Watermain upgrade on Victoria Street starting early March

An upgrade on a major watermain in Cambridge is set to start next Tuesday to help futureproof the town’s water supply.

Local contractor Camex will be undertaking the work on behalf of Waipā District Council which involves drilling and installing a large new water supply pipe along the section of Victoria Street between the Alpha Street and Queen Street roundabouts.

Council’s water services manager Martin Mould said the upgrade was an essential part of supporting the town’s growing population.

“We’re installing a new fit-for-purpose pipe which will help to deliver more water to Cambridge North as it grows. With more people coming to the district, we are required to upgrade our infrastructure to meet increasing demands.

“Regular construction noise and vibration can be expected while this work takes place but with a minimum impact on traffic flows and water supply.”

Directional drilling will be used to create the pipe cavity but as the work will happen near some of Cambridge’s original founding heritage trees, extra care is being taken to safeguard the health of the trees, Mould advised.

“We are taking specialist advice from expert arborists regarding these significant trees and are putting a number of measures in place to help reduce any impact on the root structure. While we recognise this upgrade is vital, we are also cognisant of the great amenity and wellbeing value these trees offer our community.”

The upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of April, with temporary fencing going up early in the week.

Pedestrians and cyclists heading along the Victoria Square pathway are advised to take extra care where the pathway is narrowed from 3m to 1.5m while some of the work takes place.

Events held at Victoria Square will resume as normal.