Funding has been approved for a $550,000 stormwater upgrade designed to help reduce flooding impacts in Maketū.
The project will see a second culvert installed beneath Maketū Rd and the existing culvert extended to improve water flow through the Otumakoro Stream during heavy rainfall.
Plans also include strengthening inlet and outlet structures, building a 2.5m shared pathway and installing fish-friendly valves to support the stream environment.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Projects and Monitoring Committee has committed $368,000 to the project, with the remaining $182,000 being funded by the Maketū Community Board.
The existing culvert near Spencer Ave West has long been identified as a bottleneck in the stormwater network.
The council said it had previously restricted the amount of water able to pass through during significant rain events.
The upgrade is expected to lower upstream water levels during storms, reduce flooding affecting nearby properties and lessen the frequency of road closures caused by overtopping on Maketū Rd.
Maketū-Te Puke ward councillor Shane Beech said this was a project the Maketū community had been advocating for over a number of years.
“We’re pleased to be able to move it forward,” Beech said.
“The upgrade won’t eliminate flooding across the wider Maketū area, but it will improve the capacity of the stream crossing, and reduce pressure on the network during heavy rainfall.”
Council director of transportation Calum McLean said the project balanced community expectations with infrastructure priorities.
“This project provides clear benefits for the local area and is the strongest infrastructure options available.”
He said while it wasn’t a complete solution to flood risk across the Maketū floodplain, it was a “worthwhile investment”.
“That will improve the performance of existing infrastructure and deliver environmental benefits at the same time.”
Key features of the project include a new 850mm concrete culvert alongside the existing 900mm culvert, reinforced concrete inlet and outlet structures, fish-friendly flap valves and a new 2.5m shared pathway.
Tangata whenua will be re-engaged before construction begins, and nearby residents and stakeholders will be advised ahead of any works.
Project planning and procurement will now begin, with construction timing yet to be confirmed.