17 June 2013

Water and road closure updates

The Christchurch City Council is tankering fresh water for Akaroa, Takamatua and Duvauchelle residents whose normal water supply has been affected by the current weather conditions.

City Water and Waste Contracts Manager Tim Joyce urges all Banks Peninsula residents to conserve water usage.

“These communities’ supply of drinking water is running low due to the heavy rainfall, which has caused unclean stormwater to mix with clean stream water in parts of Banks Peninsula. The best idea is to go easy on the water use until things clear up.”

The on-going heavy rain has caused flooding in a number of locations around Christchurch.

The following roads are currently closed due to flooding:

• Flockton Street, Mairehau
• Speight Street, Mairehau
• Aylesford Street, Mairehau
• Squire Street, Mairehau
• Archer Street, Mairehau
• Carrick Street, Mairehau
• Thornton Street, Mairehau
• Harrison Street, Mairehau
• Sawyers Arms Road (from North end to Broughs Road)
• Emmett Street, Shirley
• Northwood Boulevard roundabout
• River Road (from North Avon to Banks Ave School)
• Le Bons Bay, Valley Road, Stoney Bay Road and Gap Road are also closed due to flooding

Additional closures:

• Okains Bay Road – Duvauchelle to Okains Bay (slips and fallen debris)
• Western Valley Road – Little River to Port Levy (slips and fallen debris)
• Fitzgerald Ave Bridge – northbound lane closed
• Eastern Terrace – from Tennyson Street to Birdwood
• Ernlea Terrace – from Colombo to end of the street

Unit Manager of Transport and Greenspace John Mackie says staff have been monitoring the times and intensity of rainfall over in the past 48 hours. One northbound lane on the Fitzgerald Avenue bridge (north of Kilmore Street) is flooded and traffic management are onsite monitoring.

“We ask that motorists please take extreme care when driving and are especially aware of pedestrians and cyclists. We would also remind road users that as a result of surface flooding, puddles forming may conceal potholes and that they take care when driving or cycling through.”

Maintenance crews have been working last night and this morning, and are on stand-by to assist with other areas of the city.

This morning’s heavy rainfall is expected to ease off in the afternoon, with fresh easterly winds at first tending moderate southwesterly from early afternoon.

ENDS

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