It is likely to be around 12 months before Waka Kotahi NZTA can lay a smooth driving surface on Hakiaha Street due to the timing of the water main replacement work which needs to happen first.
The planned programme of work will see Veolia start installing a new 1.8km 450mm water main along Bell Road in October as a prelude to the replacement of the Hakiaha Street 180mm water main in the new year.
Infrastructure Manager Vini Dutra said that the coordination of works to minimise disruption and costs as much as possible was planned for from the very outset.
“Over the last few years there have been significant infrastructure projects as part of township revitalisation and upgrades of water and wastewater, power and telecommunications assets,” he said.
“To help manage the work programme and minimise community impacts Council's Asset Managers in roading, water and property have been working closely with the key contractors undertaking these works.
We have wanted to ensure as much coordination as possible with other infrastructure providers so we all only need to do things once, minimise any disruption and avoid unnecessary costs.
At this stage Waka Kotahi NZTA have completed the structural asphalt concrete layer on Hakiaha Street which is a rough surface and what people are driving on now.
Applying the final smooth driving layer before the new water main is installed risks the road compaction equipment causing the old breakage prone main to burst.
This would result in an avoidable water outage and costs for structural repair works on old infrastructure that is about to be upgraded.”
Mr Dutra said that the Hakiaha Street water main and lateral property connections replacement is planned to start in February and take around five months through until June.
“The use of directional drilling technology as used on Golf and Simmons Roads will minimise any disruption to pedestrians, parking and shop owners.
Only odd sections of the footpath and parking will be temporarily affected as the directional drilling unit hops its way down the street with no impact on driving.
Although the project is scheduled to be finished in June applying the smooth driving surface needs to wait until October when it starts to get warmer again.
Depending on the weather this is planned to take place over 11 consecutive nights.”
Mr Dutra said that Council appreciated that the multiple projects and stages of construction have caused some issues for people.
“While we still have a little bit to do we would like to thank residents and business owners for their patience and understanding as we deliver this series of major projects.
Coordinating the projects has been key to minimising disruption and costs and at the end Taumarunui will have greatly improved core infrastructure with many years of life in it,” he said.
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