Major Waipā District Council projects disrupted as lockdown commences

The Hanlin Rd roundabout will be the largest in Cambridge but for now construction has come to a halt. Photo / Dean Taylor

Following the Government announcement of a Level 4 lockdown to reduce the spread of Covid-19 Waipā District Council has put all major infrastructure projects on hold.

The nationwide lockdown came into effect at 11.59pm last night.

Work on major projects including Te Awamutu Water Supply, Hanlin Road, Cambridge Pool, Waikeria Wastewater Pipeline and other infrastructure projects currently underway by Council's project delivery team have now all been postponed until further notice.

The Cambridge Pool project has been postponed. Photo / Dean Taylor

Chief executive, Garry Dyet, said the lockdown will have an impact but it is unknown at this stage how much timelines will be affected.

"The major projects are vital infrastructure for our communities, but we must comply with regulations set by the government and close down the work sites during the lock down," says Garry.

"Once the regulations are lifted we'll be able to determine how much our timelines have been affected."

Te Awamutu Water Supply road detour will have a temporary surface laid by contractors today, with the road detour to be lifted before the Level 4 lockdown is in place. A reduced speed of 50km will be in place until the project recommences.

Drill operator Te Hemi Ngatoa working in Te Awamutu Rose Gardens on the new Waikeria Wastewater Pipeline project that has now been postponed. Photo / Dean Taylor

The Waikeria Wastewater Pipeline project spans 30km and has a number of active work sites at Albert Park, Rose Gardens, Mutu Street and within Waikeria correctional grounds.

All these sites will be closed down until the lockdown has been lifted.

Work on site at Hanlin road has now ceased although traffic management will remain in place throughout the lockdown period. Contractors will be conducting regular site visits to monitor the work area.

Impression of the roundabout to be constructed on Cambridge Road at the intersection of Hanlin, this project has also been postponed. Photo / Supplied

The Cambridge Pool site has been shut down, cleared and secured. Work on Williamson Street, the street outside the pool, will also be halted but traffic management will remain in place.

For the latest information on Covid-19 and level four restrictions, head to www.covid19.govt.nz.