Ilam wastewater upgrade progressing

Thursday 3 October 2024

Work to improve wastewater infrastructure along Clyde, Creyke and Maidstone roads is progressing well.

The Ilam Wastewater Upgrade is a significant 2km long project that is expected to take until mid-2026. It is being carried out in three stages, with some overlap in the timing of these. Staging the project minimises the extent of disruption caused, although does affect the length of time the work will take.

There is traffic management in place while the work is being completed, including shoulder and lane closures, one-way systems and the temporary removal of on-street parking. Please follow signage and keep an eye out for changes in traffic management.

Stage One update

The first stage of work started in early September and includes work on Clyde and Creyke Roads. It is expected to be completed by December 2025.

Works include:

• Pumping water from below the ground to allow for trenching and excavation works
• Trenching and excavation works
• Installation of new pipes
• Road sealing

University Drive works (Clyde Road end)

Work on the complex manhole on University Drive, at the Clyde Road end, is almost complete and will re-open in the coming weeks. Pipelaying and manhole construction has also started on Clyde Road near University Drive.

Creyke Road

The contractor team is getting into an efficient routine of laying laterals pipes and the main wastewater pipe and constructing and connecting new manholes. This will be ongoing as they work west down Creyke Road.

Reason for time length of the upgrade

We have had some queries about why the upgrade will take so long.

There are several reasons contributing to the length of the upgrade. The work is complex, as the new gravity wastewater pipe being installed must be laid at an average of 3m deep at a very specific gradient. The depth of the work requires dewatering, to keep the trenches stable, and this takes time to ensure worker and public safety.

Additionally, there are a lot of existing services, such as power and internet cables, that the contractor must work around, requiring great care.

Finally, the upgrade involves more than just laying pipes; there are underground chambers and structures that need to be constructed, as well as a complex river crossing and manholes that need to be installed along the route.

Thanks for your patience

We understand the work has a big impact on residents, university students, school pupils and commuters travelling to, from and through the area – and we appreciate your patience and understanding.

Coffee catchup with contractor

You are invited to an informal coffee morning for anyone who has queries or would like an update on the project. A representative from Dormer Construction will be in attendance to answer questions.

Where:  LB & Co cafe (on the corner of Ilam and Creyke roads)

When:  Friday 11 October 2024, at 10am

Get in touch and stay updated

Regular e-newsletters like this one will be sent out throughout the project. If you know anyone who would like to receive these e-newsletters, they can sign up by visiting the Ilam wastewater upgrade webpage.

This page contains an overview of the project and is updated regularly.

If you need to contact the contractor, Dormer Construction, on 0508 DORMER (367 637) or email emma@dormer.co.nz