Greater Western Water (GWW) has used trenchless technology to replace a 146-year-old water main to future-proof water supply for Carlton, North Melbourne and the Melbourne CBD.
GWW installed a 3.5km water main along Victoria Street, from North Melbourne to Carlton and parts of Rathdowne Street and Howard Street.
The old water main was replaced using both sliplining and lift-and-relay methods. As sliplining inserts a new pipeline inside the existing water main, it limits disruption to local traffic and businesses.
The previous water main was a smaller cast-iron main built in 1878.
GWW general manager of growth and infrastructure Ian Burton said the new upgrade will provide reliable drinking water to inner-city customers.
“As work took place along a major city arterial road, construction was delivered in carefully planned stages to minimise disruption and maximise safety,” he said.
“With a large section of works carried out at night, we want to thank the community for their patience and understanding during construction.
“It was important to work closely with stakeholders, local businesses and residents to understand different needs and keep everyone updated as work progressed – and we appreciate the feedback we received while we carried out this essential network upgrade.”
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