Watercare has begun the final stage of the Huia 1 watermain replacement in Epsom, New Zealand.
The water corporation announced it would use sliplining to pull a 630mm diameter pipe through the existing Huia 1 pipeline.
“This section of the pipeline carries less water than the sections west of Epsom, so we can install a smaller pipe using trenchless technology instead of open cut excavation,” Watercare project manager Tim Manning said.
The new Huia 1 watermain stretches over 15km between Epsom and Auckland’s western reservoirs in Titirangi and will supply drinking water to 20 per cent of Auckland’s population.
It will replace the existing Huia 1 pipeline, which – at 76 years old – is nearing the end of its design life.
Manning said commuters can expect to experience some traffic disruptions during the works.
“The works will take place from the corner of Watling Street and Saint Andrews Road to King George Avenue, and then continue down Gillies Avenue all the way to the corner of Kimberley Road,” he said.
“For everyone’s safety, traffic management measures such as lane and road closures will be necessary during construction.”
Work on the pipeline is still underway in Blockhouse Bay and Mount Roskill, which is expected to be completed by April next year.
“We thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we continue to install this critical piece of infrastructure for Auckland,” Manning said.
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