Work to replace an ageing sewer main between Kennington and Invercargill is set to begin today, Friday 5 August.

Sewer pipes across the city that are due for renewal are being proactively replaced as part of the Invercargill City Council’s project to safeguard the system and avoid major pipe breakages.

Invercargill City Council Manager Engineering Services Jeremy Rees said the work would happen over the coming months and a traffic management plan would be in place to help guide traffic through works along State Highway 1/East Rd as each section of the pipe was worked on.

“The works start right in Kennington and continue out along the road into Invercargill right up to the roundabout at Ascot,” Rees said.

“The pipes are old and they are due for renewal. The pipes we’re putting in have a longer life and are far more robust so we’re really pleased to get this work under way to ensure we avoid any issues in the future.”

Businesses and residents along the route will be notified of the impact of works via letters from contractor SouthRoads, he said.

Traffic management will include detours in the area and people should expect some short delays as the work takes place between August and November.