DCE was engaged by MAB Corporation to design and project manage the Todd Road Branch Sewer, providing an outfall for a commercial development in the Port Melbourne area.

The project presented a number of challenges associated with construction in ground water of approximately 8m deep and the stability of structures in Coode Island Silt and Port Melbourne Sands. The site, adjacent to the eastern abutment of the West Gate Bridge, is a former landfill site which presents the additional challenge of working with potential contaminants and debris.

Stakeholders negotiations involved the Port of Melbourne Authority, the West Gate Bridge Authority and VicRoads to facilitate construction of the $3 million project in the vicinity of Melbourne's busiest transport hub. The construction consisted of sinking caissons to isolate the construction area from the groundwater and potential contaminants to establish clear working space to launch the laser guided tunnel boring machine and jack the pipes between caissons. The sewer will ultimately connect to the Hobsons Bay Main Sewer, an over 100 year old 2.6 diameter brick sewer running across the bay.

The project showcases DCE's innovative approach to design and construction management.