Drivers and cyclists travelling between Toowong and the city have been passing a major drainage project at Auchenflower since late June, where a barge on the Brisbane River is allowing crews to repair culverts beneath Coronation Drive without digging up the road.
The works near Land Street involve the rehabilitation of ageing stormwater culverts beneath Coronation Drive, a key connection between Toowong and Brisbane’s CBD.
Brisbane City Council began the project in late June, with completion scheduled for August 2026.
Keeping Coronation Drive Moving
The culverts requiring attention run beneath Coronation Drive, making conventional access from above potentially disruptive.
Instead of excavating the road, crews are installing new structural liners inside the existing culverts. Most of the work is being undertaken from a barge on the Brisbane River, allowing crews to access the drainage infrastructure without closing traffic lanes on Coronation Drive for the rehabilitation.
The culverts have deteriorated due to age and exposure to tidal conditions. The new liners are designed to strengthen the existing structures and extend their operational life.
Bikeway Users May Notice the Works
While Coronation Drive remains open, the project is more noticeable for people travelling between Toowong and the city along the Bicentennial Bikeway.
Temporary pedestrian and cyclist detours may be required around the work area, while short interruptions can occur when workers, equipment or materials need to cross the bikeway.
Council says these pauses are expected to last about five minutes or less.
A small temporary fenced work area has also been established in Moorlands Park, with drain cleaning and limited tree trimming included in the project.
River Tides Set the Work Hours
Working from the Brisbane River means the construction timetable is partly dictated by tidal conditions.
Crews may work at different times across a 24-hour period from Monday to Saturday, meaning activity can begin earlier or finish later on some days.
Nearby residents and people using the bikeway may notice construction noise, lighting and equipment during the works. Council says particularly noisy activities will not take place between 10pm and 6.30am.
Strengthening the Culverts From Within
The project is rehabilitating the existing culverts rather than replacing them.
Installing structural liners inside the culverts is intended to extend their working life and reduce the need for costly future replacements.
For people travelling between Toowong and the city, the construction method means Coronation Drive can remain open while the infrastructure beneath it is strengthened.
The rehabilitation is scheduled to be completed in August 2026.
Published 17-Aug-2026
