ROADWORKS along a stretch of north Hamiton could continue for a further four months, according to officials.

Work on laying a new sewage pipe began last week, forcing a section of Queen Street to be limited to one-way traffic. Dundonald Street, Bull's Head Hill and Wesley Street will also be affected in the coming months as work progresses.

A spokesman for the Corporation of Hamilton said the new line is necessary "to meet demand from an increasing number of businesses and residences in the City".

"Currently, sewage from the Prospect area and Government septage from Tynes Bay Waste Treatment Facility are routed to the pumping station at Bull's Head, from where it is pumped via Dundonald Street, Bull's Head Hill, Wesley Street and Queen Street discharging into the sewer on Front Street eventually culminating at the Front Street Sewage Treatment Works," the spokesman said.

"With the increase in development within the City, the Front Street sewer line will reach its capacity in the near future.

In order to provide immediate relief, the proposed Dundonald Street forcemain will divert a considerable volume of sewage away from the most vulnerable section of the Front Street sewer. This will extend its capacity for the foreseeable future whilst studies, currently in progress, on the feasibility of extensive upgrades throughout the whole City are completed."

The new line will have a design life of more than 20 years and is expected to play "a pivotal role in the future sewer upgrades throughout the City".

The construction process is expected to take four months to complete and will be carried out in sections.

"Half of each road will remain open, allowing for one side of the road to act as a one-way street and vehicular traffic along the construction route will be managed," the spokesman added.

Hamilton Mayor Sutherland Madeiros described the development as a proactive measure.

"With new developments in the City adding to the amount of sewage in the pipes, we have to plan for the future," he said.

"In laying new pipes and creating an alternate route, we can better meet the future demand for the City's sewage needs.

"The Corporation of Hamilton thanks the public for their patience during the construction process and apologises for any inconvenience."