Busy New Norfolk road damaged in water main ‘explosion’ sparks concern for drivers
Residents say rocks and water gushed from their street in a “terrifying” explosion – yet drivers are still allowed to use the damaged road despite “rumbling, crunching sounds” below. SEE THE VIDEO >>
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
RESIDENTS have said rocks and gushing water erupted through their street when a water main burst on the weekend, but drivers are still using the damaged road despite cracks appearing and “rumbling, crunching sounds” emanating from below.
Tiffanie Palmer was cleaning the house about 5pm on Sunday when the taps stopped running.
“We saw out the front something had exploded just in front of my husband’s car,” Ms Palmer said.
Water surged down Burnett St in New Norfolk carrying debris and wheelie bins with it.
“The bitumen had lifted up and water was gushing,” Ms Palmer said.
Burnett St resident Michelle Dracoulis called TasWater after witnessing “an explosion” of tar and rocks.
Ms Dracoulis said a worker came within 15 minutes to fix the leak and return the water supply to nearby buildings.
Water had streamed from Pioneer Ave to Montagu St, where the Caltex/Mood Food gas station ran a roaring trade until almost 1am without water.
“It was quite challenging, after 8pm in the holidays we’re the only place open but our bain-maries and coffee machines needed water to operate,” site manager Max Gittus said.
“We had to turn quite a few customers away.”
Mr Gittus said the road was still “very damaged” two days later.
Ms Palmer was concerned cars were still accessing Burnett St.
“Now the road is all pushed up, it cracks when people drive over it – it’s a little bit terrifying,” Ms Palmer said.
“I’d just like someone to fix it or at least close the road over holidays.”
Ms Dracoulis said the “rumbling, crunching” noises were worrying and noticed more cracks forming.
“Our houses are between 80 and 100 years old and the idea of needing to get the road ripped up and repaired is a bit of a worry,” Ms Dracoulis said.
But Derwent Valley Council Mayor Ben Shaw said Burnett St was safe for drivers.
“Our crews are satisfied the interim measures in place are adequate and the burst main is now fixed,” he said.
“As this was TasWater infrastructure it is their responsibility to ‘make good’ the road and discussions are ongoing about the repatriation works.
“Council officers inspected the interim works [on Tuesday] and are satisfied with the temporary measures in place and the integrity of the road, but will request more warning signage and ongoing inspections until the road is replaced.”
In a direct message to Michelle Dracoulis, TasWater said the road will be repaired in mid-to-late January.
World-leading program which has reduced dementia risk by 25%
A five-year dementia study run out of UTAS is showing drops of 25 per cent in the dementia risk of its study participants. Here is what they are doing to stay healthier for longer.
FIRST LOOK: New Bellerive ferry terminal plans
About 500 commuters use the Bellerive to Hobart ferry daily. The government hopes a $5m ferry terminal upgrade will encourage more people to use the service. See the designs here...