3 August 2006

Catchpool Valley road reopens

Vehicle access into Catchpool Valley and campground at the entrance to the Rimutaka Forest Park has been reinstated after contractors repaired roads damaged by flooding last month.

This will enable vehicles to again reach the top car parks and associated track entrances in this popular recreational area near Wainuiomata.

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 early last month. More than 600 mm of rain fell in the area during July with 450 mm falling over three days in the headwaters of Grace’s Stream near Wainuiomata, contributing to the flooding at Catchpool.

Department of Conservation Poneke Area manager Peter Simpson said emergency protection works had been carried out in the Catchpool Stream to prevent further damage to the road.

“Further long term protection work is still required and this will be undertaken later once resource consent has been obtained.”

While not as severe as the flooding which ravaged the area early last year, the latest event was a set back for the continuing flood restoration efforts. Slips and fallen trees had to be cleared from tracks in the area, but bridges replaced after last year’s flooding held up to the latest deluge.

ENDS

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