25 May 2001

The completion of a major stormwater diversion project in downtown Auckland marks a landmark in the city’s strategic plan to improve flood protection and reduce levels of contaminants in stormwater in the Central Business District (CBD).

New stormwater drains, some sections up to 4.5m in width, have been installed on a route that runs approximately 385m along Quay Street, Britomart Place and Customs Street East, connecting to a newly-constructed outlet beneath Captain Cook Wharf.

Chairperson of the Council’s City Works Committee, Councillor Doug Astley, said completion of the stormwater project was a major step in preparation for the future development of the waterfront area, including the Queen Street station and the new transport interchange planned for the Britomart precinct.

The new drains pass through an area which has some of the city’s heaviest traffic flows, so careful staging was required to minimise traffic disruptions.

The $4 million project took seven months to complete. Assisting project manager, Graham Long, said the project had run smoothly, despite the traffic problems and other difficulties caused by the nature of the underground work, sometimes carried out below sea level.

“The partnering approach we used with our contractors helped tremendously and there was very good liaison with the bus operators to minimise disruptions to passengers,” he said.

“I would also like to thank residents, businesses and the travelling public for their co-operation during this period.”

The new stormwater diversion was built after a joint study of the Harbour Edge area undertaken by Auckland City and the Ports of Auckland. It recommended the diversion among various measures to provide improved flood protection for the CBD and to lessen the environmental impact of contaminants contained within stormwater.

ENDS

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