North Harbour 2 watermain project

While our main construction works for the NH2 project are still a while away, our contractor has already completed early works under Greenhithe Bridge as part of the NH2 project. These works involved structural support works in preparation for when we lay the new watermain under Greenhithe Bridge.

What’s happening next

Following early works completed under Greenhithe Bridge, we are progressing to the next stage of works to prepare the network for future connection.

These connection and enabling works include:

• Installing valves, chambers and pipe connections

• Preparing the network so it can be safely operated and maintained in the future

These works are essential to integrate the new watermain into the existing network.

From June 2026, Watercare will use our property at 15 The Knoll as an access point to the work site.

What to expect:

• Truck movements along the driveway

• Monday to Friday: 6:30am – 6:30pm

• Occasional Saturday works: 7:00am – 3:00pm

The connection and enabling works are expected to take around six months, although access will be required beyond this phase for the ongoing works to install the new pipeline across the bridge, as well as subsequent works through to 2034.

Our contractor will need to access our site compound (as shown on the map below).

Meet the Contractor

We will be holding a meet the contractor session on Tuesday, 16 June from 5 – 6pm at the turning circle on The Knoll. Please come along if you’d like to learn more about these works.

From late May 2026, we will also be carrying out targeted works at Sinton Road to install a new section of pipe into the existing watermain.

What to expect:

• Closure at the end of the Sinton Road cul-de-sac

• Timing: Late May 2026 for approximately two months

• Property access will be maintained throughout construction

• Traffic management will be in place

We ask people to follow signage and directions from traffic management staff to keep everyone safe.

We will be carrying out targeted geotechnical investigations at night along State Highway 18 and Bush Road, Albany to support the design and delivery of the North Harbour 2 (NH2) watermain.

Why night works are required

Most investigations for this project can be completed during the day. However, because some locations are close to live motorway lanes, undertaking this work during the day would create significant disruption to traffic.

At the request of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), these works will be completed at night to maintain safety and minimise impacts on road users. Under the project designation, we are also required to notify potentially affected people when night works are taking place.

What’s happening

These works involve geotechnical investigations at multiple locations along State Highway 18 and Bush Road, Albany to confirm ground conditions and inform the final construction methodology for the watermain.

• Investigations will take place at approximately 17 locations

• Two sites will be active at any one time

• Each site will typically require 4–5 nights of work

This work is a key step in progressing the project and ensuring the most appropriate installation methods are used.

When

We are planning to begin night works from late June 2026, with activities expected to run for approximately nine weeks, subject to final programme confirmation.

Traffic management will be in place from 11:30pm to 5:00am each night

Once the detailed programme is confirmed, site-specific dates and timings will be published on this webpage so the community can see when works will be happening near them.

What to expect

During night works, you may notice:

• Lane closures on State Highway 18 with traffic management in place

• Traffic management on Bush Road, Albany

• Two drilling rigs operating at separate locations

• Use of support vehicles, including sucker trucks to remove drilling waste

• Temporary lighting towers to safely carry out works

• Crews arriving to set up, operate equipment, and pack down each night

Some noise is expected during:

• Site set-up and pack-down

• Drilling and investigation activities

These works are not anticipated to generate significant or ongoing disturbance, but there will be periods of noticeable activity overnight.

Managing disruption

We understand night works can be disruptive and will:

• Plan activities to minimise noise and duration where possible

• Ensure works are completed as efficiently as possible at each location

• Use traffic management and safe work practices to reduce impacts

We appreciate your patience while this important work is carried out.