Queen Street Set for Major Stormwater and Wastewater Network Upgrade

Work to carry out a major upgrade to the stormwater and wastewater network in Waimate’s CBD is set to get underway next month.

In response to historic flooding issues, the upgrade will significantly increase the level of drainage in the area, with the new infrastructure designed to withstand a 1 in 10 year event.

The project, which will be undertaken by contractors Rooney Earthmoving Ltd, will also serve as an opportunity to install the required fibre ducts as part of the Chorus fibre rollout, ensuring the road is not again excavated in the coming months.

The scheduled upgrade, which will also see a new sewer sub-main installed, will commence early next month (October) and run through to mid-February 2022.

Commenting on the project, Council’s Asset Group Manager Dan Mitchell said the disruption would be kept to a minimum where possible, but delays and a reduction in on-street parking could be expected.

“We appreciate there is never a good time to carry out civil works in the main street, and in considering the steps to complete this project, Council have been mindful of this fact,” Mitchell said.

“Our team have liaised directly with affected businesses and will continue to do so, and for those residents also affected, we appreciate your patience, cooperation and understanding while this critical work is carried out.”

The project will commence outside 118 Queen Street and progress through to the corner of Queen and High Street, now known as the Waimate Bakery. All works will be cleared prior to Christmas and recommence mid-January. Contractors are expected to arrive on site soon to carry out some related tasks such as locating and marking existing services, though physical works will not be carried out until October.

The $750,000 upgrade will be funded by both Three Waters stimulus funding ($466k) and Council contribution ($283k).