The NZ Transport Agency is consulting with the West Coast community on a long-term solution that will prevent the Waiho River from flooding and damaging State Highway 6 just north of Franz Josef.
Mid last month the braided Waiho River burst its northern bank, overflowing and flooding an 80-metre section of the state highway to a depth of 150mm. The highway did not close but there was a speed restriction of 30km/h through the area.
The Transport Agency’s Performance Manager Pete Connors says an emergency stopbank was built along a 212-metre area of the riverbank, measuring up to 2.5 metres high and 15 metres wide.
“There will be on-going maintenance work to the stopbank while the
Transport Agency works with the West Coast Regional Council and other partners on a long-term solution that will protect the highway from future flooding and damage.
“It is important a solution is found that enables us to maintain 24/7 access through the area and which also has a minimal effect on the river’s natural course,” he says.
For more information please contact:
Jan McCarthy
Media Manager - Christchurch
T: 03 964 2885
M: 021 427 442
E: jan.mccarthy@nzta.govt.nz
