The project was divided into three stages and it involved relocating the water main to less busy streets west of Sydney Road to minimise the impact construction work will have on the community.

Beginning in November 2006 and completed in January 2007, the first stage involved constructing 1,060 metres of pipe along Moreland Road, Cassels Road, Tinning Street, Albion Street and Frederick Street.

The second stage involved constructing 1,344 metres of pipe along Percy Street, Victoria Street, Gardiner Street, and Fallon Street. This stage began in January 2007 with work completed in April 2007.

The third and final stage began in April 2007 and was completed in July 2007. It saw 996 metres of pipe constructed along Union Street, Watson Street and Brunswick Road, finishing in Royal Parade.

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Managing Director of Yarra Valley Water Tony Kelly said “The existing cast iron water main in Sydney Road was constructed in 1874 when the surrounding area was far less populated than it is today and has certainly serviced the community well, but is now approaching the end of its useful life.

“This $4 million investment will reduce the incidence of bursts that impact customers and cause disruption to the water supply, and will also reduce leaks that result in water loss.

“Yarra Valley Water is committed to reducing water consumption by 20 per cent by 2010 and improving our water mains will assist us to achieve this goal by minimising bursts and leaks,” Mr Kelly added.

Yarra Valley Water engaged Gerristone Constructions to complete the works, and the company worked closely with local community groups, Sydney Road businesses and other authorities including Moreland City Council and VicRoads to ensure minimal disruption across all stages of the work.

Mr Kelly commented that Gerristone Constructions were selected based on their efficient and effective approach that will meet all the operational and environmental objectives of the project.

“The pipe [used] for the project is 375mm ductile iron cement lined, with the exception of the pipe under Jewell Railway Station which is mild steel cement lined,” Mr Kelly said.

To avoid disruption to the local area, Mr Kelly said that “boring” techniques were used rather than trenching for installing the pipework in Dawson St; Albion St; Victoria St, Albert St; and Brunswick Rd (both under the railway crossing and under the road).

Subcontractors utilised included Complete Tapping for tap ins under pressure; STA Westnet for traffic management; Pezzinenti’s G & Son and Bullseye Microtunnelling for boring; Metro Asphalt for reinstatement; and Water Chlorination Services for pipe chlorination.

Northern Quarries supplied crushed rock for the project whilst Tyco Water was the major supplier of pipes and fittings.

Yarra Valley Water Project Manager, Anita Johnstone, said “This exciting project will provide a number of benefits for community, in particular saving our precious water by reducing the risk of bursts and leaks. We have been working closely with all affected residents and businesses to make the process as smooth as possible and thank them for their support.”