Council will install a new watermain alongside State Highway 1, in the block in front of Mitre 10, before a major asphalting project on the highway gets under way at the end of March.

A cast-iron watermain that has served the town’s drinking water network for 110 years is nearing the end of its life and will be renewed.

Group Manager of Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann said short sections of pipe that would be under the new road surface at either end of the new watermain would also be renewed.

“That work will take place in the week starting Monday 10 March, and so drivers and pedestrians may find temporary road restrictions and changes in the area for the next two weeks.

“Businesses on Kermode Street will still be open as usual, though access may be off Park Street at times. We thank everyone in advance for their patience and our contractors are aiming to do the work with the least disruption possible.

“It’s also good that we’ve been able to work with NZTA and do this renewal now so that their new asphalt surface won’t need to be dug up any time soon.”

Detours around the site will be signposted, with work starting the week of Monday 10 March. The contractor is Tru-Line Civil.