An upgrade to the existing stormwater system will increase capacity during storm events and service the Blackett Street catchment between King Street and Ashley Street. The project continues from earlier stormwater upgrades, including a pipe installed in 2003, from Ashley Street to the railway drain.

A new water main was installed along Blackett Street a few years ago. At the time, installing the stormwater main concurrently was considered. However, as the water main is located on the south side of the road and the stormwater main on the north side, and due to the need to keep a traffic lane open, it was determined that combining the projects would provide no additional benefit to the community.

The work will include

• Installation of approximately 440m of stormwater pipes by open excavation within the road reserve.
• Service relocations, including power, telecommunications and water, to enable installation of the new stormwater pipes.
• Installation of nine new manholes.
• 40m of water pipe renewal outside 20 Blackett Street and 25 Ashley Street.
• Construction of new footpath at multiple locations near the Blackett/Ashley Streets roundabout.

Timing of work

August–December 2026.

How the work may affect you

Construction will result in temporary noise and access impacts along the street, which are typical for this type of work. Although the overall construction period is up to five months, work will progressively move along the street rather than remaining in one location. Construction will start at Ashley Street and progress along Blackett Street toward King Street. Please note that work will proceed more slowly than in previous projects in the area due to the large size of the stormwater pipes being installed.

Traffic impacts

Traffic management will be in place where there are construction works. This may cause minor delays to accessing your property and loss of parking around the work and roading detours as required.

Parts of streets may be temporarily closed or reduced to one lane while construction works are being undertaken in the area.

Across the Blackett/Ashley Streets roundabout, the majority work will be done at night to avoid lane closures during the daytime.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

For more information please contact

Sristy Malla
Senior Project Engineer

Waimakariri District Council
Phone: 0800 965 468
Mobile: 027 263 9210
Email: sristy.malla@wmk.govt.nz