Melbourne Water has completed works on the M40 water main renewal project along St Georges Road in Melbourne’s inner North.
Construction on the water main renewal project began in November 2016 to replace water supply assets and infrastructure, and was completed in October 2017.
The new water main will provide increased capacity to supply high quality drinking water from the Preston Reservoir to Melbourne’s CBD.
The original pipes were almost 100 years old with a history of leaks and bursts, and required a full upgrade.
The un-signalised crossings at Beaconsfield Parade, Gadd Street, Woolton Avenue and Watt Street, and the U-turn crossing at Beavers Road have reopened permanently.
Melbourne Water, General Manager Major Program Delivery, Eamonn Kelly, said he was grateful for the support of local community and businesses during the works.
“These works have been disruptive and we could not have delivered this important project without the support we have received from the community,” Mr Kelly said.
“The local businesses along St Georges Road have been very understanding despite the impact of the works.”
Melbourne Water kept community needs at the top of the agenda for the project, including safely storing almost 80 large palm trees at an offsite nursery during construction, prior to replanting them at the site.
“The palms are back and should return to their former glory as the weather cools.
“We will continue to plant Chinese elm trees, as an avenue beside the path, once the worst of the summer heat has passed. This will help to improve the visual amenity of the area.
“We have also constructed a wider and safer shared pathway which will improve travel outcomes for cyclists and pedestrians, many of whom use the path to commute every day.”
