The Downer team has been working very hard on the final stage (4) of the Saxton Creek Upgrade, behind the fences on Main Rd, Stoke.

This project was prompted by extreme weather events in December 2011 and April 2013, which caused significant flooding to both commercial and residential properties in the Saxton area. We've had a number of weather events since, and when complete this project will go a long way to helping prevent future flooding from occurring.

The wider Saxton Creek upgrade project has been underway since 2015. This final stage covers upgrading Saxton Creek from Main Road Stoke to the sea.

This project continues to be a massive undertaking. There are two tides a day to contend with, the ongoing weather events we've experienced and a very small working area.

The old culvert is 1.8m wide, a 1:5-year capacity. The new culvert is 7.9m wide, 1:100 year capacity

The culvert will be made up of 129 ‘L’ Panels (11 tonnes each) and 68 twin culvert barrels (23 tonnes each). That's a lot of weight helping hold back a lot of water!

Night Closure

Depending on the weather, we are planning to do night closures on Main Road Stoke in the week starting 5 June 2023. If the conditions are not favourable it will be the week commencing 12 June 2023.

The section of Main Road Stoke that will be closed is shown in red on the map below. The closure is so that we can crane in our huge culvert units.

There will be some access restrictions because of the closure. Access to Elms Street will be available from the Saxton Road Roundabout. Access to Alliance will be from the Salisbury Road Roundabout (vehicles won't be able to drive past the Alliance site).

All businesses in the area will have access from at least one entrance.

No through traffic will be permitted within the closure area. If you are travelling from Stoke to Richmond it is recommended that you use State Highway 6 at this time.

A big thanks in advance for your understanding while we move these massive culverts into place.