M420 Air Valve Replacement
M420 Air Valve Replacement
Neerim South to Tyabb, Vic
Project Duration
Client
Project Value
Melbourne Water identified that their current type of air valve had passed it’s serviceability life and therefore presented an increased chance of failure. Following a successful completion of the delivery of 25 air valve replacements on the M160 watermain in 2018, Jaydo was contracted to replace 124 air valves on the M420 watermain between numerous reservoirs from Neerim South to Tyabb in Victoria.
The air valve replacements were delivered through winter shutdowns of the watermain over a 3 year period, with the final shutdown completed in September 2023. Watermain shuts are completed in winter due to the reduced water use during this period, however working in winter on large farming properties with cattle introduces a variety of unique project challenges. The Jaydo team however still managed to deliver each air valve replacement shut without delays or un-scheduled interruptions to customers. Throughout the project Jaydo worked constantly with the community to ensure they were updated, aware of any potential disruptions and at the completion of works ensured that all work areas were reinstated to their original condition.
key challenges
- Customer relations was a major component of these works, our teams were excavating and fencing off sites 3 months prior to the works being delivered, constant communication between the site crew and property owner was a key factor in ensuring a smooth and efficient watermain shut.
- Delivering through the winter months provided its own challenges due to inclement weather leading to boggy/wet site conditions.
- Tight and restricted access to several air valves that were not a standard replacement required careful planning and coordination between Jaydo and subcontractors to ensure the safe install of the replacement air valves.
- Working within easements of other service provider assets which required the coordination between both parties to ensure no one was injured or assets damaged during the works.
key innovations
When presented with a non-standard air valve assembly or customer off-takes, Jaydo’s Site Supervisor would prepare a design sketch of the proposed new install for approval by Melbourne Water.
