Costly fix for slumping road
All is not well for the residents of Albatross Close.
The earth sinks about a metre near the end of their driveways and at the northern end of the Whitby, Porirua, street, parts of the road have slumped by about a metre since early July.
Back then, Porirua City Council announced a $1.5 million plan – the bulk of which will be covered by a New Zealand Transport Agency subsidy – for contractors to dig 25 metres down to build a 65m-long wall with a series of deep-set concrete reinforced piles in an effort to stop the land slipping down the bank.
The council lays the blame on an underground water source that has changed course, with subsidence first noticed in 2011.
This week, a council spokesperson said the design of the palisade wall had been finalised and staff would soon put the project out for tender.
Resident Margaret King, who has watched from her balcony as part of the street below slowly slumped, felt hopeful ahead of a meeting between neighbours and council staff this week. ‘‘The council have been doing what they can; sending out regular updates. We’re hopeful but, you know, [a fix is] a long way off.’’
While the northern end of the road has been closed, an alternative road was established between Samwell Drive and the Endeavour Park car park after damage last year to ensure residents – along with emergency vehicles if need be – could access their homes.
City councillor Anita Baker has been working with residents who were becoming increasingly frustrated, especially with the restricted access to their properties.
‘‘It’s absolutely amazing how quickly it’s [sunk]. We’re working with the ones at the worst of it at the top end.’’
Staff were focused on getting the problem fixed for good, she said.
The council’s executive officer of city and community infrastructure, Ashley Gore, said staff had been in regular contract with residents and would meet them again this week to share an update.