Enabling early works for the New Women's and Children's Hospital Project

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Enabling early works for the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Project

We are delivering essential water, sewer and recycled water infrastructure as part of an early works package to support the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Project — a major investment in the future of healthcare for women, children and families across South Australia.

The new hospital will be built at the former Thebarton Police Barracks alongside the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Reliable water and wastewater services are fundamental to the safe operation of a modern hospital. Our works are an important early step in enabling construction of the new facility and supporting its long-term operation.

This map shows our completed and remaining water and sewer work packages needed to support the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Project


Current works

Sewer (Package 3) works are currently underway to deliver a new sewer main from within Bonython Park then along Port Road (city bound) to service the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Works include installation, connection, testing and commissioning, followed by full reinstatement of the road surface.

The works will move into the city inbound Port Road corridor. To minimise disruption, works along Port Road will be completed at night and traffic control will be in place. To maintain daytime traffic flow, temporary reinstatement will ensure all inbound lanes are available for day use though with lowered speed limits. Final asphalt reinstatement will be completed after pipelaying.

Shared Use Path impact for our Package 3 works:

  • Bonython Park section of works - there is some impact to the Shared Use Path (SUP) that runs through Bonython Park. A temporary detour is in place directing users through the mock roadway / old Road Safety Centre gates
  • Port Road corridor nightworks - the SUP along the northern side of the city inbound leg of Port Road will be impacted, detouring users over to the SUP on the southern side of the road. The SUP in this area will not be impacted during the day for this package of works.


Completed works

Three (3) water and recycled water upgrades and installations have already been successfully completed as part of the early works package, all supporting the hospital site and early construction activities.

These works were completed in 2024 and delivered in coordination with the broader hospital project to ensure safe, efficient delivery while minimising impacts to surrounding areas.


Remaining water and sewer works

Further new or upgraded water and sewer infrastructure is required to fully service the new hospital once it becomes operational.

Upcoming works include

  • New and relocated sewer infrastructure, including connections from Port Road through sections of the Adelaide Park Lands (Package 3 & Package 4)
  • Construction of new permanent water mains to service the hospital (Package 5C & Package 5B)

These works will be delivered by SA Water’s Major Framework Partner, McConnell Dowell SRG Global Utilities Joint Venture (MCD-SRG JV), and are carefully staged to align with other construction activities underway as part of the new hospital project.


When the works will occur

Works commenced in early 2026 and are expected to continue until late March 2027. These dates may be updated as planning and sequencing are finalised. The works will be delivered in stages to align with other major construction activity in the precinct, and we will provide more detailed timing as it becomes available.


What you may notice during the works

To help reduce disruption, many activities involving the road traffic corridor on Port Road will be completed at night. During construction you may notice:

  • Temporary fencing and construction zones in affected areas
  • Traffic management, including lane closures or reduced speed limits
  • Machinery, lighting and construction noise during nightworks
  • Short‑term changes to pedestrian and cyclist access, with detours clearly signposted
  • Temporary access changes in sections of the Park Lands


Traffic and access changes

Traffic management will be in place during the works, including lane closures, reduced speed limits and short‑term detours on Port Road and James Congdon Drive. Where possible, nightworks will be used to reduce daytime delays for road users.
Access for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility‑aid users will be maintained where possible, with safe detours and crossing points provided when paths are temporarily closed. All access changes will be clearly marked and signposted.


Working carefully in the local area

The footprint of the new or upgraded infrastructure is fixed due to the location of connecting points to the existing infrastructure network, geographical constraints, and the location of the new hospital.

Some of our remaining works will take place within road corridors on Port Road and James Congdon Drive, and parts of the Adelaide Park Lands. Works impacting the road corridor are planned to be carried out as nightworks.

We recognise the importance of these spaces and are working closely with SA Health, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Rail Authorities, the City of Adelaide, City of West Torrens and other key stakeholders to carefully plan construction and reinstatement activities.

We understand that multiple projects by various organisations are underway at the same time in and around this busy precinct, creating added impacts. Whilst some impact is unavoidable, we are working together to reduce these where possible.


Tree and vegetation management

Some works will take place within sections of the Park Lands. We are working closely with the City of Adelaide and other stakeholders to minimise impacts and carefully manage these areas. Any vegetation removal is kept to an absolute minimum. The New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Project has committed to a tree‑offset program, which means that for every tree removed, up to three new trees will be planted.


Environmental protection

Respect for the environment is built into our business. We protect the local environment where we operate, with specialists who have knowledge of not just what we could do but why it matters.

SAWater - Environmental protection

Environmental specialists are involved throughout planning and construction to ensure dust, noise, vibration, soil disturbance and water quality are responsibly managed.

Where works occur near culturally or environmentally sensitive areas, we follow all required procedures and protection measures.

We ensure we have all relevant approvals from the appropriate authorities before commencing work.


Water supply impacts

No interruption to customer water supply is expected during these works. If any planned interruptions become necessary, affected customers will be notified in advance with details about timing and duration.


How we’ll restore the area

All disturbed areas will be carefully reinstated once construction is complete. This includes restoring grassed areas, pathways and landscaping in consultation with the City of Adelaide to meet Park Lands requirements.


What happens next?

Along with our major framework partner, McConnell Dowell SRG Global Utilities Joint Venture (MCD-SRG JV), we will:

  • Coordinate construction timing and staging with other hospital works
  • Where possible, minimise impacts to traffic, access and parklands
  • Provide timely and proactive communication to stakeholders and the community regarding construction activities and path or road detours

For more information visit New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Project



Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

Where will the works take place?

SA Water works will occur:

  • In parts of the Adelaide Park Lands, and
  • Within road corridors on Port Road and James Congdon Drive (as nightworks)


Why is SA Water doing work before the hospital is built?

Water and sewer infrastructure must be in place early to enable hospital construction and to ensure the site can be safely serviced during and after building works. These works form part of SA Health's early enabling works for the New Women's and Children's Hospital project.


Why are additional water and sewer works needed?

Further water and sewer infrastructure is required to fully service the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital once it becomes operational. These upgrades will ensure the hospital has reliable, long-term water and wastewater services to support a modern, world-class health facility.


Why is this work important?

We are enabling critical water and sewer infrastructure for the New Women's and Children's Hospital. These works will help enable a modern, world-class health facility for South Australians, now and into the future.


Have any early works already been completed?
Yes. Water and recycled water upgrades, including temporary construction water and a recycled water connection, have already been completed as early works.


What work is still to come?

Remaining early works include four packages consisting of new permanent water mains and new or relocated sewer infrastructure required to fully service the hospital once operational.


Will these works affect the Adelaide Park Lands?

Some works will take place within sections of the Park Lands. We are working closely with the City of Adelaide and other stakeholders to minimise impacts and carefully manage these areas. The New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Project has committed to a vegetation offset program - for every tree that is removed, up to three new trees will be planted.


How will impacts to parklands and public spaces be managed?

We recognise the importance of the Adelaide Park Lands and surrounding public spaces. Construction and reinstatement activities are being carefully planned in close consultation with SA Health, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Rail Authorities, the City of Adelaide, and other key stakeholders.

Environmental specialists are involved throughout planning and construction to ensure dust, noise, vibration, soil disturbance and water quality are responsibly managed. Where works occur near culturally or environmentally sensitive areas, we follow all required procedures and protection measures.

We ensure we have all relevant approvals from the appropriate authorities before commencing work.


Environmental footprint

Respect for the environment is built into our business. We protect the local environment where we operate, with specialists who have knowledge of not just what we could do but why it matters.

SAWater - Environmental protection

Environmental specialists are involved throughout planning and construction to ensure dust, noise, vibration, soil disturbance and water quality are responsibly managed.

Where works occur near culturally or environmentally sensitive areas, we follow all required approvals and protection measures.


Why can’t the infrastructure be built elsewhere?

The footprint of the new or upgraded infrastructure is determined by the location of existing water and sewer networks, physical constraints of the area, and the hospital’s location. These factors limit where the infrastructure can be placed.

Will the works affect traffic?

Yes, some impacts are expected. Works within road corridors are planned to be carried out as nightworks where possible to reduce disruption to daytime traffic. Temporary traffic changes or detours may be required during construction.


Who is delivering these works?

The works will be delivered by our major framework partner, McConnell Dowell SRG Global Utilities Joint Venture (MCD-SRG JV), and are being carefully staged to align with other construction activities associated with the new hospital project.

How is SA Water managing multiple projects happening at the same time?

We understand that several projects are underway in and around this busy precinct, which can create additional impacts. While some disruption is unavoidable, all organisations are working together to coordinate activities and reduce impacts wherever possible.

How will the community be kept informed?

SA Water and our major framework partner, McConnell Dowell SRG Global Utilities Joint Venture (MCD-SRG JV) will:

  • Provide timely and proactive communication to the community and stakeholders
  • Share information about construction activities, traffic changes, and any path or road detours
  • Coordinate construction timing and staging with other hospital works

Enabling early works for the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Project

We are delivering essential water, sewer and recycled water infrastructure as part of an early works package to support the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Project — a major investment in the future of healthcare for women, children and families across South Australia.

The new hospital will be built at the former Thebarton Police Barracks alongside the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Reliable water and wastewater services are fundamental to the safe operation of a modern hospital. Our works are an important early step in enabling construction of the new facility and supporting its long-term operation.

This map shows our completed and remaining water and sewer work packages needed to support the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Project


Current works

Sewer (Package 3) works are currently underway to deliver a new sewer main from within Bonython Park then along Port Road (city bound) to service the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Works include installation, connection, testing and commissioning, followed by full reinstatement of the road surface.

The works will move into the city inbound Port Road corridor. To minimise disruption, works along Port Road will be completed at night and traffic control will be in place. To maintain daytime traffic flow, temporary reinstatement will ensure all inbound lanes are available for day use though with lowered speed limits. Final asphalt reinstatement will be completed after pipelaying.

Shared Use Path impact for our Package 3 works:

  • Bonython Park section of works - there is some impact to the Shared Use Path (SUP) that runs through Bonython Park. A temporary detour is in place directing users through the mock roadway / old Road Safety Centre gates
  • Port Road corridor nightworks - the SUP along the northern side of the city inbound leg of Port Road will be impacted, detouring users over to the SUP on the southern side of the road. The SUP in this area will not be impacted during the day for this package of works.


Completed works

Three (3) water and recycled water upgrades and installations have already been successfully completed as part of the early works package, all supporting the hospital site and early construction activities.

These works were completed in 2024 and delivered in coordination with the broader hospital project to ensure safe, efficient delivery while minimising impacts to surrounding areas.


Remaining water and sewer works

Further new or upgraded water and sewer infrastructure is required to fully service the new hospital once it becomes operational.

Upcoming works include

  • New and relocated sewer infrastructure, including connections from Port Road through sections of the Adelaide Park Lands (Package 3 & Package 4)
  • Construction of new permanent water mains to service the hospital (Package 5C & Package 5B)

These works will be delivered by SA Water’s Major Framework Partner, McConnell Dowell SRG Global Utilities Joint Venture (MCD-SRG JV), and are carefully staged to align with other construction activities underway as part of the new hospital project.


When the works will occur

Works commenced in early 2026 and are expected to continue until late March 2027. These dates may be updated as planning and sequencing are finalised. The works will be delivered in stages to align with other major construction activity in the precinct, and we will provide more detailed timing as it becomes available.


What you may notice during the works

To help reduce disruption, many activities involving the road traffic corridor on Port Road will be completed at night. During construction you may notice:

  • Temporary fencing and construction zones in affected areas
  • Traffic management, including lane closures or reduced speed limits
  • Machinery, lighting and construction noise during nightworks
  • Short‑term changes to pedestrian and cyclist access, with detours clearly signposted
  • Temporary access changes in sections of the Park Lands


Traffic and access changes

Traffic management will be in place during the works, including lane closures, reduced speed limits and short‑term detours on Port Road and James Congdon Drive. Where possible, nightworks will be used to reduce daytime delays for road users.
Access for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility‑aid users will be maintained where possible, with safe detours and crossing points provided when paths are temporarily closed. All access changes will be clearly marked and signposted.


Working carefully in the local area

The footprint of the new or upgraded infrastructure is fixed due to the location of connecting points to the existing infrastructure network, geographical constraints, and the location of the new hospital.

Some of our remaining works will take place within road corridors on Port Road and James Congdon Drive, and parts of the Adelaide Park Lands. Works impacting the road corridor are planned to be carried out as nightworks.

We recognise the importance of these spaces and are working closely with SA Health, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Rail Authorities, the City of Adelaide, City of West Torrens and other key stakeholders to carefully plan construction and reinstatement activities.

We understand that multiple projects by various organisations are underway at the same time in and around this busy precinct, creating added impacts. Whilst some impact is unavoidable, we are working together to reduce these where possible.


Tree and vegetation management

Some works will take place within sections of the Park Lands. We are working closely with the City of Adelaide and other stakeholders to minimise impacts and carefully manage these areas. Any vegetation removal is kept to an absolute minimum. The New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Project has committed to a tree‑offset program, which means that for every tree removed, up to three new trees will be planted.


Environmental protection

Respect for the environment is built into our business. We protect the local environment where we operate, with specialists who have knowledge of not just what we could do but why it matters.

SAWater - Environmental protection

Environmental specialists are involved throughout planning and construction to ensure dust, noise, vibration, soil disturbance and water quality are responsibly managed.

Where works occur near culturally or environmentally sensitive areas, we follow all required procedures and protection measures.

We ensure we have all relevant approvals from the appropriate authorities before commencing work.


Water supply impacts

No interruption to customer water supply is expected during these works. If any planned interruptions become necessary, affected customers will be notified in advance with details about timing and duration.


How we’ll restore the area

All disturbed areas will be carefully reinstated once construction is complete. This includes restoring grassed areas, pathways and landscaping in consultation with the City of Adelaide to meet Park Lands requirements.


What happens next?

Along with our major framework partner, McConnell Dowell SRG Global Utilities Joint Venture (MCD-SRG JV), we will:

  • Coordinate construction timing and staging with other hospital works
  • Where possible, minimise impacts to traffic, access and parklands
  • Provide timely and proactive communication to stakeholders and the community regarding construction activities and path or road detours

For more information visit New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Project



Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

Where will the works take place?

SA Water works will occur:

  • In parts of the Adelaide Park Lands, and
  • Within road corridors on Port Road and James Congdon Drive (as nightworks)


Why is SA Water doing work before the hospital is built?

Water and sewer infrastructure must be in place early to enable hospital construction and to ensure the site can be safely serviced during and after building works. These works form part of SA Health's early enabling works for the New Women's and Children's Hospital project.


Why are additional water and sewer works needed?

Further water and sewer infrastructure is required to fully service the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital once it becomes operational. These upgrades will ensure the hospital has reliable, long-term water and wastewater services to support a modern, world-class health facility.


Why is this work important?

We are enabling critical water and sewer infrastructure for the New Women's and Children's Hospital. These works will help enable a modern, world-class health facility for South Australians, now and into the future.


Have any early works already been completed?
Yes. Water and recycled water upgrades, including temporary construction water and a recycled water connection, have already been completed as early works.


What work is still to come?

Remaining early works include four packages consisting of new permanent water mains and new or relocated sewer infrastructure required to fully service the hospital once operational.


Will these works affect the Adelaide Park Lands?

Some works will take place within sections of the Park Lands. We are working closely with the City of Adelaide and other stakeholders to minimise impacts and carefully manage these areas. The New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Project has committed to a vegetation offset program - for every tree that is removed, up to three new trees will be planted.


How will impacts to parklands and public spaces be managed?

We recognise the importance of the Adelaide Park Lands and surrounding public spaces. Construction and reinstatement activities are being carefully planned in close consultation with SA Health, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Rail Authorities, the City of Adelaide, and other key stakeholders.

Environmental specialists are involved throughout planning and construction to ensure dust, noise, vibration, soil disturbance and water quality are responsibly managed. Where works occur near culturally or environmentally sensitive areas, we follow all required procedures and protection measures.

We ensure we have all relevant approvals from the appropriate authorities before commencing work.


Environmental footprint

Respect for the environment is built into our business. We protect the local environment where we operate, with specialists who have knowledge of not just what we could do but why it matters.

SAWater - Environmental protection

Environmental specialists are involved throughout planning and construction to ensure dust, noise, vibration, soil disturbance and water quality are responsibly managed.

Where works occur near culturally or environmentally sensitive areas, we follow all required approvals and protection measures.


Why can’t the infrastructure be built elsewhere?

The footprint of the new or upgraded infrastructure is determined by the location of existing water and sewer networks, physical constraints of the area, and the hospital’s location. These factors limit where the infrastructure can be placed.

Will the works affect traffic?

Yes, some impacts are expected. Works within road corridors are planned to be carried out as nightworks where possible to reduce disruption to daytime traffic. Temporary traffic changes or detours may be required during construction.


Who is delivering these works?

The works will be delivered by our major framework partner, McConnell Dowell SRG Global Utilities Joint Venture (MCD-SRG JV), and are being carefully staged to align with other construction activities associated with the new hospital project.

How is SA Water managing multiple projects happening at the same time?

We understand that several projects are underway in and around this busy precinct, which can create additional impacts. While some disruption is unavoidable, all organisations are working together to coordinate activities and reduce impacts wherever possible.

How will the community be kept informed?

SA Water and our major framework partner, McConnell Dowell SRG Global Utilities Joint Venture (MCD-SRG JV) will:

  • Provide timely and proactive communication to the community and stakeholders
  • Share information about construction activities, traffic changes, and any path or road detours
  • Coordinate construction timing and staging with other hospital works
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Page last updated: 26 Feb 2026, 03:53 PM