The current oval shaped pipe is constructed of dual layered brick and was progressively built from 1860-1910.
Mayor Greg Williamson said more than 100 years on, the aged infrastructure requires maintenance and repairs.
“This handmade stormwater drain has held up for more than a century due to its excellent workmanship at the time, but now it needs some attention – there are considerable signs of deterioration,” Mayor Williamson said.
“It is a wonderful local historical artefact and the work needs to be done now to preserve this important piece of Mackay’s heritage and ensure we can continue to use this fully functioning drain for the reliable stormwater service needed today,” he said.
Works will include cleaning debris from the line, constructing new access chambers to improve accessibility for future maintenance and repairs, replacing a section of deteriorated line and installing UV lining.
The work will be completed in three stages by specialist water and pipeline infrastructure contractor, Interflow.
Council’s Project Manager Georgie Thomas said the scope of works may change during the project.
“We expect works to take at least six months, but this will depend on the state of the infrastructure when we get in there,” Mr Thomas said.
“There is a considerable amount of debris to be removed from the lines so despite inspections being completed before construction, we might need to change our approach once we have more visibility," he said.
“The stormwater line is located in the centre of the road and the contractor will be working at night to minimise the impact on surrounding businesses, schools and motorists.”
During the works there will be changes to traffic conditions both during and after work hours, which may impact on-street parking and speed limits. Traffic control will be in place for the duration of the works with every effort made to minimise disruptions.
More information will be provided as the project develops. Council appreciates the community’s patience while these essential works are done.
To stay informed about this project, sign up for project update emails at www.connectingmackay.com.au/shakespeare-st-stormwater-rehab