$19.6 MILLION PIPELINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT TO BEGIN
31 May 2005
Melbourne Water will soon begin a $19.6 million project to replace the Morang-Preston Water Main.
Also known as the Yan Yean pipe track, the 10 kilometre-long water main runs from Yan Yean Reservoir through Mill Park, Bundoora and Reservoir, and transports an average of 20 million litres of drinking water a day.
Melbourne Water Managing Director Rob Skinner said the water main was being upgraded to conserve water and protect and improve supplies in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
“The water main was the first pipe to be laid in Melbourne. It was constructed between 1857 and 1884, connecting the Yan Yean Reservoir near Whittlesea to homes,” Mr Skinner said.
“Melbourne Water manages about 1300 kilometres of water mains and aqueducts across Melbourne, and where necessary, older parts of the water supply system are being steadily replaced.
“Melbourne Water has progressively been replacing this cast iron water main over the past two years.”
Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Member for Mill Park, said: “This project will ensure that residents and businesses in the northern suburbs continue to receive a reliable water supply.”
The project, which will involve replacing the water main between Preston Reservoir and McDonalds Road in Mill Park, will begin in July and is expected to be completed by September 2006.
Some work on the water main was completed in 2002, where sections of the main under several major roads were replaced, including Settlement Road, Childs Road and McKimmies Road.
As this is a major infrastructure project, there will be some disruption to local residents. The community will be kept up to date about the project and will be informed of any road closures. Information will also be available at melbournewater.com.au
For more information about the project, please contact Malcolm Potts at Melbourne Water on 9235 7176.
Melbourne Water invests about $190 million a year on improving and maintaining Melbourne’s water, sewerage and drainage infrastructure.