Talley’s Wharf Road Watermain

This project, while modest in scale, was a unique and rewarding challenge for the Donaldson Civil team. The client approached us with an urgent issue involving a failing asbestos cement watermain that serviced their large factory, which could not afford any disruption to its water supply.

With only a brief and no formal plans, we collaborated closely with the client to develop a practical solution: install a temporary watermain in stages along the 1,290m route from bore to tank, allowing the original pipeline to be slip-lined and reactivated section by section. Timing was critical, and the project was scheduled to coincide with the factory’s quieter period. 

The work required multiple techniques, including directional drilling, trenching, and slip lining, as the route crossed several roads and services. The Ward Street and Wharf Road intersection posed a particular challenge due to tight working conditions and a high volume of traffic, particularly B-train trucks. This was managed well with site-specific traffic management designs for each stage of the works.

Maintaining site access for these large trucks as well as handling multiple shut-downs and pressure tests made for a technically demanding operation. 

The project also required asbestos removal at each connection point, all handled safely in-house by DCL staff. Despite the complexity, the execution was seamless, with no interruptions to the client’s water supply or logistics operations. The factory was able to maintain full production throughout the project, and the client expressed great satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the value and innovation provided by Donaldson Civil’s approach.