Stormwater Improvements Continue
Napier City Council is all set to carry out another significant and essential infrastructure project to help make sure the city is protected from the effects of flooding.
The six-month, $5 million project will see two 50-year-old stormwater culverts on State Highway 51 and Herrick Street replaced this summer. Detours will be in place to keep motorists and crews safe while the works are happening. Work begins in early January.
Mayor Richard McGrath is asking the community to be patient during the six-month improvements programme, which aims to protect homes and businesses for the next 50 years.
"We've just had the fifth anniversary of the flooding that hit us in November 2020, and in that time we've put huge amounts of work into making sure we are stronger and better protected from weather events like that one.
"This is essential work to prevent the effects of flooding. These culverts are pressure points in our stormwater system. When we get heavy rain, water has nowhere to go and backs up into our streets and properties," Mayor McGrath said.
The culverts beneath State Highway 51 at Taradale Road and beneath Herrick Street will be replaced at the same time with double-capacity culverts, to keep disruption to a minimum and to take advantage of construction efficiencies.
More on the works:
Napier City Council is working with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Hawke's Bay Regional Council to manage traffic flows during construction. Contractor Fulton Hogan will complete the work.
Work is scheduled for summer to reduce weather-related delays and take advantage of lower water levels in the watercourse.
Preliminary works will start in December 2025 to ensure work on the culverts can be
completed safely, without interruption to the waterways and water supply network. The main construction will begin early January 2026.
Residents and businesses near the work sites will be contacted directly and regularly updated regarding specific road closure dates and alternative routes before construction begins.