The Strand to re-open sooner than expected

Motorists will soon have full access to The Strand, Parnell with the completion of a stormwater project weeks ahead of schedule.

The Strand has been closed to all north-bound traffic with only one lane open south-bound since late April.

The work was part of Auckland City Council’s ongoing programme to reduce stormwater flooding problems in the Stanley and Parnell catchments and was scheduled to finish at the end of August.

Grant Ockleston, manager stormwater projects, said the project had progressed well.

“Both the weather and ground conditions were favourable which meant the project progressed quickly. We had no major delays, so the roads can get back to normal one month faster than anticipated,” he said. He emphasised traffic should observe the current restrictions until a final completion date is confirmed.

Mr Ockleston also thanked the public for their patience.

“The Strand is a major route and having just one lane open in one direction could have created a lot of disruption. We had very few traffic problems so it seems the public planned their journeys well and used alternative routes.

“The businesses on The Strand have also been very patient, so we’d like to thank everyone for their cooperation,” he said.

Flood hazard assessment showed that flooding is a risk in the low-lying areas of The Strand, Ronayne Street and Parnell Rise. The $2.6 million project involved constructing one of the largest stormwater systems in Auckland City by lifting precast concrete sections weighing 14 tonnes each into a large trench.

The drainage upgrade will eventually lead to a new outfall at the port, completing the new stormwater system.

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