Work to install a new watermain on Allens Road, between Middle Road and Harrison Street, is planned to begin on Wednesday 1 March.

The work is being broken down into segments, to minimise disruption to residents and businesses over the course of the project, which is expected to take seven weeks. The intersection of Allens Road and Middle Road will be closed in the initial week of work.

The Allens Road project is part of a $1.94 million watermain renewal contract awarded to Ashburton Contracting Ltd, and the work involves laying new pipes for drinking water.

Infrastructure and Open Spaces Group Manager Neil McCann said pipeline renewals were part of Council’s business-as-usual work to ensure the pipe network delivering drinking water to people’s homes and businesses was in top order.

“There are some ageing pipes in the ground and we need to replace them. There will be excavators and large trucks onsite for a few weeks and we are letting residents know about potential impacts by dropping a note in their letterboxes.

“We appreciate that this is more disruption for the people who live along or travel along Allens Road, as other contractors have been laying new wastewater pipes in the Carters Road area. Both projects are important to keep our networks in excellent shape and delivering services our residents expect.”

There will be a speed restriction of 30km/h in the area and temporary traffic control and lane closures. Parking may also be restricted and residents’ access to properties may temporarily be affected.

Mr McCann said workers would try to keep any inconvenience to a minimum, including relocating residents’ wheelie bins to a safe place on rubbish collection day, and returning them.

“We will also ensure that students going to Allenton School will continue to have access across Allens Road near the school, and that nearby businesses are kept informed.”

Signs advising of reduced speed and detours will be in place before the work starts soon.