Our Services

Sewer Estimates for Mains in Live Road

Get Free Quote for Sewer Mains

Laying sewer mains in live roads is one of the most complex, slow, and resource-intensive types of sewer work. Since these jobs take place in public areas, they require careful planning, additional safety measures, and significant traffic management considerations.

The challenges of these projects make accurate estimating crucial, as underestimating any aspect can result in major financial losses.

Why Sewer Mains in Live Roads Are Challenging

1. Traffic Management & Lane Closures

In most cases, sewer mains in live roads are located in the middle of the road, meaning that at least one lane must be closed to perform excavation work. However, lane closures are not always possible:

  • If the road is too narrow or has only one lane, closing it could cause major traffic disruptions.
  • In such cases, the designer may opt for an underbore, eliminating the need for open excavation across the road.

If an underbore is required, it doesn’t eliminate the sewer installation cost—it simply shifts the complexity to bore pits excavation, setup, and reinstatement.

2. Underbore Considerations & Cost Implications

If a sewer main must be installed via underbore, the job is not as simple as just boring across. Exact cost calculations must be done for:
✅ Launch Pits → Where the boring machine is set up.
✅ Receiving Pits → Where the boring machine exits.

Launch Pits (More Complex & Expensive)

  • Larger & longer than receiving pits, requiring more excavation and shoring.
  • If the depth is significant, it will take longer to dig, longer to shore, and longer to backfill.
  • Proper shoring is critical → Bore launch pits require panel & arch shoring systems, which involve multiple heavy panels, bolts, and supports.
  • Shoring box setup is time-consuming → This must be factored into daily rates for labor and equipment.
  • Additional excavation challenges → If a ramp is needed for access, or if there is limited space for benching out, these factors will increase costs.

Receiving Pits (Less Complex, But Still Important)

  • Smaller than launch pits, but still require excavation and backfilling.
  • Depth matters → A deeper receiving pit takes longer to construct and needs stronger shoring.

💰 Failure to properly estimate pit excavation and shoring costs can lead to major cost overruns.

Talk to Estimator

3. Excavation, Shoring & Crew Size Considerations

When estimating a sewer main job in a live road, it’s crucial to determine:

What type of excavation will be required?

  • Open trenching vs. underbore pits.
  • Excavation depth and width.
  • Space available for spoil storage.

What type of shoring will be needed?

  • Standard trench shields vs. engineered shoring for deep pits.
  • Will additional bracing be needed?

What is the required crew size?

Larger jobs may require multiple operators, laborers, and spotters.

Do we need additional support equipment?

    • Tipper trucks for spoil removal.
    • Water carts for dust suppression.
    • Traffic control for extended durations.

⚠️ Traffic control costs are often subcontracted and can be very expensive. If excavation or backfilling takes longer than estimated, additional traffic control days must be added—leading to major cost increases.

4. Manhole Construction in Live Roads

For sewer mains in live roads, manholes are almost always:
✔ Concrete manholes (DTC standard).
✔ Deep, requiring careful reinforcement.
✔ Fitted with Class D lids (designed for high-traffic areas).

Key Considerations for Manhole Costs:

🔹 Proper allowance for concrete pouring → Deep manholes may require staged pours.
🔹 Correct depth estimation → Manholes over 3m deep need more reinforcement & geotechnical supervision.
🔹 Shoring for manhole excavation → Deep manholes need additional trench support systems.

💰 Failure to properly estimate manhole construction costs can lead to underquoting, affecting project profitability.

5. Overhead Power Lines – A Major Safety & Cost Risk

One of the biggest risks when working in live roads—especially with deep excavations—is the presence of overhead power lines.

🚧 Why is this a major concern?

  • Deep excavations require larger excavators with longer arms.
  • The excavator boom or bucket can come into contact with power lines, posing a serious electrocution hazard.
  • Working near power lines requires additional safety measures, which can slow down productivity and increase costs.

🔎 Risk Mitigation & Cost Considerations:

✔ Pre-site walk & Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) reports → Identify all overhead and underground risks.
✔ Safe working distances & spotters → Extra safety crew may be needed to monitor excavator movements.
✔ Alternative excavation methods → If power lines pose a major risk, alternative digging strategies may be required.

6. Why Proper Costing is Critical for Sewer Mains in Live Roads

Sewer mains in live roads are expensive and slow-moving. A minor underestimation in excavation, shoring, or traffic control can lead to massive financial losses. Estimators must ensure:
✅ Accurate excavation & backfilling costs → Depth, width, and shoring requirements.
✅ Proper allowances for traffic control → Underestimating traffic control days leads to huge cost overruns.
✅ Correct crew size & resource planning → Excavators, tippers, water carts, laborers, and safety spotters.
✅ Allowance for power line risks → Overhead obstructions can significantly affect excavation efficiency.

At WSE Sydney, we specialize in precise estimating for sewer mains in live roads, ensuring that all excavation challenges, traffic management requirements, and safety risks are properly costed—helping contractors avoid unexpected losses.

📧 tenders@watersewerestimatingsydney.com.au
📞 +61 451 404 645

Upload Plans