Work to upgrade the wastewater system in and around Waitaha Road in Welcome Bay is scheduled to start this week.

The Tauranga City Council is planning the works in an aim to reduce the possibility of wastewater overflows if there is a pump failure or excessive demand on the system.

Flooding is one of the causes of problems with wastewater systems. Photo: Daniel Hines.

The project is expected to be completed in 12 weeks.

A Tauranga City Council spokesperson says the work will start with the laying of a new wastewater pipe along the road berm from Forrester Drive to opposite Waitaha Road.

No disruption to traffic is expected during this time, with the first phase due to take three weeks.

The second phase of the project will see two new wastewater emergency holding tanks installed under the first 50 metres of Waitaha Road.

During this stage, Waitaha Road between Welcome Bay Road and James Cook Drive will be closed for a month.

Detours will be in place.