Published: 25 July 2023
The completion of the Barber Grove to Seaview Wastewater Pipe Duplication Project is a milestone Wellington Water is proud of.
This ambitious initiative has been possible thanks to the mahi and dedication of about 250 contractors and cutting-edge innovation.
It is the first-time trenchless tunnelling technology has been used by Wellington Water.
“The delivery of this project is a great achievement. There were challenges along the way, and we thank the main contractor McConnell Dowell for their expertise and commitment, which will have long-term benefits for the Hutt Valley’s wastewater network,” says Project lead Linda Fairbrother.
Hutt City Council and Upper Hutt City Council jointly funded the 18-month long project. It involved duplicating a section of the current wastewater pipe, which will improve water quality and reduce the risk of wastewater entering Te Awa Kairangi and the Waiwhetū Stream in the event of a major earthquake.
A unique aspect of the works was the non-conventional approach of micro tunnelling along Randwick Road to the Seaview roundabout. This ingenuity avoided a key suburban road being closed and potential disruption to other network utilities.
“The project team worked closely with residents, businesses, and Randwick School throughout the works, so we were able to reduce impacts where possible. Given the scale and timeframe of this project we know it was disruptive at times and we’d like to thank the community for their patience and support over the past 18 months,” says Linda.
Hutt City Council Mayor Campbell Barry says the pipe duplication project is a vital resilience project for the Hutt Valley.
“The 18 months spent delivering this project will build decades of resilience for our wastewater networks. This section of pipe carries 90% of the Hutt Valley’s wastewater, and ensuring it is fit for the future is incredibly important.
“This is investment in core infrastructure in action. It will help support the growth we are experiencing in the Hutt Valley and protect our environment and people,” says Mayor Barry.
Upper Hutt City Council Mayor Wayne Guppy added, “We are pleased to be delivering state of the art infrastructure to our region.”
The project completion was celebrated with a karakia and planting of trees along the banks of the Waiwhetū Stream. The new duplication pipe will be commissioned next month.