Cambridge CBD watermain renewals

The watermain renewal programme, outlined in the 2021-31 Long-Term Plan identifies old pipes that need to be proactively replaced before they start failing, causing unplanned water outages.

As part of our watermain renewal programme, we are replacing the existing watermain in Victoria Street, Cambridge. The pipes date back to 1926, with the smaller mains around the centre of town dated between 1930-40.

These works are part of our wider plan to future proof the district and once the works are complete, they should serve the community for around one hundred years.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of June, weather depending.

There will be entrance and exit holes dug for each of the pipe sections. The holes will be back filled and covered with a steel plate when not in use and resurfaced once the work there is complete. These holes will be located on the berm, however there are some areas on the road shoulder and footpaths.

We’ll be aiming to do the work on the roads and footpaths overnight so we can get the work done safely and with less impact on road users and pedestrians. These areas will be identified and communicated in person to affected businesses at least five business days prior to work taking place. Some of the footpath work will only have shallow holes and will be fenced off and covered to minimise any dirt being tracked into businesses.

During the work, some pipes will need to be laid close to the entry site to allow easy access to get the pipes into the ground. This means there will be times, no more than a couple of hours, when some entrances may be temporarily inaccessible. We are trying to minimise this though by doing nightworks to help lessen the impact during the day.

Connecting the new pipes to the water supply will be done at night to minimise disruption to businesses. Camex Civil will discuss best times to do this with businesses who are operational later than 6pm.

The majority of works in the town centre will be done at night. We’re doing the work like this to minimise disruptions to businesses, their staff and those shopping, eating or wandering around town.

Any roadside parking affected during night works will be reinstated for the next day.

There may be a time when a business’ water connection is being worked on, and this could result in a carpark or two being occupied so our crew can work on their connection to the water service. Our crews will only use up to three carparks in any one work area during the day.

The pipes are placed in the ground in ‘strings’ that have been welded together in 30 – 90m lengths. It is easier to transport the pipes before they are welded. Having a ‘proximity welding area’ in Victoria Square will be less disruptive to traffic when they are ready to go into the ground.

Fencing will be put up around the welding area, to keep the works and park users separate. The Cambridge Cricket Club have given their permission to use the area.

The council arborist will work with Camex to ensure the temporary fencing is situated to protect the trees and their root systems from stress or damage.