Johnson Reserve Renewal Works

We’re undertaking repair and maintenance works in Johnson Reserve from late 2024 to late 2025.

Wastewater infrastructure renewal – December 2024

Works to renew the wastewater pipeline running beneath Johnson Reserve began in late November 2024.

This work requires the track from James Cook Drive to the connection at Meander Drive to be closed during these works – although it’s expected a large portion of the track will remain open prior to Christmas.

Tracks on the Waipuna Park side of the reserve, including the renewed boardwalks and bridges, will remain accessible through the duration of works. Tracks at the southern end of the reserve near the waterfall will also remain open.

Works will pause on 20 December and construction will not take place over the Christmas and New Year period. The reserve will be fully open to the public during this time. Work is scheduled to resume on 13 January 2025.

New boardwalks and bridges

The boardwalks and connecting bridges in the reserve are ageing and deteriorating, and are some of the oldest boardwalks in the city. To enhance this popular public space, we're replacing the old boardwalks with new, wider boardwalks and renewing five bridges.

The width of the boardwalk and bridges will be increased to two metres without compromising the natural environment surrounding the boardwalks.

Wastewater infrastructure

When the boardwalk and bridge renewal is nearing completion, works to replace the wastewater pipeline running beneath the reserve will begin.

The existing pipeline being removed is approximately 700m long and is now over 40 years old, is undersized, prone to overflows and not meeting service requirements. It runs mostly parallel to the walking track from Welcome Bay Road and the new pipeline will be installed along the existing or similar alignment.

We initially programmed the wastewater aspect of this project to be completed by April 2025 however this is now expected to be completed by late 2025. This is due to a slightly delayed start date, ensuring steps are in place for safely clearing the asbestos pipe and associated subsoil, as well as these works taking place in a confined space.

Replacing this pipeline is essential work and an important step to ensure Welcome Bay has a quality wastewater network.

Public access

Sections of the reserve will be closed to the public while construction is underway.

We’ll be keeping the community up to date on accessibility throughout the construction period, with signs and barriers in place to inform users of closures, and updates in Council’s Weekly Bulletin newsletter.

Boardwalk renewal: Work to renew boardwalks and bridges within Johnson Reserve is scheduled to be completed in December 2024.

Wastewater upgrade: The red line shown below indicates the track which is closed during works. Tracks on the Waipuna Park side of the reserve, including the renewed boardwalks and bridges, will remain accessible through the duration of works. Tracks at the southern end of the reserve near the waterfall will also remain open.

Johnson Reserve renewal works map (570kb jpg)

Frequently asked questions

Why is this work happening now?

We’re undertaking this wastewater infrastructure renewal work now as the existing pipeline is undersized, prone to overflows, and more than 40 years old. This is essential work to install a new, fit for purpose pipeline that will ensure Welcome Bay has a quality wastewater network for the coming decades.

Why do you have to close the entire walking track?

The pipeline being renewed is 700m long and is located near the main walking track within the reserve, starting at the James Cook Drive end.

We need to close a longer portion of the walking track, compared to the length of pipe being renewed, as there are only two truck access points at James Cook Drive and Victory Street. Both of these access points need to be used throughout the works period due to the confined working space and no turnaround areas within the reserve.

Why isn’t this work being done in stages?

This work is being carried out in stages although this does not change how the track closures are managed due to the limited access point for material to be removed and brought into the site.

Why can’t you leave the old pipe in place after it’s disestablished?

The area allowed for a wastewater pipeline in Johnson Reserve is very confined due to the surrounding wetland and vegetation, and route of the walking track, meaning the existing pipeline needs to be removed in order for a new pipeline to be installed.

Can I find out more at site?

Signage advising of the track closure and works are within the reserve and at track entrances. We are also planning a community information drop in session for early 2025.

Are there times the track will be open?

Construction will pause between Friday, 20 December 2024 to Monday, 13 January 2025 where the entire reserve will be open. The recently renewed boardwalk and bridges will remain open during the wastewater infrastructure works period as well as the tracks at the southern end of the reserve near the waterfall.

Why has the expected completion date been extended to late 2025?

The expected completion date of this work has been extended from April 2025 to late 2025 due to a slightly delayed start date, ensuring steps are in place for safely clearing the asbestos pipe and associated subsoil, as well as these works taking place in a confined space.

Where else can I walk in Welcome Bay?

There’s a nearby walking track at Riverstone Drive to Welcome Bay Road, which connects Riverstone Park and Owens Park. Additional Tauranga walkways can be found here: www.tauranga.govt.nz/walkways