StormPRO® supports major road upgrade in Melbourne

StormPRO has been improving stormwater project outcomes since 2007

The Narre Warren–Cranbourne Road Upgrade called for a stormwater solution that could keep pace with tight construction timelines while meeting sustainability goals and safety standards. McConnell Dowell turned to StormPRO by Vinidex, a trusted Australian-made solution, to deliver on these requirements.

Project background

McConnell Dowell partnered with Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) to deliver the Narre Warren–Cranbourne Road Upgrade in Melbourne’s south-eastern growth corridor. As a key north–south arterial route linking South Gippsland Highway with Cranbourne’s High Street, the road had become heavily congested, prompting a significant upgrade under Victoria’s Big Build.

The project included the addition of extra traffic lanes over approximately 4 kilometres to improve traffic flow and reduce delays. Other key works included upgrading major intersections, adding new cycle paths and safety barriers, relocating utilities, and installing new stormwater drainage infrastructure to enhance community safety and future-proof the corridor.

The challenge: Minimising disruption and meeting sustainability targets

Working on a major arterial road presented several logistical challenges, from managing staged road closures and traffic diversions to relocating major utilities to make way for the additional lanes. These disruptions had the potential to significantly impact road users and extend the construction timeline.

McConnell Dowell needed a stormwater solution that was fast and efficient to install, compliant with Department of Transport (DOT) standards, and aligned with the project’s sustainability and safety goals. The product also had to have a strong performance history to give stakeholders confidence in its long-term reliability.

Traditional materials like reinforced concrete pipes posed challenges due to their weight, complex handling requirements, and higher environmental impact. The team sought a proven alternative that was lightweight, durable and more manageable on-site – and would help reduce construction time, OH&S risk, and environmental impact.

The solution: Proven performance, delivered sustainably

With over 15 years of proven performance, including on several VicRoads projects, and thousands of kilometres installed nationally, StormPRO was the clear choice for McConnell Dowell. Recognised as the leading twin-wall drainage system since 2007, StormPRO offered a reliable, DOT-approved solution that met all design criteria, aligned with sustainability targets, and could be delivered within the project’s timelines.

The lightweight polypropylene pipes were easy and safe to handle onsite, helping crews speed up installation and reduce labour and equipment needs. “The reason we chose it – it’s a lot easier to use and move around, quicker to install for the crews (compared to concrete reinforced pipes), and is cost effective,” said Jarrod Woods from McConnell Dowell. Dane Veliades, Senior Supervisor, added, “StormPRO pipe is easy to put in ground conditions in the wet weather.

Manufactured in Australia, StormPRO also supports circular economy principles by incorporating post-industrial recycled materials, reducing landfill and aligned with Victoria’s Big Build sustainability goals. All StormPRO production waste is reused in the manufacturing process, ensuring no waste goes into landfill. With a 100-year design life and fully recyclable at end of life, StormPRO is a durable and sustainable solution that stands the test of time.

The outcome: Reduced risk, faster installation, and cost savings

Approximately 2.5 kilometres of StormPRO pipes were installed, delivering a stormwater solution that helped keep the project on schedule and within budget. The pipes’ twin-wall polypropylene design offers high resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and chemical attack, making them highly durable and well-suited to the site’s ground conditions.

Importantly, StormPRO’s lightweight design made the pipes easier to transport, handle, and install, reducing the need for heavy machinery, minimising labour requirements, and lowering on-site safety risks. These efficiencies contributed to reduced construction time and overall project costs.

Manufactured to meet strict national and VicRoads standards, StormPRO gave stakeholders confidence in the stormwater system’s long-term reliability and performance. With its combination of durability, ease of installation, and sustainable manufacturing, StormPRO by Vinidex reinforced its position as a market-leading pipe solution for civil infrastructure projects across Australia.

Conclusion: Long-lasting value

StormPRO proved to be an efficient, durable, and sustainable stormwater solution for the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road upgrade. Its ease of installation helped minimise disruption, reduce project timelines, and lower construction costs, which delivered practical and financial benefits on site. At the same time, its circular manufacturing approach supported key environmental targets. Having been a preferred choice for several major VicRoads projects since 2007, StormPRO continues to deliver long-lasting value across Australia’s civil construction landscape.