Contract approved to fix flooded river walkway

Hamilton City Council has approved a $435,000 contract to restore the Bryce Street to London Street section of the riverbank and walkway, washed away by major flooding in 2008.

The 2008 floods saw river levels rise to over 16 metres in the city, submerging many low lying roads and areas along the river walkway. The resulting landslide has since rendered the walkway beneath London Street unusable while stability issues present a danger to the public.

Works and services general manager Chris Allen says restoring this popular section of the river walkway to public use has been a complicated but important priority for Council.

“The River Walkway is one of the more popular recreational spaces in the city so it is important we take the time to get this right.

“Flooding damage to the area was significant and we had to give careful consideration to geotechnical and consenting issues,” he says.

The project is estimated to cost a total of $670,000. In addition to Council funding, the New Zealand Transport Authority are providing a $300,000 subsidy for the repair work which will fully restore the walkway to public use by the end of May 2010.