Media Release – Friday, November 7, 2014

Latest Clifton Terrace clearance work

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) contractors will use remote-controlled excavators in a series of demolitions taking place on Crown-owned properties in Sumner from next week.

CERA’s Port Hills Land Clearance Project Manager Brenden Winder says the clearance of five dwellings in Clifton Terrace will be a major step in clearing damaged and dangerous buildings from Port Hills’ properties that were zoned red due to the life risk from cliff collapse.

“This is the result of the Crown working closely with insurers so the work is carried out in a safe, efficient and coordinated manner, minimises the impact on the surrounding neighbourhood and the environment, and is cost-effective.

“Now we have access to all five properties, we want to move in and start this clearance work, which is expected to take about four months to complete,” he says.

“Due to the precarious location of these properties on Clifton Hill, our contractors will be using remote-controlled excavators so the work can be undertaken without putting any crew into extreme-risk areas.

“Any land movement during the demolition phase will be closely monitored and the results will assist with deciding on best methods when clearing other Crown-owned properties in the Port Hills red zone.

“CERA, the insurers involved and our contractors are very grateful to the residents for their continued support and understanding during months of preparation works.

“Our contractors and staff are working hard to minimise the disruption to all residents as much as possible during the clearance works.

“When works begin, these properties will be fenced and for safety reasons, we ask people not to enter the sites.

“Traffic control will be in place for the duration of the works and motorists should take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists and heavy vehicles,” Mr Winder said.

To move machinery into location, a temporary closure of Clifton Terrace and side streets will be in effect from 6pm Monday until 7am Tuesday.

Details about which roads will be affected by the closure, can be found on the CERA website at www.cera.govt.nz.

ENDS

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