Dunedin’s Bath St Upgrade Transitions to Above-Ground Works

The significant milestone of completing essential below-ground pipe replacements has shifted the focus of the Bath Street upgrade project in Dunedin to above-ground enhancements. With underground work finalized, the project will now concentrate on refreshing the road surface and creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. The initiative, aimed at replacing degraded pipes dating back to 1887, commenced in May 2022 with a budget of $17 million approved by the Dunedin City Council.

According to senior project manager Susil Gunathilake, the new pipelines will help future-proof the city’s water, stormwater, and sewer systems for at least the next century. The below-ground work involved significant activities, such as excavating a 5-meter deep hole at the intersection of Stuart Street and Bath Street, along with connecting a historic brick barrel main at Moray Place. This complex process required careful navigation through a “spaghetti junction” of existing utilities in Bath Street.

In addition to the technical challenges, the project team faced the logistical hurdle of reinforcing a building that formerly housed the Side On Cafe. This reinforcement was necessary to allow a digger to excavate pipes located 3 meters beneath the cafe’s floor. The council compensated the cafe’s owners $695,000 to end its lease after purchasing the building for $1.775 million in 2022.

Throughout the excavation, archaeologists were present to document significant findings that offered insights into the city’s history. Artifacts uncovered included shoes, a 19th century “health bitters” bottle, ink pots, wooden steps, and remnants of brick and bluestone foundations that were once part of stables on Bath Street.

As the project transitions to the above-ground phase, contractor Downer aims to continue minimizing disruptions for residents, businesses, and the broader community. The above-ground work will involve complex streetscaping efforts designed to improve the surface of Bath Street, which will include creating additional pedestrian and shared spaces akin to those found in George Street.

Construction has begun on the harbour-side of the street, focusing on footpaths and drainage, which will soon extend to the Octagon side. The project is currently on track for completion in October 2024, marking a notable improvement in the area’s infrastructure and accessibility.