News

On-going works to the Leith River banks and surrounds will contunue to have an impact upon pedestrian and traffic flow for most of the semester. Once the scheme is complete the benefits to the campus will be “significant,” according to the University, and a large part of the campus will receive improved flood protection from the Leith River, which has burst its banks in the past.

The most recent stage of the Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Water of Leith flood protection works is to occur on the stretch of the Leith between St David Street bridge and Union Street bridge. This will include alterations to the St David Street bridge and widening the flood control area surrounding the Leith. The existing St David foot-bridge is to be extended lengthways at the western end and will see foot-traffic pass beneath it on a new river-side footpath that will lead to Montgomery Avenue. A temporary pedestrian footbridge is to be installed 25 metres to the north of the existing bridge while the historic bridge is closed for two to three months.

The wall against the river, directly opposite the Clocktower, is to be lowered to just above the existing stream bed and the new river-side footpath will extend along the river. According to the University, there will be steps down towards the river and footpath, improving public access to the “previously unapproachable but picturesque Leith.”

The ORC’s work on the Leith was due to start in November, but was held up due to the University wanting further assurances about its timing and quality. It has meant the aim of completing the bulk of the work during the summer holidays was no longer possible and certain aspects of the work will not proceed. For example, the east river-bank was to have the wall lowered but, due to delays, this aesthetic aspect of the work will no longer proceed in order to minimise disruptions to staff and students. Instead, decorative iron railings will be installed, improving safety, and all trees will be retained.

University Project Manager Christian German said that the construction will “require significant use of heavy plant [machinery]” and that “there will be typical construction noise over the next few months.” German said that while the site had designated pedestrian areas and roadways for the ORC’s plant and service vehicles, journey times around these areas could be “slightly longer” and may involve use of temporary surfaces. “Site setup, traffic management and any reverse sensitivity issues will be monitored daily to ensure safe routes are maintained and any disturbance is kept to a minimum.”

Staff and students have been asked to comply with warning and exclusion signage and “to take care when passing the site generally.” ORC Contractor, Downer Construction, currently have possession of the site, with completion of this stage of the flood protection work due by Monday 2 June.