A major water infrastructure upgrade is planned for Armidale, with council preparing to replace an ageing water main serving properties around Ampol Street and the northern section of Miller Street.

Armidale Regional Council announced on 1 October 2026 that construction is scheduled to begin on 12 October and is expected to take approximately six weeks, weather permitting. The project is intended to improve the reliability and long-term maintainability of the local water network.

The existing water main is an ageing cast-iron pipe located within the railway corridor. Under the upgrade, it will be replaced with a new modern water main installed along the footpath corridor. Moving the infrastructure into the new alignment is intended to make future maintenance and access more practical.

The project will also include new copper water service connections for affected properties. These will replace older galvanised connections and form part of the broader effort to modernise the local water network.

New fire hydrants will also be installed as part of the works. According to council, the additional infrastructure will help improve the performance and reliability of the water supply system for the surrounding area.

The water project is being delivered alongside planned road infrastructure improvements on Ampol Street, including works associated with a new car park. This means residents and businesses in the area may see several types of construction activity taking place during the project period.

Council has warned that temporary disruptions are possible while construction is underway. Residents and businesses may experience short-term water interruptions, construction noise and temporary footpath closures.

Affected property owners will receive advance notice of planned water shutdowns. Council staff will also work directly with property owners where construction is close to property boundaries.

Traffic management arrangements and pedestrian signage will be installed around work areas to maintain safe access for motorists and pedestrians. Council has also said efforts will be made to restrict noisy construction equipment to reasonable working hours.

The project is being funded through Armidale Regional Council's Water Fund and will be delivered by council's in-house construction crews.

The upgrade comes as Armidale continues to invest in essential infrastructure. Council's current information also shows the region is operating under Level 2 water restrictions, making reliable water infrastructure particularly important for the community.

Once completed, the project is expected to provide a more reliable and accessible water supply network for residents and businesses in the affected streets.