6 July 2006

Catchpool Valley Road washed out

Heavy rain has washed out the Catchpool Valley Road at the entrance to the Rimutaka Forest Park near Wainuiomata, preventing vehicle access to the top car park or camp ground.

Two sections of the road, and the road to the camp ground, were washed out by a flooded Catchpool Stream during a prolonged period of rain. The area was doused by 212.8 mm of rain in the area from 8am on Tuesday until midday today. Of this, 95 mm fell between midday yesterday and midday today, Department of Conservation Poneke Area manager Peter Simpson said.

DOC staff inspected the damage this morning and are making plans to bring in heavy machinery to undertake repairs. Engineering advice is also being sought.

DOC will be checking for flood damage in the Orongorongo Valley and the Orongorongo Track over the next few days.

Trampers in the Rimutaka Forest Park are advised to be aware of the likely possibility of trees fallen across tracks, and swollen rivers.

The camping ground has been closed until further notice.

While this week’s flooding is not as severe as the flooding that devastated the Catchpool and Orongorongo Valleys in March last year, it has been a set back for the flood recovery work which is still underway.

“It’s unfortunate to have another heavy rainfall event that has further damaged facilities in the Catchpool Valley,” Mr Simpson said.

ENDS

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