Hastings District Council has confirmed work is set to begin on major road and water infrastructure improvements at Romanes Drive and Napier Road, helping prepare the way for new homes and safer journeys in one of Hastings’ fastest-growing areas.
From today, United Civil Construction utilising local subcontractors Topline and Drainways will start works on behalf of Hastings District Council to:
Upgrade the Romanes Drive/Napier Road roundabout
Improve sections of Romanes Drive
Install a new drinking water main along Romanes Drive and Napier Road, extending toward the Crosses Road roundabout.
The project is expected to run through until April next year, weather permitting, with work taking place Monday to Saturday between 7am and 6pm.
Council infrastructure delivery director, Darren de Klerk said the upgrades were part of a wider programme to support growth in Havelock North.
“With more homes being built and more people moving to the area, we need to make sure the supporting infrastructure is in place, not only to provide reliable water supply but also to ensure safe and efficient connections for everyone travelling through this part of the district,” said Mr de Klerk.
“We know there will be some disruption while the work is underway, and we thank residents and road users for their patience as we deliver these much-needed improvements.”
What to expect:
Traffic management: Stop/Go operations will only be used during some roadworks and watermain installation. This will happen outside of the peak travel times (7am to 9am and 2.30pm to 5.30pm).
Works start in October with site clearance and initial road and watermain construction.
November to December: Installation, testing, disinfection, and connections of the new watermain.
Late December to January: Roading improvements largely complete, with a short holiday
break.
April 2026: Project expected to be completed.
Council says the works will also involve some tree removal and streetlight relocation to make way for road widening. Residents will be notified in advance of any temporary water shutdowns.
United Civil will have a dedicated community liaison officer working with the local community and the contract team to minimise disruptions.
