This project aims to reduce the number of flood related closures on a low-lying section of SH1 near the Kakanui River just south of Oamaru. With no practical alternative route available, these closures cause serious disruptions on the main road freight corridor between Canterbury and Otago.
This flood prone 350m section of SH1 travels through the Kakanui River flood plain. Changing weather patterns are increasing the frequency, about every three to five years of large floods that can shut the highway for up to two days.
These closures are highly disruptive and costly for businesses and communities who depend on the goods and services moved on this main road freight link between Christchurch and Dunedin. Alternative routes involve several hours of extra travel time, at least 200km of extra distance to journeys for highway users, and additional costs.
This project intends lowering the flood risk on a vulnerable 350m section of SH1 through the Kakanui River flood plain, by raising the highway up to 1.25m above its current height.
Project funding is being provided from the $6 billion NZ Upgrade Transport Infrastructure Programme, with $300m allocated for regional transport investment opportunities such as this. We expect to complete this project by mid-2024.
