Hastings' pipe progress means traffic management changes

One thousand metres of pipe has been laid across the four work sites so far. Photo / Supplied.

The installation of the critical new water main between Hastings and Havelock North is continuing at a good pace with nearly a quarter of the water pipe in place.

So far, 1000 metres of pipe has been laid across the four work sites.
From Monday the work will move into Sylvan Rd, the western-most section of the project.

That will entail the closure of Sylvan Rd, between Heretaunga St East and Avenue Rd, and Queen St, between Park Rd North and Riverslea Rd, to through traffic.

Access will be maintained for residents, service and emergency vehicles. Residents along the affected stretch of the streets are being individually contacted by project managers.

The estimated time for the closure is three weeks, weather permitting. The number of sites for this project across Hastings is four, with different traffic management processes in place depending on the length of the site, the amount of traffic using the road, and the hours of work.

In St Aubyn St, the road has been reduced to one lane near the Park Rd intersection, with mobile traffic lights controlling traffic; at the Windsor Ave site, the traffic is two-way, with cones indicating the lane layout; in St George's Rd the road has been reduced to one lane with traffic lights managing traffic flows; in Crosses Rd stop/go traffic staff are managing the traffic while crews are on site, with temporary lights used overnight.

The timing of the mobile traffic lights is constantly being assessed, with the automatic timers set at an average red light wait time of 100 seconds.

"At times this can be slightly longer, and we do appreciate the patience people are showing as we work through the installation of this critical infrastructure," said Hastings District Council's works and services committee chairman Kevin Watkins.

"The contractors are regularly monitoring the traffic management, particularly around the operation of the traffic lights. We do ask that people take care around these sites; for their safety, that of the work crews, and of pedestrians and cyclists.

"In particular, please pay attention to the lights – it is not the time to check your emails on your mobile. That risks missing your turn on the green, leading to the frustration of drivers behind you."

The Park Rd and St Aubyn St intersection, which has been closed this month, will be reopened on Monday .