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.

Map shows current traffic disruptions
Map shows current traffic disruptions

What’s happening and when

 

 

Complete
 

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.

Started
 

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.

 

Complete
 

2022: Yan Yean Pumping Station - Early Investigations

Early investigation works have been completed.

Complete
 

Early 2023 - Yan Yean Pumping Station - Commencement of construction

Early works and site establishment

Started
 

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.

Not Started
 

Late 2024 - Yan Yean Pumping Station activated

Once construction has been completed, the pump station will be activated.

Not Started
 

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:

Yan Yean Pipeline Community Bulletin - October 2023

Yan Yean Pipeline Community Bulletin - March 2023

 

 

 

Your feedback

Contact us with any comments or queries:

1800 673 151

[email protected]

 

 

Last updated:
30 November 2023