Milton waste & stormwater replacement (Melville Ave - Springfield Rd)

Update: 14 July 2026

The final stages of the Union Street/State Highway 1 wastewater and stormwater renewal project got underway on Monday 13 July.

With 80% of the pipeline work done the focus is now on the remaining 20% to be completed and repairs to the southbound lane pavement and then northbound shoulder of the State Highway.

Work was recently paused while we consulted with our stakeholders to confirm design and repair plans.

Until this section of work is completed, we are unable to lift the current detour via Melville and Centennial avenues, and it is likely to remain in place until August.

Workek will also include pothole repairs along Centennial Avenue.

***

Update: 23 May 2026

Contractors have paused the Union Street/State Highway 1 project; however, this does not mean the project has stopped.

Work to replace wastewater and stormwater pipes is still a priority, but extra testing and design work is being completed for pavement repairs, including the southbound lane of the State Highway.

This work is needed so the next stage can be planned safely and properly.

Once we are confident the risks have been worked through, contractors will return to site and continue the project.

We know the work has taken longer than expected, and we understand the disruption has been frustrating for nearby residents, businesses, and people travelling through Milton.

The good news is the pipeline work is now about 80% complete.

At this stage, there is no further update on the traffic detour since our late May update.

To help reduce the impact on the detour route, a one-way traffic light system is operating on Union Street most nights between 7.30pm and about 8am.

Thank you for your patience while this important work continues. The finished project will improve stormwater and wastewater infrastructure for the community long term.

***

Union Street/SH1 wastewater and stormwater project overview:

This project is replacing wastewater and stormwater pipes on Union Street/SH1 in Milton. Work is progressing in stages, with temporary traffic changes in place to keep everyone safe while the work is carried out. Below is a simple overview of what has happened so far and what residents and road users can expect next.

Project progress to date:

• From 11 May: A detour was introduced for southbound traffic on Union Street/SH1, with vehicles redirected via Melville Avenue and Centennial Avenue while pipe replacement work took place.
• Mid-May: The detour remained in place so work could continue as part of the four-stage project.
• 22 May update: The detour was extended to 27 May due to unexpectedly soft ground conditions and extra repair work needed near Four Square Milton and on the northbound shoulder.
• 27 May update: A proposal was put forward to temporarily reinstate two lanes of traffic for King’s Birthday weekend, subject to NZTA approval.
• 29 May update: At this stage, NZTA say it is not possible to remove the current detour as work on the highway needs to continue to make sure the road is safe and repairs are completed properly.

Current status:

Work is continuing, and traffic management is being adjusted as the site conditions allow. It is likely the detour will remain in place for up to two months. We encourage people to keep children and pets clear of the worksite.

***

Update: 6 May 2026

Work to replace Milton’s wastewater and stormwater pipes is moving north along Union Street.

Work began in late January to upgrade the 60-year-old stormwater pipe network along State Highway 1/Union Street between Springfield Road, past Four Square Milton and along to Melville Avenue.

Work will now focus on two main areas: between Melville Avenue and Centennial Avenue, and between Union Street (State Highway 1) and Park Road. The four-stage project is due to finish in late May or early June. Once complete, these works will deliver significantly improved stormwater and wastewater infrastructure along this busy route, providing long term benefit to the local community.

As crews progress, this is expected to have an increased impact on traffic and pedestrians which will involve a detour for southbound traffic (early to mid-May 2026).

During this time, crews will be working to reinstate the footpath outside the Four Square. The team will connect property laterals to the new sewer main along Union Street.

***

Update: 27 March 2026

Work began in late January to upgrade the 60‑year‑old stormwater pipe network along State Highway 1/Union Street between Springfield Road, past Four Square Milton and along to Melville Avenue (see map of work area) and is progressing well.

There had been a minor delay due to the discovery of poor ground conditions near the connection with a very old stormwater pipeline, which needed to be remediated, as well as the unexpected discovery of a short section of asbestos‑cement pipe along the stormwater main that has been replaced. Subsequent CCTV inspections have confirmed that no additional asbestos‑cement pipe is present along the remaining alignment, which is predominantly concrete. This has helped avoid further complexity and potential delay to the project.

To help make up for lost time, Council’s contractor Isaac Construction will put on an additional work crew from this Monday (30 March 2026). See Alert notification: Union St/SH1, Milton pipe upgrade reaches next stage - Clutha District Council

From then, traffic management will be extended to include the section of Union St between Duthie St and Park Rd. An initial letter drop has already been completed for affected properties, and the contractor will continue to notify residents ahead of works as construction progresses to minimise disruption. The project is expected to be finished end of May/early June.

Once complete, these works will deliver significantly improved stormwater and wastewater infrastructure along this busy route, providing long‑term benefit to the local community.

***

Update: Wednesday 4 March 2026

Milton’s wastewater and stormwater upgrade is well underway on Union Street/State Highway 1 Milton.

Trenching excavation work has begun on Union Street, at the Springfield Road/SH1 intersection, and will continue north to Melville Avenue, and into Park Rd.

Council’s contractor Isaac Construction is digging a trench alongside the kerb and channel, to install new wastewater and stormwater pipelines. The Springfield Rd entrance to Four Square Milton has remained open, along with two lanes of traffic.

Further along, the Duthie St/ SH1 intersection just south of Tokomairiro High School has been closed and is where the Isaac Construction site office is located. Project duration is scheduled for three and half months.

Council will be keeping the community informed of the traffic management required throughout the duration of the project.

For regular project updates go to: www.cluthadc.govt.nz/transport-and-water/three-wat....

Pictured, Springfield Rd/SH1 works, and further below the Duthie St/SH1 intersection closure.

***

27 January - February 2026

Significant sewer and stormwater upgrades have got underway on Union Street/State Highway 1 Milton, which are expected to take about three and half months to complete.

This work will renew sewer and stormwater pipes between Melville Avenue in the north and Springfield Road in the south. The replacement work also extends into Melville Ave and connects into Park Rd.

Stage 1 of Council’s four stage project began on 27 January, with investigative work to confirm alignment for the new pipes along the Union St side of Four Square Milton and 213 Union St. See map below showing this section.

Stage 2 is scheduled to begin in February with the laying of stormwater and sewer lines in the trench running parallel to the kerb and channel.

Traffic management will be put in place at each stage for the work to be carried out safely. The aim is to maintain two lanes of traffic for most of the work, however, there may be short periods when a detour is required for the southbound SH1 traffic between Melville Ave and Springfield Rd.

The Four Square will be open throughout the project and will have periods when access is only available from Springfield Rd, as it was during the recent investigative stage.

Council will be keeping the community informed of the traffic management required and the start dates for stages 3-4, which will include installing the lateral connections to the new main line and to cut in the new sewer line in the manhole on Springfield Rd.

Council’s contractor Isaac Construction will be working to minimise any disruption to parking and from noise throughout the project and encourages people to get in touch with any special requirements, for instance, if they regard mobility impaired. Council may require the use of driveways and road access on occasion, and Isaac Construction staff will be on the ground to talk to residents about requirements.

• Street map below shows the work area between Springfield Rd and Melville Ave, including the Duthie St/Union St intersection, which will be closed when that stage of work commences and will remain closed for the duration of the project.