Special drills are being used to install two sections of the new Southern Pipeline.

The drilling technique is being used as an alternative to open trenching.

A section of the new Southern Pipeline on Oropi Road before it is fed through the specially drilled hole.

A hole is drilled and the pipe is carefully fed through into it.

The technique is being used on the stretch of pipe being laid on Oropi Road, between Greerton Park and Chadwick Road.

Drilling is also being used to insert piping on Fraser Street between Esk Street and Baycroft Avenue.

Tauranga City Council spokesperson Marcel Currin says the pipeline is an essential part of wastewater infrastructure.

'The project has generated a lot of busy construction activity along the pipeline route,” says Marcel.

'There are several teams working at different sites along the route, which starts at Maleme Street and ends at Memorial Park via Fraser Street and Devonport Road.

'It has affected traffic in neighbouring areas.

'We're very grateful for the patience and goodwill that residents and motorists have demonstrated during construction.”