The Kew-Balwyn Water Main Upgrade – a once-in-100-year project – has been successfully completed by Yarra Valley Water, ensuring a reliable and efficient water supply to 14,000 properties in the Kew to Balwyn area.
Yarra Valley Water Managing Director, Pat McCafferty, said that the project is significant because it is an upgrade to one of the main sources of water supply in the area.
“The pipework we’ve replaced was installed over a century ago during the height of World War One and was nearing the end of its life,” Mr McCafferty said.
“This is a popular area for homebuyers, renters and businesses and it’s going to keep on growing.
“These works will ensure we’re able to keep up with demand and deliver a great service for years to come.”
The $15.1 million water main upgrade was completed in two stages over several years.
Stage one involved constructing almost 3km of pipeline beneath the road surface from Denmark Street along Wellington Road, and Sackville Street to Kew Reservoir.
The second stage involved constructing a new 1.5km water main from Kew Reservoir, along Mont Victor Road and Parkhill Road, and connecting to the existing network at Adeney Avenue.
The four-year project was challenging because of the built-up nature of the area. Yarra Valley Water and its project partner, MFJ Constructions, worked closely with residents, businesses and local schools to minimise disruption.
On-site work crews monitored their activities to ensure residents had access to driveways or had access to safe, alternative options for car parking.
The crews restricted the type of construction activities that could be completed at the start and end of each day to minimise noise and inconvenience. Residents were regularly door-knocked and left notifications, so they knew what to expect next.
Kew-Balwyn Project Manager at Yarra Valley Water, Nick Coull, said that keeping the community’s needs in mind was integral to the project’s successful completion.
“Our community focus along with MFJ Constructions’ extensive knowledge and experience enabled us to construct a new water supply pipeline down the middle of busy, suburban streets, and to stay engaged with the community so they knew what was involved and what to expect,” Mr Coull said.
