Push comes to shove for pipes

Contractors look into a pit beside State Highway 6 in Frankton where stormwater pipes  are being pushed under the road. Photo: Guy Williams
Contractors look into a pit beside State Highway 6 in Frankton where stormwater pipes are being pushed under the road. Photo: Guy Williams
Massive stormwater pipes are being pushed beneath a highway in Frankton as traffic continues to flow above.

Three of the 2m-diameter steel pipes are being installed beneath State Highway 6 as part of a $7million upgrade of the suburb's stormwater system.

Queenstown Lakes District Council property and infrastructure general manager Peter Hansby said 6m-deep pits would be built on either side of the road, and a ''large thrusting machine'' used to push the pipes through.

The upgraded system had been designed to manage up to a one-in-100-year rainfall, and meant stormwater would mostly be discharged to land instead of water.

''The pipe is set well back from the lake, and any stormwater coming down the pipe enters a three-stage filtration system.

''This approach means that if any water does make it to the lake, it is clean and clear.''

The upgrade, which is being carried out by Brian Perry Civil, began in January and is expected to be completed next month.

guy.williams@odt.co.nz

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