6 January 2010
WATER PIPELINE CROSSING SYDNEY ROAD
The laying of a major water supply pipeline is about to begin under Sydney Road in North Coburg, with work timed to reduce the impact on motorists.
Construction of the new $60 million water main started in February last year and the eight stages of the project will eventually replace 10.5 kilometres of pipeline from Preston to North Essendon.
Manager of Water Supply Capital Delivery, Kieran Moran, said the main that provided water to the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne was more than 100 years old and had reached the end of its service life.
"The new pipeline will help to secure local water supplies by reducing the risk of leaks and bursts and conserve Melbourne's precious water resources," Mr Moran said.
The work involves digging trenches to remove the existing pipe and laying a new pipe.
The first three stages of the project have been completed and work on stage four is underway in Bakers Road, Coburg North.
The major crossing of the Sydney Road/Bakers Road intersection will take place from mid to late January to take advantage of the quiet traffic conditions during the school holidays.
Sydney Road will still have one lane open each way at all times. Bakers Road will be closed in both directions with detours in place.
Mr Moran said the works would be done at night between 8pm and 6am to minimise disruption to road users, residents and businesses.
The new water pipeline is being delivered by the Water Resources Alliance, a partnership between Melbourne Water, Baulderstone, United Group Infrastructure, Beca, MWH Australia and Sinclair Knight Merz, and will be completed in 2011.
For more information on this project, visit melbournewater.com.au
Media Contact: Gavin Rainsford – 03 9235 1587 M – 0400 690 502