By Jed Lanyon
Dam remediation and upgrade works have been completed at the Upper Yarra Dam to ensure the ongoing integrity and stability of the dam wall in providing drinking water for Melbournians.
Works first commenced at the site in October 2019 by Melbourne Water as earthworks are now completed and focus is moved to finalising ancillary works.
Construction has seen the movement of earthfill, rockfill and clay as the project utilised materials from the existing dam and immediate area as well as importing the additional materials needed.
These included the importation of 128,481 tonnes of various materials, which is the equivalent of 3974 trucks and trailers. The project saw 542 metres of filter trench laid, the excavation of 265,000 cubic metres of dam wall material and 181,518 cubic metres of placed material to reinstate the dam wall, according to Melbourne Water.
To date, there has been 242,549 hours worked on the project (to the end of March, which is the equivalent of approximately 30,319 working days.
Remaining works include the installation of mechanical and electrical equipment within the new seepage weir and on the dam crest, construction of a new aerator building on the crest
reinstatement of the crest viewing area and the monument.
Revegetation works will take place across the site and maintenance within the works area
Amenities improvements within the campground, including upgrades to the main toilet block and more.
Melbourne Water has given an update as to when Upper Yarra Reserve will be open to the public again, currently scheduled for the upcoming Melbourne Cup Weekend in November.
