Major works are starting on Cameron Road to upgrade Tauranga City's wastewater services.

Over the coming months around 3km of sewer pipes, some of which are over 100 years-old will be upgraded underneath Cameron Road, along with connections to properties and side streets.

From July 26, stage one of the wastewater upgrade will see Fulton Hogan and Downer replacing the sewer pipes running from Harington Street to Elizabeth Street.

It is expected this work will take up to three months to complete, says a statement from Tauranga City Council today.

'After contractors have completed stage one, they will move to the second stage - upgrading the wastewater pipes between Elizabeth Street and 6th Ave.

The wastewater upgrade is funded through the City Waters Capital Budget at a cost of $10.9 million.

Expect traffic delays

Road users are being cautioned that this work, combined with safety improvements around the Farmers development, will cause some delays for commuters.

Council's director of transport, Brendan Bisley, says while steps are being taken to minimise disruption as much as possible, commuters are being asked to allow extra time for traffic or use one of the suggested alternative routes listed on the council website if possible.

'We thank those people who live, work and commute along Cameron Road in advance for their patience while we undertake this essential work which will benefit our city for decades to come.”

Traffic will be impacted during the day and at times during off-peak hours at the section of road being worked on.

Sections of the eastern side of Cameron Road and some side streets will be closed to motorists and detours will be in place.

Access to businesses will be maintained.

First major piece of work for Futureproofing Cameron Road project

The wastewater upgrade falls under the Futureproofing Cameron Road project, with main works to improve safety, make way for bikes and buses and revitalise the area starting in September this year.

Tauranga City Council GM Infrastructure Nic Johansson says a number of pipes underneath Cameron Road are still made of clay and are more than 100 years old.

Council is taking the opportunity to prepare for growth and replace and upsize the old sewer pipes before the main works above the ground on Cameron Road start later this year.

'It makes sense for us to do it once and do it right, so we don't have do this again for another century. In the next 40 years, the population of Tauranga is projected to grow by more than 80,000 people.

'This upgrade of our wastewater assets will help to realise the Te Papa Spatial Plan, supporting more housing and business developments along the Cameron Road corridor.”

For more information about Futureproofing Cameron Road please visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/cameronroad