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Nixon Street wastewater upgrade

Project typeConstruction of wastewater pipe
Project valueStage 1: $2.389 million (excl GST) Stage 2: $1.5 million
Project scheduleStage 1: To May 2024 Stage 2: From February 2024 to July 2024
Contractor nameParkinson & Holland Ltd (stage one), Loaders (stage two)
Completion Date19 July 2024

A worker 8 metres down in an excavation at the Nixon and Richmond streets intersection

The Nixon Street wastewater main is a critical asset servicing the entire Whanganui East area. The existing sewer was constructed in 1910 and extends for 911m – from Anzac Parade to the five-road junction at the Raine Street, Wakefield Street, Nixon Street, Burton Avenue and Duncan Street intersection. The wastewater main now needs to be replaced due to its ageing condition.

The project has been split into multiple stages. Stage one covers a distance of 549m from Anzac Parade to Moana Street and is expected to be complete by 1 May 2024. Stage two began in February 2024 with completion scheduled for July 2024.

Stage one

Due to the depth, condition and location of the main, the construction has been identified as difficult and requiring a high-tech solution. The most suitable solution is micro-tunnelling, which will be done using the Vermeer AXIS laser-guided boring system. This technology is crucial for stage one of the Nixon Street project (see the image above of a worker 8m down.in an excavation).

The Vermeer AXIS guided boring system is a pit-launched trenchless installation method designed to achieve pinpoint, on-grade accuracy while eliminating some of the difficult steps associated with other installation techniques. This means that instead of the entire road surface being disturbed, smaller pits are dug at intervals and the drills lowered into these areas to begin drilling below the road surface. The system is guided by a camera and lasers.

Only minor work is required to complete stage one by 1 May 2024.

Watch this video from the Vermeer website:

Stage two

Stage two extends for 326 metres from Moana Street to Raine Street and began on Monday, 12 February. It is expected to be completed by 19 July 2024. This stage involves the traditional open-cut method as the pipes are not needed to be placed as deep as those in stage one. This work involves not only the installation of the trunk main, but also the installation of a rider sewer at a higher level in the same trench line which will pick up the house connections as the work proceeds past those properties.

Stage three

Stage three from Anzac Parade to Moana Street (“rider” wastewater pipes laid under footpath on both sides) – this project has been postponed until the next fiscal year (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025).

Benefits and outcomes

Improved system reliability – the replacement of the old sewer main with a new one will increase its reliability and reduce the risk of failure, minimising the likelihood of sewer backups and overflows.
Increased capacity – the new Nixon Street wastewater main from Millward Street to the five-road junction will have a larger diameter and increased capacity to accommodate future growth and development in the area.
Reduced maintenance costs – the upgraded Nixon Street wastewater main will require less maintenance and repair in the long-term, resulting in reduced costs.
Improved environmental impact – the new Nixon Street wastewater main will reduce the risk of environmental damage from leaks and overflows.
Increased community satisfaction – the upgrade of the Nixon Street wastewater main will enhance the overall quality of life in the community and increase satisfaction among residents and businesses.

Road closures and detours

Only residents will have access to Nixon Street from Anzac Parade to Moana Street – detours will be in place. Roads leading towards Nixon Street from Anzac Parade, Richmond Street, Millward Street, and Moana Street may be closed during the work period.

The intersection of Nixon and Moana streets will close to all through-traffic for four weeks from 7.00am on Monday, 12 February until 5.00pm on Friday, 8 March 2024 as part of ongoing work to install a new wastewater main.

Detour signs will be in place, and property access for affected residents and emergency services will be available at all times during the work.

The work is part of the second stage of construction to replace this critical infrastructure asset to the Whanganui East community.

Check our public notices for the latest road closures.