A major upgrade to road and water infrastructure is set to begin next month across several key streets in Te Puke.

From mid-June, a nine-month project will get under way to upgrade the road surface, stormwater system and drinking water pipes along Boucher Ave and surrounding streets.

The upgrade will improve road conditions and safety and ensure water and stormwater infrastructure continues to serve the community well into the future.

There will be three areas of work being carried out at the same time to make it more cost efficient and to reduce disruption, avoiding the need to return later.

Multiple contractors will work in stages across the area, which includes Boucher Ave, Cameron Rd, Clydesburn Ave, Glen Terrace, Randell Place, No 2 Rd and Dudley Vercoe Drive, to deliver the upgrades as efficiently as possible.

“This is a key route for our community – used daily by residents, students, emergency services, and the kiwifruit industry. We know how important it is, so we’re aiming to get in, get the job done, and get out – without having to come back later,” said Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s transportation director Calum McLean.

During the work, people will experience stop/go traffic controls, one-way sections of road, temporary changes to property access, short delays, detours via alternate roads, and some daytime noise and vibrations from machinery, said McLean.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to reduce the impact on people’s day-to-day lives, and we’ll make sure residents, businesses and schools are kept in the loop as we go. We really appreciate the community’s patience while we get this important work done.”

A community information session will be held on June 7, from 2pm to 4pm at the Te Puke Fire Station, where people can find out more, ask questions and meet the project team.

The session will start with a short presentation from contractor Fulton Hogan, followed by time for residents to ask questions and chat with the project team.

Parking is available behind the station or on Gilmore St – please keep the front of the station clear for emergency vehicles.