Melbourne Water is planning to build a new pipeline to meet growing demand for water in the northern and western suburbs of Greater Melbourne and to support development in the planned growth area.
The new pipeline will improve the reliability of water supply in the northern suburbs and free up capacity to transfer more water to the western suburbs. The project involves construction of a 20km pipeline from the Yan Yean Water Treatment Plant to the Bald Hill, Kalkallo tank site. Construction commenced in early 2023, and will continue into 2024.
As the new pipeline is being constructed for necessary bulk transfer of water, no connections can be made to properties along the alignment.
Why this project is important
Melbourne’s population is projected to increase from 4.6 million in 2016 to 6 million in 2031, and ultimately to 8 million people in 2051. Around 60% of this growth is expected to occur in Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs, with 851,000 new residents projected by 2031 (Victoria in Future 2016, Victorian Government).
The new pipeline has been designed and timed to meet growing water demands and improve reliability of supply in the northern suburbs, while freeing up capacity to transfer more water to the western suburbs.
Work is continuing on the upgrade of the Yan Yean Water Treatment Plant. The treatment plant was built more than two decades ago to support the supply of water to Melbourne's growing northern suburbs. Some operation improvements need to be made so it can continue to provide a reliable and secure water supply into the future.
Construction on the new pumping station at the treatment plant has commenced. The pump station will enable bulk water transfer from the treatment plant to the Bald Hill reservoir tanks via the new pipeline.
Traffic Impacts:
During December, VicRoads will be completing intersection upgrades works in the Whittlesea area. The intersections of Merriang Road and Grants Road; and Plenty Road and Grants Road will be upgraded as part of these works. VicRoads will complete these upgrades overnight, and motorists may experience some delays. These works are not related to the Yan Yean to Bald Hill Pipeline.
Current works:
| Location | Impact |
|---|---|
| Grants Road |
Gilding Court to Plenty Road is open. Road conditions will be altered and speed restrictions in place. Motorists should drive with care. Ninth Avenue to Merriang Road is closed to non-local traffic. Works have commenced west of Sheridan Court working towards Merriang Road. Full reinstatement of Grants Road will take place once all works are complete. |
| Merriang Road |
Speed restrictions in place at corner of Merriang and Grants Road for entering/exiting trucks. |
| Plenty Road |
Works on Plenty Road have been completed, with minor traffic delays during working hours and speed restrictions in place to facilitate the removal of traffic management barriers. Removal of the remaining barriers has commenced and will be completed as quickly and safely as possible. |
| Reservoir Road / Plenty Road Roundabout | Works at the intersection are scheduled for the weekend of 1 December. These works will be completed continuously over the weekend until 5 December, requiring partial road closures. Traffic control will be in place. |
| Reservoir Road and Recreation Road |
Works on the crossover from Reservoir Road to Recreation Road have commenced. Detours will be in place. Motorists may want to consider alternative routes. |
The works programme for 2024 is currently being finalised. We will update future works shortly.
These impacts will be updated regularly as the project progresses, and residents and Council will be notified in advance of any detours or road closures coming into effect.
What’s happening and when
Small pipeline and tank
We are constructing a 1.5-kilometre water supply pipeline and have installed a large water tank on the top of Bald Hill, Kalkallo. This will be connected to a greater pipeline planned for the future.
Works involve excavation to establish a foundation for the new pipeline and tank. The tank is 10 metres tall and approximately 36 metres in diameter, and was delivered to the site in segments and installed by crane.
2023: Yan Yean to Bald Hill pipeline
As part of a related project in the area, we are also planning to build a new pipeline to improve the reliability of water supply in the northern suburbs and free up capacity to transfer more water to the western suburbs.
The project involves construction of a new 20-kilometre pipeline from the Yan Yean Water Treatment Plant to the Bald Hill, Kalkallo tank site, as shown on the following map. As the new pipeline will be constructed to transfer water, no connections will be made to properties along the alignment.
The pipeline has been split into two 10 kilometre sections (The Eastern and Western sections).
Construction on both sections of the pipeline is underway and progressing well.
2022: Yan Yean Pumping Station - Early Investigations
Early investigation works have been completed.
Early 2023 - Yan Yean Pumping Station - Commencement of construction
Early works and site establishment
Mid 2023-Mid 2024 - Yan Yean Pumping Station Construction
Works associated with the construction of the pump station building, electricity upgrade and pipeline installation have commenced.
Late 2024 - Yan Yean Pumping Station activated
Once construction has been completed, the pump station will be activated.
Late 2024 - Yan Yean Pumping Station Site reinstatement
What to expect
We’re committed to minimising our impact on the community, businesses and the environment as we deliver world-class solutions.
As works continue at the treatment plant and as works commence on the Yan Yean to Bald Hill Pipeline, you may notice:
- frequent truck activity in the area to transport materials and equipment
- At times Recreation Road and the entrance to Yan Yean Reservoir will be closed. Traffic management will be in place and residents and park users will be informed before these scheduled works commence.
- noise from machinery operating during work hours.
We will continue to have measures in place to manage dust and noise.
For further information regarding the project or to provide feedback please see the contact details below.
Further Information
Download our introductory project bulletin for an overview of all of our current and planned projects in Yan Yean:
Your feedback
Contact us with any comments or queries: