An upgrade on a major watermain which began in Cambridge on Tuesday 9 will help futureproof the town’s water supply.
Waipā contractor Camex is carrying out the work, which involves drilling and installing a large new water supply pipe along the section of Victoria Street between the Alpha Street and Queen Street roundabouts.
Waipā District Council’s water services manager Martin Mould said the upgrade was an essential part of supporting the town’s growing population.
“We’re installing a new fit-for-purpose pipe which will help to deliver more water to Cambridge North as it grows. With more people coming to the district, we are required to upgrade our infrastructure to meet increasing demands.
“Regular construction noise and vibration can be expected while this work takes place but with a minimum impact on traffic flows and water supply.”
Directional drilling will be used to create the pipe cavity but as the work will happen near some of Cambridge’s original founding heritage trees, extra care is being taken to safeguard the health of the trees.
“We are taking specialist advice from expert arborists regarding these significant trees and are putting a number of measures in place to help reduce any impact on the root structure. While we recognise this upgrade is vital, we are also cognisant of the great amenity and wellbeing value these trees offer our community.”
The upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of April.
Pedestrians and cyclists heading along the Victoria Square pathway should take extra care where the pathway is narrowed from 3m to 1.5m while some of the work takes place.