Dudley Creek bypass nearing completion

Construction work on the Dudley Creek bypass is entering its final stages.

Contractors began working on the 800-metre long underground piped bypass about nine months ago and expect to have it completed in June.

The bypass runs from Petrie St east along Randall and Medway streets to the Avon River. It is a key part of a $48 million remediation scheme aimed at reducing the risk of Dudley Creek flooding.

“To complete the bypass we need to join the two sections together and unfortunately that is going to require us to close North Parade between Averill St and North Avon Rd for a number of weeks.

Christchurch City Council Land Drainage Manager Keith Davison said contractors have been working on the bypass from both ends of the route and only have a 75-metre section in the middle left to build.When completed In the middle of this year the scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to more than 585 properties.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that will cause but it is crucial we get this project completed so we can have the bypass operational by the winter.’’

The bypass is one of the biggest in New Zealand and has been built by laying about 500 box-shaped pre-cast concrete pipes end-to-end. The pipes weigh between four and five tonnes each and measures four metres by two metres.

“The bypass is a key component of the land drainage work we are doing in the Dudley Creek area and will significantly lessen the risk of flooding for nearby properties. Most of the time the bypass will be dry as it is only designed to be used when we get very heavy rain and there is a risk of Dudley Creek overflowing,’’ Mr Davison said.

“On the occasions it is needed it will be able to divert over eight cubic metres of flood water every second from Dudley Creek to the Avon River.’’

Mr Davison said while the bypass would be operational by June, there was still work to be completed on the bypass and other aspects of the flood remediation scheme so residents could expect to see contractors still working in the area through the winter.