Water main upgrades in Francis Street and Lakings Road

As part of Council’s continued service upgrades, two sections of water main in Blenheim are to be replaced.

Works to replace the main in Francis Street and Lakings Road are both scheduled to start on Monday 13 January 2025.

The work is to replace ageing infrastructure, 3 Waters Project Engineer Graeme Jackson said.

“The new bigger water main will provide better water flow, ensure future resilience and replace ageing pipes,” he said. “All lateral connections to homeowner tobies will also be upgraded where needed and the contractor will contact homeowners directly.”

The $450,000 contract for the Francis Street upgrade has been awarded to Simcox Construction and work is planned in two phases to reduce disruption.

The initial phase will take five weeks and affects the junction with Scott Street to halfway along Francis Street.

The second phase runs from halfway along Francis Street to the junction with Redwood Street and will also take about five weeks.

The $600,000 project in Lakings Road has been awarded to Findlater Construction and involves replacement of the main between Battys Road and Boyce Street.

Once again work is planned in two phases each taking nine weeks. The first phase is from the junction with Battys Road to halfway along Lakings Road, and the second from there to Boyce Street.

The aim is to keep disruption to a minimum, but there will be stop/go traffic management including road closures at times. Parking will be restricted in both Francis Street and Lakings Road, however residents and businesses will still have access.

“The key is for motorists is to plan ahead so they can avoid traffic issues and we urge them to find an alternative route while the work is underway,” Graeme said.