The next stage of Townsville City Council's Charters Towers Road water main replacement program has started.
Townsville-based commercial plumbing and civil works contractors GNM Group were awarded the $9.7 million contract to undertake the works.
"GNM Group were contracted to carry out package A and successfully replaced more than 4.5km of pipes beneath Charters Towers Road and Ross River Road," Mayor Jenny Hill said.
"The next stage will look to renew even more of the city's water pipe network to ensure the ongoing reliability of Townsville's water network.
"Package B will see the pipelines along Charters Towers Road replaced from Goldring Street to Armstrong Street in Hermit Park.
"Work will then carry on from Armstrong Street through to the corner of Charters Towers Road and Boundary Street for Package C."
Townsville Water and Waste Committee chairperson Russ Cook said the water pipes along Charters Towers Road had reached the end of their useful life.
"Some of these pipes are more than 50 years old and are no longer operating at their optimal level," Cr Cook said.
"Townsville has an extensive underground water infrastructure network with mains coming to an age where replacement is necessary to prevent future failures and leaks.
"It is crucial Council upgrades the water network to ensure businesses and residents can access reliable water services.
"These new pipes will secure the water supply for homes and businesses in the area for a further 80 years."
Cr Cook said works were due to be completed by November.
"Some parts of Charters Towers Road will be closed, and traffic controllers and signage will be in place to help direct motorists," he said.
"The works may also cause some temporary inconveniences to nearby homes and businesses. Council thanks the community for their patience while we undertake the necessary work."
