All Set for Next Stage of Leith Flood Protection Program

Work on the next stage of the Otago Regional Council (ORC)’s Leith Flood Protection Scheme, between the Union Street bridge and Clyde Street, is set to start this week, according to the Otago Regional Council.

These new works, conducted by Downer Group, are part of the scheduled flood protection program for 2017, and will help improve the river’s safety and amenity value at the ‘University Bend’ reach, the council said.

ORC director engineering, hazards and science, Dr Gavin Palmer, said that the council is responsible for ensuring the river has the capacity to cope with high flood waters and help keep the campus and city safe from flooding.

 “These upcoming works will continue to expand on the previous protection works done on campus, providing a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone,” Dr Palmer said.

Improvements include:

• Raising the wall along the right bank;
• Putting in a new retaining wall along the left bank;
• Stabilizing the river bed and channel walls;
• Providing public access to the river bed and terraces along part of the left bank.