Ilam wastewater upgrade set to begin

A major upgrade of wastewater pipes will start in Ilam in early September on Clyde, Creyke and Maidstone roads.

The upgrade is being carried out in three stages and is scheduled for completion in mid-2026. Minor on-site preparations will begin at the end of August.

“We are installing new, bigger pipes to help meet increasing demands on our wastewater network generated by our growing city. People may see our contractors onsite soon, as they prepare to start construction of a gravity main the following month,” says Head of Three Waters Gavin Hutchison.

“We understand this community has already been disrupted in recent months by other infrastructure and roading works happening in the area and apologise for these further necessary disruptions.

“It’s a big upgrade and we’re working on multiple stages at once to get it finished as fast as we can to keep traffic impacts as short as possible.”

First stage works, which are scheduled until December 2025, include pumping water from below the ground to allow for trenching and excavation works, the installation of new pipes and road sealing.

During this time one-way traffic and detours will be in place, as well as a 30km/h speed limit to keep workers, motorists, cyclists and residents safe.

“Commuters should expect delays and are asked to follow the detour signage and keep an eye out for changes in traffic management,” Mr Hutchison said.

The second stage of the upgrade will affect the east end of Maidstone Road, with work also planned on Creyke Road beside the Clyde Road intersection. This is scheduled to start in August 2025. 

The third stage will happen in early 2026 on Maidstone Road, at the western end between Ilam and Waimairi roads.

Contractor Dormer Construction will keep residents and business updated as the work progresses.

For updates on the upgrade, visit ccc.govt.nz/ilam-wastewater