Works to replace the weir at the northern end of Lake Albert have reached the 90 per cent mark, with the new structure now in place and connected to the pipes under Lakeside Drive.
The weir replacement is part of Council’s $9 million Lake Albert Pipeline and Precinct Renewal Project, which is designed to help improve water quality and water levels in the lake.
Council’s Contract Senior Project Manager Matt Griffin says contractor, Excel Gray Bruni, commenced works in early June to replace the old weir structure, which was built nearly 80 years ago.
“The initial works involved the demolition and removal of the old weir and pedestrian bridge, and construction of a temporary footpath and coffer dam to ensure the community could still use the shared path around Lake Albert,” Mr Griffin said.
“This was followed by construction of the new weir and chamber, with operable gates, which are now in place.
“These operable gates are a key component of the new weir as they will allow Council to better control the outflow of water from the lake, including being able to lower the lake levels for critical maintenance activities or release flows as part of flood mitigation activities.
“The old gates had been inoperable for several years, leaving Council with no control over the release of water or the water level within the lake.”
Other completed works include connecting the outlet from the new weir to the existing pipework under Lakeside Drive and reshaping the embankment.
Remaining works over the coming weeks include constructing a new footpath around the weir, installing fall protection, and removing the temporary footpath and coffer dam.
Meanwhile, the construction of the 6.4-kilometre long pipeline from the Murrumbidgee River to Lake Albert is progressing north via Vincent Road, through private land, a section of the Wagga Exhibition Centre and along Kooringal Road to Hammond Avenue.
“The main project contractor, J-Group, has commenced some minor works along Kooringal Road, north of the Sturt Highway, with material deliveries and equipment set up,” Mr Griffin said.
“This phase of the project will involve under-boring of the pipeline on Kooringal Road from the southern side of Marshalls Creek to the northern side of the Sturt Highway.
“These works are still several weeks off yet, but when they do commence, traffic management will be in place, with reduced speed limits and occasional partial lane closures.
“Access to businesses on that section of Kooringal Road and to Forge Street are expected to be maintained at all times.”
The Lake Albert Pipeline and Precinct Renewal Project is funded through the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program, in partnership with Wagga Wagga City Council and the NSW Government.
