No, it's not the Loch Ness monster

IT'S an interesting scene on the River Derwent near Granton today where a long black pipeline is being towed from the powerboats circuit to its final resting place closer to the Bridgewater Bridge.

Mariners are advised that a 900 metre section of the River Derwent is closed to all vessels until this Wednesday while the work is carried out.  No vessels may pass through this closed section of the River Derwent during this period because of pipe laying operations.

The pipe hazard within the closed section will be demarcated with orange flashing lights spaced about 100 metres apart and orange buoys spaced about 200 metres apart. During this period, mariners may launch craft at the Bridgewater Boat Ramp and proceed to the south or at the New Norfolk Boat Ramp to access the northern part of the river.

The works form part of the South East Irrigation Scheme Stage 3, and are being carried out by Hazell Brothers. The pipeline has been assembled on the riverbank at the MYCT powerboat circuit near Granton over the last few weeks and earlier today the operation started to float the long length to its intended destination nearer the bridge.

More information about the river closure is at  www.mast.tas.gov.au

The pipeline being laid across the Derwent will connect to this one on the northern side.