- $27 million project will replace 10km of Invercargill's critical water infrastructure.
- Gala Street works continue with traffic management to minimise disruption in the city centre.
- Completion scheduled for mid-2025 to ensure reliable, safe water for Invercargill and Bluff.
Work on Invercargill’s $27 million Branxholme Pipeline Upgrade is now in its final stages, with the project scheduled to be completed by mid-2025. The initiative is one of Invercargill City Council’s largest infrastructure investments and will replace more than 10 kilometres of pipeline connecting the Ōreti River at the Branxholme Water Treatment Plant to the Gala Street water tower.
The upgrade aims to secure a clean, reliable water supply for Invercargill and Bluff, replacing infrastructure that dates back to 1958. Invercargill City Council Programme Director Lee Butcher explained that the project has moved into more visible and heavily trafficked parts of the city.
“As the project has progressed, it has passed through a number of semi-rural and residential areas, but since early this year the installation of the pipeline has progressed to parts of the city where its impact is more noticeable to a greater number of people within the community,” Butcher said.
Construction is currently concentrated on Gala Street and will continue heading west until the end of February. Traffic management measures are in place to ensure two-way road access during this stage. From there, work will progress to Kelvin Street, moving north towards Herbert Street. At that point, Kelvin Street will become northbound only, with temporary road closures between Fox and Herbert Streets.
Butcher acknowledged the impact of the construction on daily life but emphasised its importance for the city’s infrastructure. “We’re doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum, but the reality is that this work needs to be done to ensure our city’s infrastructure continues to function well. It’s a bit of short-term pain for long-term gain, and we really appreciate everybody’s patience as this significant project keeps cracking on.”
Additional works are set to take place in River Street, Myers Reserve, Thomsons Bush, and along the ridermain from Pomona Road West to McIvor Road. These works will further strengthen the overall water supply system before the project’s completion.
Despite the challenges, Butcher confirmed that the project remains on track. “There is still plenty of mahi ahead, but we have ticked off some pretty major milestones, and the project is on track to be completed both on time, and within budget. We’re looking forward to the completion of the project, which is essential in maintaining our city’s critical water infrastructure.”
The Branxholme Pipeline Project is a critical investment by the Invercargill City Council to bring the city’s water system up to modern standards. The upgraded pipeline is expected to serve as a durable, long-term solution to ensure a clean and reliable water supply for Invercargill and Bluff residents.