22 December 2015

Next stage of Leith flood protection improvements to start

Work is due to start next month on the next phase of the Leith Flood Protection scheme improvements in north Dunedin.

Otago Regional Council (ORC) director engineering, hazards and science Gavin Palmer said Downer EDI Works Ltd has been awarded the contract to complete planned works from Dundas Street to St David Street.

ORC has budgeted $3.61 million to complete this section of work, which includes all of Montgomery Avenue, and part of the western side of Leith Street from Dundas Street to the St David Street footbridge.

“ORC engineering staff have identified changes to the original design which have avoided significant costs, while still meeting flood protection and amenity objectives,” Dr Palmer said.

Work in the area is due to take place from early January to May next year. It includes widening the existing river channel, the construction of a walkway along Montgomery Avenue, providing public access to a beach downstream from the Dundas Street bridge, and landscaping.

“Works have been timed to minimise disruption to staff and students at the university,” Dr Palmer said.

Montgomery Avenue properties will not have vehicle access during the works, however Downer will arrange access for residents when needed.

Dundas Street, Leith Street, Castle Street North, and St David Street will remain open to all vehicles during the works.

The next stage planned for the scheme includes the section from Union Street to Leith Street, which is commonly referred to as the ITS bend as it includes the Otago University Information Technology Services (ITS) building.

Investigation work for this stage is currently underway.

The previous section of the scheme from St David Street to Union Street was completed last year, Dr Palmer said.

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