Sydney Water is about to commence a 14 week project at the carpark on the southern end of Surf Beach to reduce sewage overflow on private properties during extreme wet weather events.

The $3.4 million in essential work, which will begin on Monday 7 February, involves decommissioning an existing underground Emergency Relief Structure (ERS) at the western end of the carpark; building, connecting and commissioning of a new, improved ERS at the eastern end of the carpark; installing a new water main connection; and restoring the area once work has been completed.

The pipe services about 1000 nearby properties.

The extensive work will see 700 tonnes of rock removed for the new ERS, and on two separate occasions there will be generators/pumps running 24 hours a day for up to five days.

The old ERS is on this side of the bridge, and the new ERS will be at the far side of the carpark

One of the Barney Street residents we spoke to had seen overflows in his driveway, which flowed out onto the street, only a couple of times in seven years.

Philip Guest said, “I’m not an engineer but it does sound like a long time to me. It’d be nice if it was shorter but thank god they aren’t blocking off the car park and surrounds over Christmas because that would’ve been a disaster.”

Sydney Water has warned neighbours to expect noisy work from the rock breaking and increased demand on parking. Access to Surf Beach from the southern end will be closed during the work.