Construction works on the replacement of the weir at the northern end of Lake Albert are scheduled to commence on Tuesday 2 June 2026, weather permitting.
The replacement works are part of the $9-million Lake Albert Pipeline and Precinct Renewal Project, which is designed to help improve water quality and water levels in the lake.
Wagga Wagga City Council's Contract Project Manager Matt Griffin advises Lake Albert shared pathway users and motorists to expect disruptions around the work zone, near the corner of Lakeside Drive and Lake Albert Road.
"From Tuesday (2 June), we will be closing a section of the shared path to all users from either side of the footbridge over the existing weir, for the safety of path users and the construction team," Mr Griffin said.
"Detours will be in place around site to enable cyclists, walkers, and runners to continue to use this popular link in the city's Active Travel Plan (ATP) network, with the speed limit reduced to 40km/h on Lakeside Drive and Lake Albert Road to support the footpath detour.
"We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we carry out these important works over the next two months."
This phase of the Pipeline and Precinct Renewal Project will involve replacing the existing ageing weir structure, which was built nearly 80 years ago.
The gates within the structure have been inoperable for several years, leaving Council with no control over the release of water or the water level within the lake.
Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton says Council is taking advantage of current lower water levels within the lake to replace the structure.
"This is an important step in preparation for the additional 1800-megalitres the new pipeline will deliver to the lake's inflows annually, once it's constructed," Mr Creighton said.
"The new weir will have operable gates, allowing us to better control the outflow of water from the lake, including being able lower the lake levels for critical maintenance activities or release flows as part of flood mitigation activities.
"It will also be fully integrated with the embankment, and the outlet connected to the existing pipework under Lakeside Drive, which will provide visual improvements to entrance to the lake area by eliminating the unsightly open drain behind the current structure.
"The new structure is designed to last for 100 years, providing future generations with operational control of the lake's water levels."
As part of the project, the footpath across the weir will be widened to match the rest of the lake-side path.
The weir replacement works are expected to take approximately 10 weeks to complete, weather permitting.
Contracts for the construction of the approximately 6.5-kilometre pipeline from the Murrumbidgee River and associated pump stations have been finalised, with work expected to commence shortly.
The project is funded through the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program, in partnership with Wagga Wagga City Council and the NSW Government.
