Watermain upgrade work continues along Marine Parade between Commons Avenue and Grove Avenue, and down Grove Avenue itself this week. The first block of work has been working along the Mount Drury Reserve between Grace Road and Pacific Avenue. There will be a number of minor water shutdowns required. The contractor will give residents up to three days notice of any planned water shutdown. All major work on the pipeline upgrade should be complete by the end of November, with tidy up work and reinstatement to follow.

This information from Tauranga City Council weekly bulletin for the week beginning Monday, November 1, published below.

City Waters

Water Supply

• Works have started on the Durham/Spring Street and Moffat Road water main upgrades.
• The annual water mains flushing programme is now complete for 2010.
• Inspections and maintenance have been completed on the Cambridge Road and Kaitemako Road Reservoirs. Both reservoirs will be brought back online this week.
• City Waters staff are keeping a close eye on reservoir levels due to seasonal increases in water usage.

Drainage

• One wastewater blockage this week, possibly affecting Kaitemako stream. Water quality test results next week will determine the extent of contamination, if any.

Southern Pipeline

• An alternative car park has been constructed at Memorial Park beside the QEYC. In the short term it creates an area for the Southern Pipeline work. Long term, the car park will remain providing additional parking space.

City Projects

• A contract for the design and construction of a new ‘visitor services building' at McLaren Falls Park has been awarded. Construction is programmed to start in February 2011.
• Construction of the new pathway through the Wairakei Drainage Reserve is progressing well and is ahead of schedule.
• Mauao track closures: Some tracks will be closed for times while abseiling weed control is completed. Signs will be in place. There will also be some work on the base track; it remains open but people need to use caution when contractors are on site.
• Maintenance work on the grandstand at Tauranga Domain has been completed.
• Renewal / upgrade works have started this week on the kitchen at Memorial Hall. The rest of the facility is still available for use while the kitchen work occurs. Replacement lighting will be installed into the main hall from 1 November which requires closure of the venue for approximately 2-3 days. All affected users have been informed.
• The old dwelling at 6 Millers Road (Botanic Park site) was removed this week. It was no longer tenantable and was getting too costly to maintain. The house is currently with Bay House Removals. Council will be presented with future development options for the park next year.

Parks and Leisure

Transportation

• SH2 Bethlehem Township Improvements: Traffic lanes have been realigned to allow work on the new central island. Expect delays. Allow extra travel time during peak traffic periods. Parking is no longer available on the north side of SH2.
• Tara Road: Work to construct a new roundabout at the intersection of Doncaster Drive and Tara Road is due to start this week. Initial work includes tree felling, fencing and clearing the site in preparation for earthworks. A stormwater storage pond will also be formed next to the new roundabout. The majority of the work will be done off the road and there should only be minimal disruption to road users.
• Annual Resealing Programme: The annual resealing programme has started. Resealing work is currently underway in various streets in the Mount area.
• Hull Road: Works continues on Hull Road/Totara Street roundabout, some work will be done at night to minimise disruption. Expect delays and use an alternative route if possible.
• Cameron Road/Munro Street: Work to upgrade this intersection continues and is expected to take about six weeks to complete depending on weather. The work involves installing new traffic signals, cycle lanes, and improvements to the footpath and vehicle crossings as well as a new pedestrian crossing.
• Pyes Pa Bypass: Work continues on the 4.2km Pyes Pa Bypass which will connect the State Highway 29 roundabout near the tolled section of Takitimu Drive (Route K) to State Highway 36 (near the crematorium). There may be some disruption to traffic when work beings to construct a new roundabout on SH36 later this month.
• Hairini Link Advanced Works: Work on NZTA's 15th Avenue and Fraser Street intersection improvements is underway. Expect some lane closures and minor alignment shifts. Please take care when travelling through the site or chose an alternative route.
• SH2 Watermain Relocation: Work to relocate the watermain alongside SH2 is continuing between Mangatawa Lane and Domain Road. Work is currently at Domain Road and Mangatawa. Shoulder closures and lane diversions are in place. Motorists are advised to take care when driving through the area.
• Gravatt Road / Domain Road Intersection: Work to upgrade this intersection is continuing. Expect minor delays during peak traffic. Pedestrians are asked to follow the temporary signs around the work site.
• Tauriko Slip Repairs: Essential slip repairs continue on SH29 at Tauriko. Most of the work is being done on the shoulder of the road. Traffic management and a temporary speed restriction are in place. Please take care when driving through the area.
• Vale Street Stormwater Project: The last phase of the reconstruction of Vale Street, between Hinewa Road and Landscape Road, is continuing. Please pay attention to signs and take care when driving in the area.

Venues & Events

Baycourt Community and Arts Centre

· Wednesday 3 November - Made Awards - Students from Tahatai School showcasing how digital media can be used to discover, explore and communicate learning - Baycourt Centennial Theatre

· Saturday 6 November (6:30pm) - East Meets West - Baycourt Exhibition Space

· Saturday 6 November (7:30pm) - A Night in Vienna - presented by Bay of Plenty Symphonia at Baycourt Theatre