We're performing upgrades to the Essex Street Main Drain - one of Melbourne Water's significant drains in the South Yarra and Prahran catchment. In Melbourne, rain and storms are part of our way of life. As our city develops and more homes, buildings and streets are built, rainfall that falls on the ground and flows through the landscape needs to be safely carried away from built-up areas and in to rivers and creeks.

At Melbourne Water, we manage a complex drainage system across the whole city and plan for the impacts of stormwater on our iconic rivers, creeks and our bays to keep homes and businesses safe from flooding.

That’s why we’re undertaking various upgrades to the Essex Street Main Drain – one of Melbourne Water’s significant drains in the South Yarra and Prahran catchment.

Complete
 

July 2022 - January 2023

Planning and design for the project is underway.

Complete
 

January 2023

Melbourne Water awards the project to construction partners, Safety Focused Performance Joint Venture and Aqua Metro Services.

Complete
 

June 2023

Various investigation works at Garden Street and Simmons Court will be required - works will only be for a few days.

Complete
 

October 2023

Concrete re-decking works begin at Simmons Court and Browning Walk, South Yarra.

Complete
 

January 2024

Concrete patch and fill works begin at Drain Reserve Road, Simmons Court and Browning Walk, South Yarra.

Complete
 

January 2024

Concrete re-decking works begin at Garden Street, South Yarra.

Complete
 

January 2024

Geokrete relining works begin on Bendigo, Essex and Princes Streets, Prahran. These works will take approximately 4 months.

Complete
 

July 2024

A coffee catch up and information session will be held on Erica Street, Prahran on 13th July. The project team will be handing out coffee and will be able to answer any questions about the project you may have. 

Started
 

July - October 2024

Drain renewal and repair works will commence on Erica Street from the 29th of July. Works will be split into two sections, with Section 1 works occurring between Williams Road and Budds Lane and Section 2 works occurring between Budds Lane and Newry Street. Parking on Erica Street will be unavailable within the work areas, we will be allocating on-street parking to residents with restricted driveway and garage access.

Not Started
 

Late 2024

Manhole replacement works on Newry Street commence, works will be focused around individual manholes. 

Not Started
 

Late 2024

Works complete and reinstatement begins.

What is the Essex Street Main Drain?

The Essex Street Main Drain is one of South Yarra and Prahran’s major stormwater drains that collects rainfall that falls on the ground and distributes it through Melbourne Water’s drainage network out into rivers, creeks and eventually the bay.

This drain was built as part of Melbourne’s inaugural drainage system in the 1930s. Since then, our environment has changed with more homes, buildings and people populating in the area.

The Essex Street Main Drain requires upgrades at multiple locations to accommodate our changing environment and ensure less flooding and impact to local homes and businesses. At almost 90 years old, the drain also requires significant repairs to improve its current condition.

What are we planning to do?

We have started works on a series of upgrades along the Essex Street Main Drain at the following locations:

  • Garden Street, South Yarra
  • Clara Street rear of way (ROW), off Drain Reserve Road, South Yarra
  • Simmons Court, South Yarra
  • Essex Street, Prahran
  • Bendigo Street, Prahran
  • Newry Street, Windsor
  • Erica Street, Windsor

The works include concrete decking replacement, concrete patching and filling as well as repairs and concrete relining.

The length of construction time at each location will vary. We expect works to last approximately one to two months at each location.

Essex Street Project Map

What to expect

We will make every effort to minimise impacts to the community. However, during construction you may notice:

  • Noise – our trucks and machinery will make general construction noise. All works will be performed in line with EPA Guidelines and noise restrictions.
  • Dust – as part of our concrete relining process and general construction activity, there may be some visible dust. We will make every effort to minimise dust.
  • Working hours – majority of works will be completed during standard construction hours, Monday to Friday, between 7am-6pm and Saturday’s 7am-1pm. Some night works may be required.
  • Traffic changes – properties may experience temporary lane closures or restricted access to ROW in their street while works take place. We will be in touch with these community members and allow for alternative parking arrangements where possible. Please allow for delays and detours while works take place.
  • Vegetation removal – some trees and vegetation may require removal or trimming. An independent arborist will be engaged to assess vegetation prior to any removal. Melbourne Water understands the significance of vegetation and we will work closely with Stonnington Council to develop a reinstatement strategy as part of the works completion.

Contact us

Further information about the construction schedule, traffic changes and community impacts will be provided as the project progresses.

We will continue to maintain contact with directly affected residents, landowners and businesses throughout the design and delivery stages. We will also continue to keep the broader community updated on the project’s progress.

Phone: 1800 931 171

Email: [email protected]

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