A segment of an ageing watermain on Trevors Road will be replaced, with work starting next week.

Group Manager of Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann said the 60-year-old pipe had burst in several places over the past week and an emergency renewal job would start on Monday 11 November.

“The pipe was installed in 1964 and obviously needs replacing. We have contracted Ashburton Contracting Limited to do the work, which we expect to be finished just before Christmas.”

The segment to be renewed is between Wellington Street and Beach Road. It will involve digging trenches and installing a new pipeline, and necessitate one lane of Trevors Road to be partially closed. The footpath will also be closed.

Mr McCann said Council had spent nearly $20,000 on emergency repairs to the pipeline in the past week and more breaks were expected if the segment was not replaced.

Residents can expect to see heavy machinery in the area, and a temporary speed restriction will be in place while the work is carried out.

Mr McCann said residents would still have access to their properties and a temporary path would be provided for pedestrians to keep them away from the work zone.

“Our contractor will try to minimise any disruption to residents and road users but it is really important we renew this segment of the pipeline as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure resilience in that section of our reticulation system.”