Seddon St upgrades to deter boy racers
Feilding ratepayers will fork out more than $300,000 as urban reconstruction of Seddon St continues.
Stage two has been given the green light by the Manawatu¯ District Council, after work on the troubled street began in February.
Work will see the road rebuilt and ‘‘traffic calming’’ alterations to deter ‘‘anti-social behaviour’’ such as boy racing.
It will also involve widening footpaths, improved street lighting and the installation of new stormwater kerb pipes and sumps.
Engineer Brent Holmes said the street was initially earmarked for reconstruction in 2010, however, work was put on hold as the council prioritised heavy drainage work as the number of subdivisions in the area grew.
This involved installing a large-capacity stormwater pipe from Pharazyn St, across Kimbolton Rd and Seddon St, to discharge into the neighbouring Oroua River.
Stage one of the upgrade to the 316-metre-long cul-de-sac began in February, with the northern end of the road undergoing reconstruction.
Work will now begin on the 77m-long southern end and the 110m section linking it to Kimbolton Rd.
The project will cost $370,000, although a New Zealand Transport Agency subsidy will cover $60,000.
Higgins, which completed stage one, won the contract after submitting a quote 18 per cent cheaper than the council engineer’s estimate.
Manawatu¯ mayor Helen Worboys said awarding the contract to Higgins meant work could get under way immediately.
‘‘It’s really important to acknowledge what this means for the little amount of disruption to residents in Seddon St.’’
Holmes said Higgins had completed stage one to a ‘‘satisfactory’’ standard under ‘‘difficult weather circumstances’’.
‘‘Most importantly, there has been minimal issues raised. The work is on track to finish within the approved budget.’’