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NPDC digging deep to replace sewage pipe

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PUBLISHED: 3 JUL 2025
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A 4m-deep open trench will be needed to reach a century-old sewage pipe that’s being replaced on Cutfield Road, New Plymouth.

To keep the public safe during the works period, the section of road between Young and Gaine streets will be closed to all traffic for four weeks from Monday 21 July (weather permitting).

“The current pipe’s in a poor state. It has a section where it dips down when it should be straight, which means it has a higher risk of blockage and is not doing its job of transporting sewage as well as it should,” says NPDC Project Delivery Manager Sean Cressy.

“It’s made out of glazed earthenware – similar to terracotta – and we’ll be replacing it with a PVC pipe, but the depth we have to reach to get to the pipe makes it a pretty big job.”

Pedestrian access to the business Proof and Stock will remain open throughout the works period, and residents’ vehicle access to their properties will not be affected.

Drivers are asked to drive with care in the area and follow the diversion signs.

This project is part of NPDC’s $248m investment over 10 years to 2031 to fix the district’s plumbing.

Fast facts:

·       Each year, NPDC treats about eight million cubic metres of wastewater at the New Plymouth Wastewater Treatment Plant – the equivalent of four billion 2L milk bottles.

·       NPDC manages nearly 700km of sewage/wastewater pipes and 34 pump stations.

·       More than 27,000 properties are connected to the district’s wastewater network.

 

Caption: One block of New Plymouth’s Cutfield Road, from Gaine to Young streets, will be closed for four weeks while a deep sewage pipe is replaced.

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Page last updated: 10:33am Thu 03 July 2025

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