The major infrastructure project to replace and upgrade the water main along McAlister Street has past the half-way point.
Whakatāne District Council Infrastructure General Manager Bevan Gray says drilling work, which extends from Beach Street to Domain Road, had been programmed to reach the area near Apanui School during the current holidays to minimise disruption to the school.
"While the drilling outside Apanui will be finished this week, there will be ongoing impacts on the school community for most of next term. In preparation for the return to school and to provide a safe environment for students, pedestrians and our contractors, a range of measures are now in place.
These include two temporary crossings and associated speed humps, and a 30 KPH temporary speed limit established on McAlister Street between Domain and Peace Street," Mr Gray says.
From next Monday, the section of Merritt Street, from McAlister to the Bowling Club and McAlister Street from Merritt to Louvain Street will become a designated Apanui School drop-off zone between 8 – 9.30 am and 2.30 – 3.30pm. Signage will go up in those areas later this week. Mobile digital signs will also be in place tomorrow at Commerce Street and Domain Road to encourage motorists to take alternate routes to the CBD to minimise traffic along McAlister Street.
"Work started on this project in April and includes the renewal of the entire length of water main, all valves, hydrants, fittings, service lines, water meters and connections. It's a big job and has required extensive investigation of underground services to determine the location of the new water main.
"In some cases the 'test pits' need to remain open through the entire process, but they will be reinstated and pavements repaired after the water main is commissioned in September. We appreciate it’s been disruptive for residents and businesses and thank the community for its ongoing patience.
This is a project that will contribute to a reliable and safe water supply to meet the needs of our growing town centre for the next 60 years."