Sewer works for North East Link

We’ve started moving around 100 above and underground services such as power, water, gas, sewerage and telecommunications to make way for North East Link.

As part of these works, we're moving a vital piece of Melbourne's sewer network, the Yarra East Main Sewer, to prepare for major construction in late 2021.

Three mini Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) will dig 1.8km of new sewer under Bulleen Road, Bulleen.

To build the new sewer, temporary works are needed within the Freeway Golf Course from February 2021. A TBM retrieval shaft will be constructed over the existing sewer line in the fairway of the first hole. Works will also involve building five maintenance holes, a new sewer line and installing a sewer monitoring system.

Further details regarding the interim course layout will be available from the Freeway Golf Course ProShop.

The Freeway Golf Course will remain open as an 18 hole course throughout these works, with some interim changes to the course layout. The Freeway Golf Course will be closed on Monday 1 February 2021 to reflag holes and update directional signage before works start.

The City of Boroondara and the Freeway Golf Course will manage the changes to the course layout and will ensure a quality playing experience is maintained.

What we’ll be doing

To build the new sewer, a mini TBM retrieval site approximately 9m wide and 8m deep, will be constructed over the existing sewer line in the fairway of the first hole. A mini TBM, approximately 2m wide, will tunnel its way from the Boroondara Tennis Centre to the Freeway Golf Course, to build the new section of sewer. A smaller sewer line will also be constructed. Separate to these works, a sewer monitoring system will be installed on the south east perimeter of the golf course – outside of play – to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the sewer. Most of the tunnelling works will occur below ground, which will reduce impacts and disruptions to the course users and local residents.

Operating during works

The Freeway Golf Course will operate as an 18 hole course with some interim changes to the course layout.

The North East Link Program is working closely with the City of Boroondara and the Freeway Golf Course operators to minimise impacts wherever we can. This includes scheduling deliveries outside peak times and major events when possible.

Construction vehicles will access the course directly from Bulleen Road near the existing first hole. Access to the playing course will always be maintained, and the course clubhouse and car park will not be impacted.

Working safely on site

Work areas will be clearly signed and securely fenced off.

Some large deliveries to the works area will be required. Traffic management and signage will be in place to direct vehicles and pedestrians safely around the works areas.

Vegetation removal

As part of these works, some vegetation will need to be removed. Every effort will be made to minimise this as much as possible and we are looking at opportunities to plant more trees in the local area.

Works staging

February/March 2021

• site establishment
• TBM retrieval site construction
• reticulation sewer construction
• sewer monitoring system installation

April 2021

• tunnelling

May/June 2021

• maintenance hole construction

July 2021

• connect main sewer

August/September 2021

• connect reticulation sewer

October 2021

• decommissioning old sewer

November 2021

• reinstate work areas
• works complete

Please note, all dates within this document are subject to change.