Council outlines plans to investigate flood mitigation bypass options for Dudley Creek

Christchurch City Council today received and approved a report from staff detailing plans to investigate two bypass options for the lower reaches of Dudley Creek that will provide flood remediation for the most vulnerable areas in the Dudley Creek / Flockton area.

The Council approved the awarding of a contract to Beca Consultancy Services to assess the options for the downstream portion of the proposed works and the design element of the upstream work.

Beca will deliver a comprehensive report to the Council in July 2015 outlining a full technical analysis and comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the two options.

Option A: Warden Street Bypass, Dudley Creek channel works along Banks Avenue and residential red-zone.
Option B: Warden Street Bypass, Marian College, Richmond Park and residential red-zone.

General Manager Infrastructure Rebuild John Mackie says it is vital to explore all options in depth, so residents and elected members are fully informed.

"Getting feedback and engaging with the community on this issue will form a huge part of the decision making process when Councillors choose a preferred option. We have already had valuable contributions from the community in our initial consultation in November 2014 and this feedback, along with future consultation, will provide the detailed information that is required for the assessment of both bypass options.

"We are very conscious of the impact this work will have on the Dudley Creek environment and surrounding areas. We need to be sure these works, wherever they are carried out, provide a well balanced and well designed option for improved flood protection for the community, as well delivering value for money to the Council and the rate-payer.

"We acknowledge there have been delays with the decisions around progressing the work, but we want to get this right to ensure the maximum benefit to our communities. We are still on track to see the overall project completed by winter 2017," Mr Mackie says.

To view the report to the Council please click here<http://resources.ccc.govt.nz/files/TheCouncil/meetingsminutes/agendas/2015/March/Council26March2015OpenAgenda.pdf>

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