Posted by Ruth Woodward
Drainage work for Omokoroa’s Ruamoana Walkway starts
The drainage stage of remediation work to re-open the Ruamoana Walkway in Omokoroa has started.
The walkway has been closed since it was seriously damaged in the cyclone of 2017. Remediation works are being trialled to stabilise the slips.
Earthworks were completed in May which reshaped and regressed the slip face.
The next phase of remediation includes slope protection, revegetation and vertical and directional drilling of drains within the damaged cliff faces to channel groundwater out to sea from the multiple layers of the cliff.
The project is jointly funded by Western Bay of Plenty District Council and the owners of properties adjacent to the cliff face.
Project Manager Peter Clark says that in order to stay within budget, the design has been modified with a target of delivering approximately 13 directionally drilled drains, each with its own outlet.
“This work will be undertaken during August and if this proves to be more successful than expected we will consider installing additional drains. Once the draining works are complete we’ll then move into the planting phase on the slip – which will help restore the amenity of the walkway.”
People are asked to take heed of safety signs and to not climb over safety fences as this can put themselves and workers in a dangerous position.
Please note the reserve access located between No 26 and 27 Ruamoana Place is open to pedestrians, but that construction machines will be using it intermittently. Please take special care when walking through, and ask the people in orange jackets if unsure.
Once construction is finished it’s expected the Ruamoana Walkway will reopen.