Wastewater pipes are being replaced on Tancred Street, between Cass Street and Chalmers Avenue, over the next six weeks and temporary road closures will be in place.

The work will happen in two stages. The first road closure will be between Cass Street and include the intersection of Tancred and William Streets; the second will be from the intersection to Chalmers Avenue.

Group Manager of Infrastructure Neil McCann said letters about the work had been sent to residents and businesses on Tancred Street and in the wider affected area.

“Vehicle access is being maintained to the St John ambulance station and to the Ashburton Central shopping centre, where City Fitness and Number One Shoes are. Tru-Line Civil are doing the work for Council and will do their best to cause the least disruption to those who usually drive or park in the area.”

The wastewater pipe renewal work involves removing old concrete pipes and replacing them with PVC pipes. There will be diggers making trenches for the new pipes and lateral reconnections to properties.

Mr McCann said renewing ageing wastewater pipes was part of important routine maintenance on Council’s network.

“We have over 200 kilometres of wastewater pipes in Ashburton, Methven and Rakaia and those three urban areas service about 11,000 connections to homes and businesses. Pipes collect used water that is flushed down toilets and greywater from sinks and showers, so the networks have to operate smoothly at all times.

“Regular maintenance and upgrades are essential and closing some roads temporarily means our contractors can get the work done as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Council will spend a total of $2.6 million on wastewater pipe renewals this financial year.