The new Taranaki Street rising main in Wellington is expected to finish by early 2025, ahead of schedule by four months.

Key Infrastructure Upgrade

Wellington Water began constructing this vital rising main in August 2023. The pipeline, designed to carry wastewater under pressure, is part of a broader plan to upgrade the city’s wastewater network. It aims to create a more resilient system to handle future growth. The total cost is projected to be $21.4 million.

Progress and Current Focus

The main section of the rising main has been completed and successfully tested. Wellington Water is now working on connecting it to the network and putting it into operation.

Picture source: wellington.govt.nz

Unlike most of the city’s wastewater pipes, which rely on gravity, this system will use pumps to move wastewater to higher points. The rising main will direct wastewater to the main interceptor tunnel, which carries it to the Moa Point treatment plant. It will also serve as a backup if other mains need maintenance or replacement.

Advanced Construction Techniques

The project used trenchless technology called “guided augur bore,” which minimised disruptions and sped up construction. This approach allowed the team to drill beneath Taranaki Street, reducing traffic impact and lowering landfill waste.

Smooth Project Execution

Susannah Cullen, Group Manager of Network Development and Delivery at Wellington Water, praised the team’s dedication and confirmed the pipes have passed pressure testing. She also expressed gratitude to residents and businesses for their patience during construction.

Picture source: wellington.govt.nz

Strategic Network Improvements

As part of the project, the team completed complex shutdowns in Market Lane, renewing existing pipes to connect with the new rising main. These efforts have kept the project ahead of schedule. This month, Market Lane will be restored to its original one-way traffic layout.

Picture source: wellington.govt.nz

Other works, such as upgrades to gravity wastewater pipes in Inglewood Place and Dixon Street, have been completed. Inglewood Place has now been handed over to the Council, which will use the area for new public facilities.

A Citywide Effort

This project is one of six under the Wellington City Council’s programme to modernise pump stations and rising mains. These initiatives aim to support the city’s growth and enhance the resilience of its wastewater system.

Acknowledging Public Support

The Council appreciates the understanding and patience shown by the community during this essential work, which is set to be fully completed by early 2025.