Better streets & spaces, Infrastructure upgrades, Neighbourhood news, Water  |  Yesterday

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Work to replace ageing wastewater pipes along Mairehau Road is now underway.

Christchurch City Council Head of Three Waters Gavin Hutchison says the pipes have reached the end of their life and need replacing. 

“The replacement will be carried out in stages from February to June 2026. From Tuesday 3 February, crews will begin in Greenhaven Drive and work progressively from Stanford Street towards Mairehau Road,” says Mr Hutchison.

The first stage runs from February to early March and includes excavation, pipe installation, and road reinstatement. 

“We’ve planned the works to minimise disruption, but lane closures, detours, and a 30km/h speed limit will apply. Please follow signage and contractor instructions,” says Mr Hutchison. 

Commuters should expect delays and allow extra time for their journeys. 

These wastewater works follow a water supply upgrade in 2024. The two phases couldn’t do both at once because the projects progress at different rates and run in different places underground.

By completing them in sequence and coordinating with a future intersection upgrade, the team can work efficiently, avoid rework, and reduce overall disruption. 

The works investigating the Burwood Road/Mairehau Road intersection to locate underground services and finalise the design for the future upgrade is now complete.

During the first five days, crews investigated the Burwood Road/Mairehau Road intersection to locate underground services and finalise the design for the future upgrade. Temporary traffic lights and stop/go controls will manage traffic during this work. 

Contractor March Construction will keep residents and businesses updated as the wastewater work progresses. 

For updates on the upgrade, visit our website.