Take a different route

UPGRADE: Roadworks will continue on Botanical Road for the next six weeks. PHOTO: KARLA KARAITIANA

Botanical Road users will be asked to consider a different route over the next six weeks as Powerco conducts a major electricity upgrade.

The works will take place between Chelwood Street and the Gillespies Line-Tremaine Avenue roundabout and will allow a 33kV and 11kV cable to connect the Pascal Street substation to the transpower grid exit point at the Bunnythorpe and Kairanga substation.

The work involves digging a trench 1.4m deep and 800mm wide and, is currently progressing at around 25m a day.

Duct installation is expected to be completed by mid-May before the cable itself will then be 'pulled' through the ducting.

Powerco general manager Andrew McLeod says the work is part of a city-wide upgrade that will ensure Palmerston North has a reliable supply of electricity.

"Powerco is committed to future proofing the city's electricity supply for many years to come."

This will be done by replacing outdated oil-filled cables with a modern plastic-insulated cable with an expected lifespan of over 50 years.

The final stage of cable work is expected to be completed by the end of July but will be less disruptive as the cable can be pulled through from designated points.

With two schools on this section of Botanical Road, the busiest times of day are morning and afternoon traffic peaks.

Children at the schools have been given a letter to inform parents of the work, as have local residents and businesses that will also be affected.

Mr McLeod says the company is working to minimise the impact to road users but accepts the work will affect normal traffic flow in the area.

"We apologise for the inconvenience and would like to thank motorists for their patience while we carry out this important work."

More information can be found at www.powerco.co.nz.