Fortitude Valley Stormwater Drainage Program - Fortitude Valley

The commencement of work on this project has been delayed. The commencement is now anticipated to be in July 2023 (subject to weather), and the exact start date will be updated on the website once known. Should you require any further information, please contact our team via email at cityprojects@brisbane.com.au or 1800 884 681.

Brisbane City Council is committed to ensuring our city has the services and infrastructure to meet the needs of the future generations with the Fortitude Valley Drainage program. This program aims to replace and strengthen the ageing drainage infrastructure and improve flood mitigation in the Fortitude Valley precinct.

Summary

This table provides information on the Fortitude Valley Stormwater Drainage Program including address, ward, project outcomes and latest news.
AddressEast Street, Fortitude Valley
WardCentral Ward
Project outcomesImprove & Strengthen Drainage Infrastructure
Latest news

Start of construction – East Street drainage

About the program

Fortitude Valley has some of the oldest, functional stormwater drainage systems in Brisbane. In 2018, investigation and survey work across the suburb was undertaken to inform detailed designs of future works, and to improve the drainage system in Fortitude Valley. These works form the beginning of the overarching Fortitude Valley Stormwater Drainage Program.

Council has already completed works to improve the drainage systems in Fortitude Valley that were identified in the investigation. This includes works in:

  • McLachlan Street
  • James Street
  • Ann Street

Future works on this program have been identified in:

  • East Street
  • Wickham Street
  • Bridge Street
  • Alden Street.

The Fortitude Valley Stormwater drainage program is subject to future funding, site conditions and investigation works. Further information about timing of these works will be provided as Council moves towards construction.

East Street drainage upgrade

As part of the Fortitude Valley Drainage program, Council will be replacing the ageing metal chamber beneath East Street to strengthen the existing system. These works will begin in late October 2022 for approximately six weeks, weather and site conditions permitting.

The project works will include:

  • installing a pre-cast concrete chamber that will connect existing drainage lines beneath East Street
  • excavating a large, deep hole (2.1m long x 5.1m deep) to install the chamber
  • Road resurfacing once works are complete.

Works will occur from 8pm to 6am Sunday to Thursday, and East Street will be closed during this time to ensure these works can be undertaken safely.

For everyone’s safety, the parking spaces along the left lane will become a works equipment set down/work area and will be fenced off for the duration of works.

At the end of works each night, a steel sheet will be placed over the excavated hole using a crane which will remain onsite during the project, and East Street will reopen for use.

No work will be undertaken on Friday and Saturday nights so East Street can be open and accessible during peak precinct nights.

Generally, noisier works like jackhammering and saw cutting, will be completed prior to 11pm in order to minimise impacts on local residents. Due to workplace health and safety requirements, reversing beepers cannot be switched off. We will make every effort to minimise noise during these works. However, due to the high-rise buildings and nature of the works, including the size of the excavation required and machinery, there are limited effective noise reduction measures that we can use.

Residents and businesses may also experience extra lighting around the project site. This lighting is to ensure all works can be carried out safely during the project.

More information

If you would like to provide comments or find out more about the Fortitude Valley Stormwater Drainage Programyou can:

  • phone the project team on 1800 884 681
  • phone Council on 07 3403 8888 (after hours)
  • email the project team 
  • Write to:
    Fortitude Valley Stormwater Drainage
    City Projects Office
    Brisbane City Council
    GPO Box 1434
    Brisbane Qld 4001.
Last updated:

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