The Gore District Council will start replacing one of the largest and most critical pipelines in
its wastewater network next week.
The pipeline takes wastewater from north and central Gore to the Council’s oxidation ponds
in Grasslands Road, south Gore.
The section being replaced goes from the intersection of Hyde and Wigan streets, under the
railway lines, State Highway One and Eccles Street playground to the intersection of Eccles
and Ardwick streets.
The first phase of this project starts on Monday 6 March, and will see the closure of Hyde
Street, between Wigan Street and SH1. This road is part of the heavy traffic bypass. The
following detours will be in place:
• Northbound heavy traffic will be diverted along SH1/Main Street to Medway Street
• Southbound heavy traffic will be diverted at Mersey Street, then SH1/Main Street
These detours will be in place for about three weeks, after which the Council plans to
reopen one lane of Hyde Street to northbound traffic.
The Hyde Street phase is expected to take seven weeks. Once it has been completed, work
will start on Kiwi Rail land, under SH1 and the Ardwick Street playground.
The entire project will take about five months.
3 Waters Asset Manager Matt Bayliss said the existing wastewater pipeline was in poor
condition and at risk of ongoing failure.
“The pipeline’s precarious condition was highlighted in 2020 when a large hole appeared in
Wigan Street due to the wastewater main collapsing.”
Mr Bayliss said the existing wastewater pipeline was an old egg-shaped concrete pipe that
services the majority of north and central Gore.
“At 900mm in diameter, the pipe is one of the largest and most critical pipes we have in the
network, so we must ensure it remains operational.
“The fact these pipes pass underneath buildings, the railway tracks and the state highway
escalated the importance of this project.”
The project follows work completed over the last couple of years to replace the
downstream section of this pipeline along the length of Wigan Street, he said.
The Council appreciated the diversion of vehicles from the heavy traffic bypass would cause
some inconvenience.
“We have worked closely with the roading team to minimise any disruption and appreciate
people’s patience and co-operation,” Mr Bayliss said.
The budget for this project is $2.05 million.
