Melbourne Water is building 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.
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.
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.
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.
Early investigation works have been completed.
Early works and site establishment
Works associated with the construction of the pump station building, electricity upgrade and pipeline installation have commenced.
Once construction has been completed, the pump station will be activated.
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:
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.
Pipeline commissioning commenced on Monday 8 April, and is expected to take one month. You may see increased vehicle and worker activity along the pipeline alignment.
Speed restrictions around work areas and on unsealed roads will remain in place, and traffic controllers will be present to assist during working hours where required.
| Location | Impact |
|---|---|
| Grants Road |
Pipeline commissioning has commenced, and is expected to take one month. You may see increased vehicle and worker activity along the pipeline alignment. Speed restrictions around work areas and on unsealed roads will remain in place, and traffic controllers will be present to assist during working hours where required. |
| Merriang Road | Speed restriction in place at corner of Merriang and Grants Road for entering/exiting trucks. |
| Recreation Road and Arthurs Creek Road |
Works for the installation of new pipe around the external perimeter of the Yan Yean Water Treatment Plant have commenced. Due to complex pipeline works and recent wet weather conditions, these works have been delayed, and are now due to be completed by Friday 3 May. The intersection of Recreation Road and Arthurs Creek Road will remain closed for the extended works duration. The main gate for Yan Yean Reservoir Park will remain open, detour via Reservoir Road onto Recreation Road. |
| Location | Impact |
|---|---|
| Grants Road |
Preparation works will take place on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May on Grants Road between Barbers Creek and Ninth Avenue. Reinstatement works on Grants Road will take place from Monday 6 May until mid-May. These works will be continuously moving, starting from Barbers Creek and moving west towards Ninth Avenue. Reinstatement works between Ninth Avenue and Merriang Road. After resurfacing works are complete between Ninth Avenue and Barbers Creek, resurfacing works will take place between Ninth Avenue and travel west towards Merriang Road. Grants Road will remain open during preparation and resurfacing works. During these works there will be brief traffic disruptions, with the immediate road around the works area being reduced to a single lane. Traffic management staff will be on site to assist with motorists safely. |
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.
** Scheduled dates may change as a result of adverse weather **
Download our introductory project bulletin for an overview of all of our current and planned projects in Yan Yean:
Contact us with any comments or queries: