The Selwyn District Council is upgrading Lincoln’s aging wastewater network to make sure it is fit for purpose for the rapidly growing township.

Contracted by the Council, CORDE are currently renewing the wastewater pipes in Lincoln, which includes about 2.8 kilometres of sewer mains and about 150 property laterals (pipes connecting a property to the main sewer line) , with most of the work currently taking place around Gerald Street.

For this work, CORDE are using subcontractors Pipe Care, and has shifted from the traditional method of digging up pipes (trenching) and is instead relining all the existing pipes with SpiralineX.

This is where a liner is placed inside the pipe and pushed against its sides using compressed air,  making it safer and more reliable.

The Council’s Executive Director Infrastructure and Property Tim Mason says the upgrade will extend the life of Lincoln’s wastewater pipes by over 50 years - enhancing the existing wastewater network without needing full replacement.

"This is the first time this method has been used on a large scale in the district.”

The relining work is funded by five contracts under the Council's renewals budget and will cost approximately $3.8 million.

Depending on site conditions, pipe material and depth, trenchless pipelining methods typically cost- 30–50% less than open-trench methods, says Mason.

“One of the main advantages of pipe lining is the speed of the operation. This method is significantly quicker than traditional open-trenching methods. This means reduced overall disruption for road users, businesses, and the wider Lincoln community.”

Once these lining works are complete, there will be a significant reduction in the potential for water and other materials to seep into the pipes, meaning it will reduce the burden on the wastewater network.

Mason says he is proud of the work the Council teams and CORDE are doing to futureproof the wastewater system, while saving significant time and cost.

“The lining pipe solution is also the safest method for our contractors as they don’t have to enter trenches that are over three metres deep.”

This method also uses smaller scale equipment, compared to the large excavators and trucks needed for trenching, meaning the carbon emissions are reduced, which supports the Council’s focus on sustainability, he says.

The team are currently 75% through the total works, and expect to finish the work by the end of August.

Due to the age of the pipes and recent wet weather, some sections of the work has taken slightly longer, but Mason says his team will keep the community updated on progress.

“Later in the year, we’re taking this pipelining work to Southbridge and Lake Coleridge – it is great to see this innovative approach heading out across the district.”

Lincoln pipelining at a glance:

  • Works started in April and are expected to be finished by the end of August 2025.
  • Works are expected to take a total of 11 working weeks to complete.
  • About 2.8 kilometres and 150 property laterals (pipes connecting a property to the main sewer line) are being lined.
  • Works are taking place on Gerald Street, West Belt, Maurice Street, Lyttelton Street, William Street, Robert Street, and North Belt.
  • The estimated cost of the pipe lining is $3.8 million
  • This work is part of the wider Lincoln Town Centre upgrade which was signaled as part of the Council’s Long-Term Plan 24-34. For more information on the upgrade, visit selwyn.govt.nz/lincolntcplan

Workers working on pipes in high vis on Gerald S in Lincoln

The Pipecare team on-site in Lincoln feeding SpiralineX down a pipe.

Workers lining pipes in Lincoln

The Pipecare team relining the existing pipes with SpiralineX for the pipeline renewals in Lincoln.

The CORDE crew standing together in front of a truck

Pipe lining for Lincoln’s future: (Pictured from left) Sebastian Kozanic, Project Engineer, CORDE, Stewart Clouston, Project Manager CORDE, Martin Spies, subcontractor Pipe Care, Cameron Warr, Selwyn District Council Horizontal Infrastructure Projects Lead, and Danny Vala, Selwyn District Council Capital Works Project Manager.

Last modified: 02 Jul 2025 1:00pm