Media Release: Thursday 29 July

Work underway to reinstate Lindsay Road after land slip

A large mechanically stabilised earth wall is to be built at the site of a land slip on Lindsay Road just north of Levin's township.

The landslip occurred during heavy rain on May 8 and resulted in the middle section of the road being closed as a safety precaution and to allow Council and contractors to assess the damage.

There are no houses off that section of road and access remains available at both ends, and Lindsay Road residents have been notified of the intended work.

Horowhenua District Council chief executive David Clapperton says a contract to construct the wall, measuring about 30 metres wide and 9 metres high, has been awarded to Palmerston North-based design and build contractor RST Environmental Solutions.

Mr Clapperton says that mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) walls have replaced traditional concrete walls over the past 20 years and are also a more environmentally-friendly option.

MSE walls are constructed from aggregate bound together with layers of artificial reinforcing. The wall is faced to allow for grass growth to look more natural.

It is expected the final design will be completed within the next two weeks, enabling the wall construction to start mid June.

The first stage of the project will be tree removal and earthworks around the site in preparation for the wall construction. This work is now underway.

It is anticipated the works will be completed by mid July, weather permitting.

Mr Clapperton says there are two very good reasons for closing the road - public safety and so that the repair work can be completed more quickly.

"Given the nature of the land slip and the risk of further slipping, particularly during periods of rain, allowing vehicular traffic over that stretch of road is not a risk the Council can take," he said.

"We have also awarded the contract for this work quickly by identifying a contractor specialising in this area, as opposed to going out to tender, which would have resulted in four week's delay."

ENDS

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