|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
MURRUMBIDGEE IRRIGATION IMPROVING SAFETY FOR GRIFFITH RESIDENTS21 December 2004 Murrumbidgee Irrigation has recently been working on a number of projects in the city area to improve traffic safety and reduce potential storm water flooding in urban areas. “Our works crew have been cleaning siphons along Bridge Road during the past month as part of a hand-over of the assets to Griffith City Council. The siphons were installed in the 1970s and have gradually collected silt and rubbish to the point where they were only operating to 20% capacity,” said Brett Tucker, Acting Chief Executive of Murrumbidgee Irrigation. The Bridge Road siphons run under the main canal taking drainage and storm water away from the city area. Cleaning the siphons involves removing the debris from the full length of the structure ensuring that there is no blockage. The silt and debris is then left on the channel bank to dry before being removed and used as land fill. “We did encounter some weather problems during the maintenance works. Storms kept the fill wet and a fallen tree and branches added to the debris on the channel bank. These things are out of our control and we certainly do our best to clean up the area as soon as is practically possible,” said Mr Tucker. “The safety of local residents is our primary concern. The Bridge Road site is not a public safety issue although the site may look somewhat unkept in the short term.” “It seems strange during periods of drought to be concerned about storm water and flooding dangers, however given the erratic nature of weather being experienced throughout the country we want to be sure we have taken all reasonable steps in the event of a heavy rain,” concluded Mr Tucker. Murrumbidgee Irrigation completes construction projects amounting to $10-15 million each year. Many of these projects are completed in cooperation with other parties. The works on the corner of the Lanaham and Bridge Road are awaiting the completion of a roundabout and road works by Griffith City Council. When completed this project will greatly improve traffic conditions for motorists and pedestrians. Ends |