Melbourne Water is replacing corroded sections of the water main between Dunrossil Drive (Kilsyth) to Yarraduct Place (Croydon South). This will involve replacing sections of the M54, M55, and M56 water mains with two new 1350mm pipelines.

Most works will be within Melbourne Water's 'pipe track' or grassed reserve, but the pipeline does cross some roads, including:

• Bayswater Road, Croydon South
• Dorset Road, Croydon South
• Mt Dandenong Road, Croydon
• Hawthory Road, Kilsyth.

We replace water mains to ensure the supply of safe and reliable water now and into the future for our customers and the wider community.

Water mains typically last at least 80-100 years. When they leak multiple times in a short period of time, it indicates that a pipe has come to the end of its life and needs to be replaced.

The M54, M55, and M56 water mains are between 80 and 100 years old. Leaks have been detected over the last 12 months, indicating that they are nearing the end of their service life and must be replaced.

To construct the new water main, removal and trimming of some trees along the alignment will be necessary. Careful vegetation management is important for the following reasons:

• The roots of trees and shrubs close to water mains can cause corrosion, blockages and damage, impacting water supply and reducing the service life of water main pipes.
• Trenching and working beside trees can undermine their root systems, making them unhealthy, unstable and unsafe.
• We will also prune trees along the alignment to reduce the possibility of damage from machinery during our works.

A flora and fauna assessment has been completed for the work area. This assessment aims to determine ecological values within the project area, the potential legislative implications of these values if present, and provide recommendations for further assessment and next steps required to progress the project.

We will have determined the construction footprint of the pipeline with a focus on the principles Avoid, Minimise, and Offset to achieve no net loss to biodiversity.

Your water supply is not expected to be interrupted during our works. If you experience any issues with your water, please call Yarra Valley Water on 13 27 62.

Most construction works will occur during standard construction hours of Monday to Friday between 7 am and 6 pm and Saturdays from 7 am to 3 pm. Nightworks may be required where the pipeline crosses under roads to minimise traffic disruption. Residents and businesses will be advised if works are necessary outside of these hours.

There will be changes to traffic conditions, including lane and road closures, parking restrictions and alternative driveway access for some properties. Detours will be in place for traffic, pedestrians and cyclists. We encourage you to be careful around work areas and observe signage.

Unfortunately, the pipe track will remain closed for the duration of the project. We will be coming back to multiple times to connect into the smaller local water mains and conduct testing. Until all work is complete, vehicles are out of the area and it has been reinstated, it is not safe to open walking tracks.

The pipe track will be returned to a grassed reserve with a new sections of shared use path, new amenities and planting planned. Watch our webpage for updates.