Werribee River Aqueduct Replacement
An architect's impression of the new aqueduct
Melbourne Water is replacing a sewer aqueduct that crosses the Werribee River, north of the Princes Freeway in Werribee (Melway Ref. 244 J1).
Construction commenced in January 2009 and is expected to finish in September 2010.
The major task of connecting the new aqueduct to the existing sewer system was successfully completed in August 2010 with the cooperation and understanding of the authorities involved and the local community.
Remaining work involves demolition of the concrete aqueduct, protection of the heritage brick structure and reinstatement and revegetation of the site, as advised in Community Bulletin - September 2010 (PDF, 28kb).
Constructing the new aqueduct
The new aqueduct measures 5.4 metres in height and 5.4 metres in width, and spans 70 metres across the Werribee River. A new technique has been used in construction, not previously used in Australia for building pipelines. It has enabled us to minimise environmental impacts from construction and make the site safer and more compact. The footage below shows the structure being launched over the river in stages.
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Why are we replacing the Werribee Aqueduct?
The Werribee Aqueduct transports up to 60% of Melbourne's sewage to the Western Treatment Plant in Werribee and is a critical asset in Melbourne's sewerage system. The current aqueduct has reached the end of its life and must be replaced.
This project is part of a major, five-year program of works to improve Melbourne's sewerage and drainage systems. The program is being delivered by the Pipelines Alliance, a partnership between Fulton Hogan, Jaydo Construction, GHD and Melbourne Water.
Route changes for cyclists
A temporary diversion of the Federation Trail and Werribee River Trail is in place during the construction period to ensure cyclists can continue to ride safely between Melbourne, Geelong and Werribee, using the Federation Trail. The Pipelines Alliance consulted Wyndham City Council, VicRoads and Bicycle Victoria in developing this diversion to maintain safety and minimise inconvenience for cyclists and pedestrians.
The Pipelines Alliance is building the new aqueduct as a bicycle and pedestrian bridge to help connect existing and planned shared paths, parks and residential developments in the area.
Details of the temporary diversions are outlined in Map 1 - Federation Trail temporary diversions (PDF, 840kb).
Geelong to Melbourne cyclists
Geelong to Melbourne - exit the Princes Freeway (Melbourne-bound) at an alternative exit. The alternative exit is 100 metres further along the Freeway from the existing exit.
See Map 2 - Werribee River temporary diversions (PDF, 1.5mb).
Melbourne to Geelong - will be diverted across the Duncans Road overpass in Werribee to access the Princes Freeway (Geelong-bound). Cyclists will need to use the freeway shoulder with care from Duncans Road. Cyclists are advised to dismount to cross Duncans Road.
See Map 3 - Duncans Road temporary diversions (PDF, 1.4mb)
Melbourne to Werribee cyclists
Melbourne to Werribee - use the existing Federation Trail to the Werribee River and then follow signs along an alternative connection to the Werribee River Trail.
See Map 3 - Duncans Road temporary diversions (PDF, 1.4mb)
Werribee to Melbourne - use the existing Werribee River Trail and then follow signs along an alternative connection to the Federation Trail. Cyclists then follow the existing Federation Trail to Melbourne.
See Map 3 - Duncans Road temporary diversions (PDF, 1.4mb)
Werribee to Geelong cyclists
Werribee to Geelong - use the existing Werribee River Trail and follow signs to an alternative connection to the Federation Trail. Note there is no access to the Princes Freeway (Geelong-bound) at the Werribee River. Cyclists are diverted along the Federation Trail to Duncans Road where they can access the Princes Freeway for Geelong. This is a diversion of approximately 5 kilometres.
An architect's impression of the new aqueduct with pedestrian and bicycle bridge
See Map 2 - Werribee River temporary diversions (PDF, 1.5mb) and Map 3 - Duncans Road temporary diversions (PDF, 1.4mb)
Cyclists travelling from Geelong to Werribee - exit the Princes Freeway (Melbourne-bound) at an alternative exit. The alternative exit is 100 metres further along the Freeway from the existing exit.
See Map 2 - Werribee River temporary diversions (PDF, 1.5mb).
Reinstatement of site and bicycle paths
The new bicycle and pedestrian bridge will be built with platforms for viewing the heritage-listed Melbourne Outfall Sewer structure and a new resting place near an existing water fountain on the Federation Trail.
The site will also be revegetated and landscaped to minimise the visual impact of the structure using indigenous species consistent with Melbourne Water and Wyndham City Council requirements.
Contact us
Telephone: 1800 108 636 (toll free)
Contact us online
Downloads
- Community Bulletin - July 2010 (PDF, 100kb)
- Community Bulletin - September 2010 (PDF, 28kb)
- Community Bulletin December 2009 (PDF, 114kb)
- Construction Update 1 (PDF, 227kb)
- Map 1 - Federation Trail Temporary Diversions (PDF, 840kb)
- Map 2 - Werribee River Temporary Diversions (PDF, 1.5mb)
- Map 3 - Duncans Road Temporary Diversions (PDF, 1.4mb)
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