Petone Collecting Sewer pipe replacement
We're replacing a section of the Petone Collecting Sewer, a wastewater pipe that stretches along the Petone Esplanade, Lower Hutt.
If you have any questions about this work, please contact:
Wellington Water, 04 912 4400
Latest Updates
We're starting investigation work on an existing pipe along The Esplanade, Petone. Traffic management will be in place, and there'll some impact on parking. Here's what you can expect:
We're about to start investigations on the Petone Collecting Sewer. This will inform how we approach the pipe replacement. Investigations start on Sunday, 12 October 2025, and are expected to be completed by January 2026. The main works, the pipe replacement, is expected to start in 2027.
See our 'background' section for more details on what's involved in the investigations.
What’s happening
We’re replacing a 1.7km section of the 3.3km Petone Collecting Sewer, from the Esplanade West Pump Station (near Nevis Street) to Esplanade East Pump Station (near Oriental Street) along The Esplanade (see below image).
The Petone Collecting Sewer is a pressurised wastewater pipe that forms part of the Hutt Valley Trunk Wastewater network. It takes wastewater from Petone and Korokoro to the Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Why we're doing this work
The existing collecting sewer was built in the 1960s and is now over 50 years old, with its condition making it more vulnerable to earthquakes and significantly increasing the likelihood of pipe leaks and overflows. This would lead to wastewater spilling into the harbour.
The new pipe has an expected lifespan of up to 100 years and is earthquake resilient, helping set us up for the future. It will significantly reduce the risk of wastewater overflows onto the Petone foreshore.
When is this happening
Here's where crews will be working during the investigations phase of the project, from about September to the end of 2025.
The first phase of the project involves investigations, which will inform how we approach the design for this pipe replacement. This involves work at three separate pump stations along The Esplanade, which will require traffic management and parking limitations. This work is expected to start in mid-September and be completed by December 2025.
Here's a bit more detail on what investigation work will be done:
- Topographic and GPR surveys
- Road Reserve Cross Sections
- Manhole surveys
- Potholing
Asset investigation work will take place at the Esplanade West Pump Station, Esplanade Central Pump Station, and Esplanade East Pump Station. The scope of work will involve detailed measurement and documentation of piping and equipment within each pump station. This includes:
- Identification and recording of pipe material, length, diameter, and position.
- Documentation of valves, flow meters, and other fittings, including their size and location.
- Assessment of pipe supports and their configuration.
- Determination of the position of inlet and outlet pipes as they pass through the pump station walls.
The main works, the actual pipe replacement, is expected to start in 2027.
Who is doing the work
Wellington Water is leading the project, on behalf of Hutt City and Upper Hutt City Council. GP Friel Ltd is doing the construction work on the ground. Wellington Water is working with consultancy Stantec to deliver the project.
How we're minimising public disruption
To construct the replacement, a polyethylene (PE) pipe will be slip lined into an abandoned 525mm drinking water pipe which runs parallel to the Petone Collecting Sewer. This will help achieve project efficiencies and minimise disruption.
All Updates
Initially, crews will be working at night to complete quiet survey work. We'll then move to daytime hours, beginning where The Esplanade meets Nevis Street and making our way along The Esplanade in sections, to The Esplanade/William Street intersection.
- Traffic management will be in place during this time - lanes may be narrower and speed restrictions will apply. Parking will be impacted on both sides of the road close to the work site, as we progress along The Esplanade.
- Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained at all times.
- The work may generate some noise and dust, but our crews will do their best to minimise disruption where possible.
- Please take extra care when travelling through the area. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to strengthen the resilience of our region’s wastewater network.