Works to upgrade the Maribyrnong River Main Sewer in Melbourne Water’s network have now been completed ahead of schedule.
The sewer transports about 24 million litres of wastewater each day to the Western Treatment Plant.
The $35 million project saw a 7.2km stretch of the Maribyrnong River Main Sewer upgraded to ensure residents of Avondale Heights, Essendon West and Aberfeldie continue to receive a secure and reliable sewage service for decades to come.
The upgrade works included relining the inside of the existing sewer with new plastic sleeving, rehabilitating more than 70 aging and damaged manholes, and decommissioning others that were no longer needed.
Melbourne Water’s Project Manager, Tom Ryan, praised the project’s delivery partners CPB and Black & Veatch Joint Venture for the ability to complete the works well before the mid-2020 deadline.
“We did this by having a number of crews working in multiple locations at the same time, which allowed us to complete the works more quickly and efficiently,” Mr Ryan said.
Most of the work was carried out around the existing sewer manholes, which were typically located in parkland, as well as some local streets and private properties.
Being a trenchless technology, relining the sewer ensured that the important cultural and environmental values of the local area were protected.
Melbourne Water worked closely with a number of different agencies and groups to deliver the project including Moonee Valley City Council, Parks Victoria, Wurundjeri Land Council, Friends of Maribyrnong Valley and Friends of Steele Creek.
“We could not have completed this important sewer upgrade without these strong partnerships,” Mr Ryan said.
“We also thank local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding throughout the upgrade works, which began in mid-2018.”
Mr Ryan said the focus of the project was now on reinstating areas affected by the work activities, in accordance with plans approved by Council and Parks Victoria.
“We will be leaving a lasting legacy by enhancing the environment and amenity of the local area through native plantings.” Mr Ryan said.
Melbourne Water will be planting more than 10,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses in the local region, building on and complimenting other revegetation works undertaken by Parks Victoria, Friends groups and Moonee Valley City Council.
Melbourne Water staff continue to strive to deliver vital projects while adhering to the latest state government health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Best practices for protecting the occupational health of Melbourne Water staff and the community are being maintained.
