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 (SH18) 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, some locations are close to live motorway lanes, where daytime work would cause 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 SH18 and Bush Road to confirm ground conditions and inform the final construction methodology for the watermain.

• Approximately 17 locations will be investigated

• Two sites will be active at any one time

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

When we’ll be working

Night works are planned to begin from early July 2026 and will run for approximately nine weeks (through to early September 2026).

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

Works will progress gradually from west to east, starting near Greenhithe Bridge and moving toward Albany Highway. Timing will be refined as the programme progresses.

How works will progress

Works will move progressively through the corridor:

• Early works: Greenhithe Bridge area (service locating and setup, no drilling)

• Western section: Near Greenhithe Road (short-duration investigations begin)

• Central corridor: Fewer but longer-duration sites

• Peak period: Upper Harbour Drive to Churchouse Road (multiple active sites and consistent overnight works)

• Eastern section: Toward Albany (more intensive investigations, larger equipment)

• Final stage: Albany Highway area (completion of remaining sites)

What to expect

During night works, you may notice:

• Lane closures on SH18 and traffic management on Bush Road

• Reduced speed limits

• Two drilling rigs operating at separate locations

• Support vehicles, including sucker trucks

• Temporary lighting towers

• Crews setting up, working, and packing down each night

Some noise is expected during site setup, pack-down, and drilling activities. While there will be periods of noticeable overnight activity, works are not expected to cause significant or ongoing disturbance.

Managing disruption

We understand night works can be disruptive and will:

• Plan activities to minimise noise and duration where possible

• Complete works efficiently at each location

• Use traffic management and safe work practices to reduce impacts

Works will move progressively, meaning each location will only be affected for a short period before crews move on.

Stay informed

To understand when works will be happening near you:

• Identify your nearest area along SH18 (Greenhithe → Albany)

• Match it to the programme sections below

• Check for updates as timing is confirmed

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

Click here to see the full timeline

Please see below for a map of works at Bush Road Albany and on State Highway 18.

See the full map

See the full map