North East Water's $2 million Sisely Avenue Watermain Replacement project in Wangaratta will replace an existing watermain with about 270 metres of new pipe below the North East Rail Line and along Tone Road, the city's major traffic route.

Complex works require trenching, horizontal directional drilling and pipe-jacking under infrastructure including a council road, open space, national rail corridor and VicRoads major road.

An existing watermain will also be diverted to a new alignment away from Sisley Avenue during the project.

Road closures 2025

Road closures and traffic diversions are in place during works on this major project between May and September 2025. An approved traffic management plan is in place.

Drivers will not be able to access Sisely Avenue from Tone Road and vice versa at certain times. City-bound traffic from Sisely Avenue will be diverted on Swan Street. Drivers from the city usually accessing Sisely Avenue from Tone Road are advised to use an alternative route.

Late May to mid-July
Sisely Avenue: closure at intersection
Tone Road: lane closure
Works taking place: below-ground boring

Mid-July to late August
Sisely Avenue: lane closure between North East Rail Line and Bruck Court
Works taking place: below-ground boring and pipe installation

August to mid-September
Sisely Avenue: closure at intersection
Tone Road: lane closure
Works taking place: commissioning

Drivers are asked to obey all signs and directions provided by traffic management staff. It is best if you can avoid the area in the coming weeks and seek an alternative route.

This aerial view indicates road closures and traffic management.

For heavy and multi combination vehicle diversion information, please refer to Truck Diversion Information.

What to expect during construction

Traffic management will be in place for safety reasons. Construction will be tailored to minimise disruption to traffic flows. The route between Tone Road and Sisely Avenue will be closed for an extended period.

Nearby residents may also notice:

• Heavy vehicles moving to and from the construction site and on local roads
• Noise from construction activities during certain periods
• Dust may be produced during excavation works.