Published 6/05/2021
Media release: Jervois Quay road closure planned for Queen’s Birthday weekend
From 7pm Thursday 3 June to 6am Tuesday 8 June all six lanes of Jervois Quay in the Wellington CBD will be closed so Wellington Water can replace the damaged stormwater pipe that caused disruption in early February.
Wellington Water Network Development and Delivery Manager Tonia Haskell says Wellington Water has worked alongside Wellington City Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to develop a solution with that causes the least possible disruption and the safety of the public and our staff as the number one priority.
“Since the hole around the stormwater pipe appeared in February, we’ve been working to repair the pipe without needing to dig a large trench the full width of the road to replace it.
“We were aware of the precarious state of the original pipe and unfortunately, in April, when attempting to replace a temporary section, the pipe collapsed further, meaning that it could no longer be repaired and would need a full replacement.
“Closing all six lanes of Jervois Quay over Queen’s Birthday will allow construction work that would normally take six weeks, to be completed in four days and five nights. Traffic statistics also show that the roads are quieter over long weekends so we’re taking advantage of this.
“The project is an ambitious task and requires a full road closure so multiple contractors can work in shifts around the clock to complete the pipe replacement safely and quickly
“This will be a significant project and there will be disruption. We are working to minimise the impact on people but are asking the public to, avoid using this route and look at alternative travel options – like public transport, cycling, walking etc.”
From 7pm Thursday 3 June there will be traffic management in place so the existing pipe can be removed and replaced with a new 750mm pipe.
“We are moving forward with a solution that will, not only replace the damaged pipe, but also help to address some of the historic flooding issues with the local stormwater network,” says Tonia.
“A multichannel communications and advertising campaign has started to make people aware of the closure and encourage them to avoid driving in the area.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this work causes and will keep you updated as the project progresses.”
Background:
- In February an unexpected hole developed on Jervois Quay.
- It was determined that a 100-year-old earthenware stormwater pipe had collapsed risking the safety of drivers and increasing the risk of flooding in the CBD.
- Crews initially installed a temporary fix and backfilled the sinkhole, allowing Jervois Quay to be reopened and options for a repair/replacement to be investigated.
- Over the following months work has been done to try to repair the pipe without the need to dig a trench the full length of the road and replace the pipe.
- When attempting to replace a temporary section in April, the pipe collapsed further meaning that it could no longer be repaired and would need a full replacement.
- It is expected that work will start at 7pm on Thursday 3 June and the road will reopen before 6am on Tuesday 8 June. Delays and congestion are expected, and we encourage everyone to be patient while this work to replace the pipe, ensure the road is safely reinstated and reduce the risk of flooding of the CBD is completed.
- While Wellington Water is leading this work, because of its significance and the traffic disruption it will cause throughout the city, we are coordinating very closely with Wellington City Council, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Capital Journeys.
- A comprehensive communications programme has been developed in conjunction with the communications teams from Wellington City Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
- For more information, please go to https://www.wellingtonwater.co.nz/work-in-your-area/sinkhole-repair-jervois-quay-wellington/