Duke and Empire Street works on track
23 February 2015
More than half of the new water and wastewater pipes needed have been laid in Duke and Empire Street.
Seven weeks in to the project, Downers are making steady progress as workers dig up the old steel pipes and earthenware, some of which have been untouched since 1906. More than 579 metres of pipe (of a total 1200 metres) have now been installed, and the pipe work will be complete within the next seven weeks. Road work will begin the first week of March in areas where pipe work is finished, and will continue until the end of the project.
Waipa District Council's projects engineer Carl Smith is pleased with the work completed so far and expects the project to be finished within the 18 week timeframe.
Both streets are progressing well. In Duke Street, our contractors are moving their way towards the roundabout as they lay the new pipes during the night. As that work continues, the road between Commerce and Fort Streets will be sealed. This will take place during the day in the first week of March. The road will remain open and traffic management will be in place but there may be delays.
In Empire Street, the pipes at the roundabout end have been laid. Over the next few weeks, the parking bays will be dug out during the day and the area will be asphalted at night while it's cooler. Pipe work from Alpha to Kirkwood Streets and at the Empire/Alpha Street intersection will continue over the next few weeks during the day.
Smith said a two-way traffic management system will be in place in lower Empire Street during the day for a week from 2 March while the pavers are reinstalled. Empire St will then be closed from Alpha Street to the roundabout from 16 March to allow the contractor to rebuild the road and lay the new asphalt surface.
Both Council and Downers said they were grateful to people in the community for their patience during the works. They acknowledged there had been significant disruption but were trying to keep it to a minimum wherever possible.
Smith says the council accepts the work has tested the patience of businesses, residents or visitors. He encouraged those with concerns to contact him directly.
For more information on the project, contact Waipa District Council on 0800 924 723.
ENDS
For more information, please contact: Stephanie Slattery, Senior Communications Advisor - 027 807 3478