Major Milestone Reached in Invercargill’s Branxholme Pipeline Upgrade

• Key connection in Invercargill’s water main system successfully tested.
• 60% of Branxholme Pipeline Upgrade now complete.
• Ongoing works scheduled in several areas throughout May.

Invercargill’s pipeline upgrade is one step closer to completion following the successful connection and testing of a key link in the city’s new water main system. The Invercargill City Council’s Branxholme Pipeline Upgrade will replace approximately 10km of the city’s outdated pipeline network, spanning from the Branxholme Water Treatment Plant on the outskirts of Invercargill to the water tower on Gala Street, to deliver clean, safe water for the community.

Engineers on the Branxholme Pipeline project carried out pressure testing on the new connection between McIvor Road and the Waikiwi Reservoir in late April. The completion of this section signifies the northern part of the pipeline is nearing functionality. “This section of pipeline has now successfully passed pressure testing and careful checking for integrity. These are critical steps in ensuring the pipeline’s readiness as we move to the next parts of this project,” Invercargill City Council Programme Director Lee Butcher said.

The connection of the McIvor Road section of the pipeline signifies more than 60% of the work of this upgrade is now complete. “The next phase happening very soon will be to connect the pipeline into the Waikiwi Reservoir, leading up to achieving completion of the pipeline stretch from Pomona Road to the reservoir by the end of May,” Butcher said.

Residents around Gladstone Terrace, Russel Street, and Pomona Road West will notice ongoing works throughout May. “The work on Russel Street involves the installation of new 125mm water supply lines to connect individual properties directly to the main water supply, followed by the installation of new footpaths, and kerb and channel improvements later in the month. This work has been scheduled at the same time as the Branxholme Pipeline works on Russel Street to reduce disruption for residents and improve the efficiency of the project.”

Invercargill City Council Group Manager – Infrastructure Erin Moogan said the project team had considered ways to minimise disruption at every stage of the work. “A project of this scale is bound to impact residents at some stage; however, by carrying out work in stages and in conjunction with existing roadworks, we have been able to lessen disruptions significantly,” Moogan said.

Residents looking to stay up to date on the progress of the project are encouraged to sign up for the Branxholme Pipeline Newsletter.