Chalmers Avenue residents and people who use the southbound lane of the avenue will continue to experience disruption in the next four weeks while contractors lay new water pipes between Grey Street and Wakanui Road.

Heavy machinery is involved in the work and a speed restriction of 30km/h is in place along the avenue to ensure the safety of the public and contract workers.

Temporary traffic control will also be in place, including temporary lane closures, detours and parking restrictions at times. Heavy traffic will have to use the Trevors Road detour.

Infrastructure and Open Spaces Group Manager Neil McCann said the first part of the watermain renewal project began at Moore Street in May and contractors had worked their way south.

“We are now moving into the final stage of this project and we appreciate the patience of all those who use Chalmers Avenue and who have been navigating the road works over recent months.

“Replacing water pipes is an important part of keeping our drinking water network safe and reliable, and that is important for our whole community.

“We thank everyone in advance for complying with restrictions at the new work zone while we put the new pipes in and replace connections to properties.”

Westbound traffic on Wakanui Road and Grey Street will not be able to access Chalmers Avenue, though residents will still have access to their properties. Detours are in place for all other road users.

The work will continue until 30 September.

Other projects in the pipeline

Contractors will also be installing new wastewater pipes on Princes Street, in the section between Brucefield Avenue and Bridge Street.

Other wastewater renewals will happen on Allens Road (southern end) and on Williams Street.

Wastewater and water pipes will also be replaced on Elizabeth Street and Grigg Street (between Philip Street and Oak Grove) in the next few months.

Contractors and Council are working closely with Ashburton Hospital to ensure any overall disruption to the the health facility is kept to a minimum. A public liaison officer for the project has been appointed and will work from an office on the hospital grounds.

The contractor is ACL and will be ensuring access for emergency services, staff, patients, visitors and goods delivery is maintained.

The project is planned to start at the end of September and will run until April.