The number of road work sites around Wānaka increased further this week with the start of a major wastewater upgrade.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) says the work is needed to accommodate growth and provide resilience across the district’s wastewater network.

“There will be some disruption while this upgrade is underway, including partial and possibly full road closures and traffic diversions as the new pipe work is laid,” QLDC general manager property and infrastructure Peter Hansby said.

The project involves the upgrade and replacement of existing wastewater pipes and lateral pipes that connect the public system to residential houses on Aubrey Road, from its intersection with Rata Street down to the lakeside. 

In addition new water supply and wastewater pipes will be installed from the eastern end of Aubrey Road in Albert Town to the Sir Tim Wallis Drive roundabout entrance to Three Parks.

The route of a new water supply pipe and a new wastewater pipe from Albert Town to Three Parks.

Peter said work has also commenced on a new pump station at the corner of Bills Way and Wānaka Mount Aspiring Road which is part of the $6.4M West Wānaka mains water upgrade project.

“The pump station will increase water pressure, improve the resilience of the local supply [of drinking water], and support future developments of water infrastructure,” he said.

Other roads currently affected  by council’s infrastructure projects include Golf Course Road, which is partially closed to install a new pipeline as part of the West Wānaka project, and a section of Ardmore Street, which  is fully closed to traffic until October due to work on stage two of the lakefront development plan.

Where roads are closed or partially closed resident access will be maintained, including for rubbish and recycling services, and emergency vehicles, the QLDC said.

The work is expected to be completed by Christmas.

IMAGES: Supplied