Gore flood protection upgrade
Map showing where the upgrade works are taking place first on Toronto and Ontario Streets
Area of lower east Gore where initial upgrades will take place.
The priority areas of work to September 2023 are:
- Construction of new stop bank along Ontario and Toronto Streets to replace the existing concrete flood protection wall.
- Alterations, replacement and installation of existing and new storm water culverts.
- Removal of high-risk trees on the true right stop bank in Gore township along River and Richmond Streets
The planned tree removal is part of our wider maintenance programme, which involves assessing trees on stop banks throughout the region.
Trees and shrubs on and near stop banks can interfere with the integrity and potentially lead to the banks failing. The roots of trees and vegetation can weaken stop banks, and during a flooding event, water can begin flowing through this weak patch, often leading to a rapid failure. Trees can also toppled in heavy winds creating holes for water to flow through and tree debris becomes a hazard during a flood, which can cause damage to infrastructure.
There will be some disruptions to the movement of traffic, cyclists and pedestrians while the work is underway. We will be implementing temporary traffic management plans to mitigate the increase in heavy transport vehicles and construction machinery, resulting in increased travel times. Temporary road, footpath and cycle track closures and detours will also be necessary.
Benefits
- The upgraded flood protection network will provide adequate near-term protection for Gore's community, infrastructure and property against floods up to the current design level
- The design of the proposed works is 'future proofed', meaning that the height of the upgraded stop banks could be more easily raised in the future, if appropriate
- Work completed with central government funding assistance
- Alignment with Gore District Council's flood-proofing work
Project status (1 March 2023)
- Establishment of a collaborative working group with Gore District Council
- Survey, geotechnical and engineering design work completed
- Engagement with landowners in progress
- Community engagement ongoing
- Construction contract awarded to Linton Contracting Ltd. December 2022
- Public drop-in sessions to inform the community about associated stop bank maintenance, including removal of high-risk trees along the true right stop bank along River and Richmond Streets (Late February 2023)
Next steps
- Commencement of stop bank maintenance including tree work
- Construction works for south east Gore to begin in April with completion expected in September 2023
