Published 10/01/2019
Pilmuir Street works to complete vital lifeline for Hutt Hospital
Upcoming works in Pilmuir and Copeland Street will complete a major water main upgrade for Lower Hutt that will protect water supply to Hutt Hospital even in the event of a significant earthquake.
The works, between Kings Crescent and Witako Street, will create a resilient new pipeline connection between the hospital and the city’s water treatment plant. This follows upgrades on Knights Road, Cornwall Street and Oxford Terrace that have been completed by Wellington Water over the last few years.
“The new pipeline is made of highly resilient ductile iron, and unlike the old asbestos cement pipes is designed to withstand the shocks and stresses of significant seismic activity. In providing the Hutt hospital with the water it needs to operate at a crucial time, this project will make a significant contribution to ensuring the city’s resilience,” says Wellington Water’s Alex van Paassen.
Works on Pilmuir Street will begin on January 14, with the project expected to take up to four months to complete. Hospital access will be maintained at all times, however detours will be in place and parking around the area will be restricted. Anyone travelling to Pilmuir Street, including hospital Gates 3, 4 and 5, will be directed to use Copeland Street as a detour.
“We would advise visitors to the hospital to allow a little more travel time than usual, and to be prepared to park a little further away from the hospital than usual,” says van Paassen.
“We acknowledge that our work, though vital for the city, can be inconvenient and we will be doing all we can to keep disruption to a minimum for residents, the hospital and hospital visitors.”
Map of the initial detour route and parking restrictions which will be in place for three weeks from Monday 14 January.