Melbourne Water is stepping up the pace on the restoration of a natural waterway along the formerly concreted Moonee Ponds Creek through Strathmore and Oak Park.
The project will also deliver an upgrade and realignment of the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail along the stretch near the Strathmore North Primary School, as well as new local walking paths closer to the water.
Sections of trail will be closed during these works from December through to February 2023. Detours are in place.
The trail upgrade Along Brosnan Crescent in Stage 1 of the project was delayed by design changes to raise the height of the path to help protect the shallow root system of nearby trees, but works, which include permanent safety fencing along a section, is now resuming.
Stage 2, which includes significant works to naturalise a 50 metre section upstream of Margaret Street bridge, is now also getting underway following wet weather delays. These works will progress downstream of the bridge in later stages of the project.
This work will involve the removal of concrete panels on the slopes of the creek and the installation of rock work.
The use of rocks and boulders will achieve safety and stability and improved aesthetics of the area, helping to provide solidity to the surrounding embankment and reduce erosion.
During this work, base flow water in the creek will be diverted around the works downstream.
An access track with be established along the creek side of Oak Park Reserve to allow machinery to access the creek.
Pedestrians and bike riders will be temporarily detoured along Mascoma and Odin Streets via the route on the map.
Works will be undertaken between 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and occasionally between 7am to 1pm Saturdays.
Truck access will be via Main Street for the channel works and concrete trucks will be visible on Brosnan Crescent for the new shared user path.
There will be an increase in large vehicle traffic in the surrounding areas as vehicles deliver plant and equipment and assist with the works.
To facilitate the installation of the access track and to construct the future terrace and pond at a later stage, some vegetation will be removed, however project will plant a total of 43,000 native plants within the project area.
Riders may notice licenced contractors wearing recommended safety equipment (white haz-man suits, masks, gloves, glasses) to remove some soil found to be containing non-friable asbestos. There is no risk to passers-by.
Melbourne Water is leading the project, on behalf of the Chain of Ponds Collaboration Group and in partnership with Merri-bek City Council, Moonee Valley City Council, Greater Western Water and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.