We are currently replacing 15km of aging water supply, foul sewer and stormwater pipes in the Sawyers Bay area. Some of these pipes are over 80 years old and the system is due for renewal.
The Project
The map below shows the six work areas, A to F, with work having started in area A in November 2020. We may have multiple areas underway with works at the same time to speed up the installation.
The contractors currently working in Sawyers Bay are Downer and McConnell Dowell. They are working with residents and organisations in the area to help minimum disruption where possible. However, the work does involve traffic management (including some road closures) and water shutdowns when the new pipes are connected, and the old pipes are decommissioned. If work is scheduled for your street, the contractor will notify you beforehand and let you know about any disruptions
For all currently planned roadworks in Dunedin (including this project) please visit the roadworks schedule.
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Area A
This was the first area to start in November 2020, it was completed by Downer in August 2022. Please note, there will be an upcoming water shutdown affecting this area to liven the new water main in Area B. We will be in touch when these dates are confirmed.
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Area B
Construction began in August 2022. All major work in the roadway has now been completed, Downer are currently carrying out work within private properties. There will still be some work in the road to liven new watermains and also to connect houses up to the new services. There will be Stop / Go traffic management as needed when this work is carried out.
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Area C
Construction began in October 2021 and was completed by McConnell Dowell in July 2022. The area has still been used as a detour due to road closures in other areas.
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Area D
McConnell Dowell started construction work outside the school on Stevenson Avenue in late May 2023. Stevenson Ave is currently closed to through traffic from the roundabout to Brick Hill Road until approx. mid September.
We will be renewing the foul sewer, stormwater and drinking water pipes in this area. Please be aware, this will affect being able to pick up / drop off children at the school. Our contractor is working closely with the school to help minimise this disruption and arrange alternate areas for this. We will keep residents in the directly affected area informed of progress, as well as the school and community board who will be able to help pass this information on.
We will also be renewing the foul sewer, stormwater and drinking water pipes in Freyberg Avenue. This is currently scheduled for July this year. We will be in touch with residents to explain how this will affect them closer to the time. -
Area E
Work in Reservoir Road and on the golf course was carried out this year by McConnell Dowell in conjunction with Area F. There is still some work required on private property to connect the foul sewer pipes. There will also need to be some more work in the road to remove the old sewer manholes, as well as connect the houses to the new sewer main.
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Area F
Work started in July 2022 by McConnell Dowell and Pro Civil. This has been one of the trickier areas, as it has involved closing Station Road, the main road in and out of Sawyers Bay. It has also included replacing the foul sewer in the Matthews Track area where our contractors worked with the local community group to help save the trees in place and improve some of the walking tracks.
There is still some work required to replace the kerb and channel in Station Road, this will be timed to happen when the work in Area D (Stevenson Ave) is further along to help minimise disruption around school diversions. Due to several factors, Rohais Place is no longer being included in this work, this may be re-visited at a later time. -
Information sheet
Which pipes are being replaced?
We are replacing approximately 15km of water supply, foul sewer and stormwater pipes. The pipes are in the road reserve and within private property.
The map shows the six work areas, A to F, with work starting in area A in November 2020. We may have multiple areas underway with works at the same time to speed up the installation.
Why are the pipes being renewed?
Most of the 3 Waters pipe system in Sawyers Bay is over 80 years old and is due for renewal. Some of the pipes are also undersized and renewals are required to align the network with current DCC and New Zealand Standards.
How long will the project take?
The project will be constructed in stages, with area A having started in November 2020. Areas A and C have now been completed, we are currently working in Area B (Downer) and Areas D, E and F (McConnell Dowell). Work in Sawyers Bay is currently scheduled for completion in early 2024.
Will my street be closed while the work is done?
Traffic management will be needed while work is done on your street. This may involve reducing the street to a single lane, using priority give ways or, in some cases, closing the street. The contractor working in each area will inform residents of when works are planned on their street and can discuss access options. Please get in touch with the contractor if you will have any problems with work on your street.
Will my water be shut off while the work is done?
We will minimise the number and duration of water shutdowns as much as possible, but some shutdowns will still be needed. We will let you know about any planned shutdowns for your street beforehand.
If a water shutdown would cause significant problems for you, please let us know and we will do our best to find a solution. For example, we may be able to adjust the scheduling of shutdowns.
What do I do if I have a question about the work?
If you have any general questions or concerns about this project, please contact our customer services team on 03 477 4000 or email us at sawyersbayrenewals@dcc.govt.nz
If you have any general questions or concerns that aren’t covered in this information, please contact us on 03 477 4000 or email sawyersbayrenewals@dcc.govt.nz.
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