An important stormwater upgrading project is set to begin in Ōhope next week, with the installation of soakage modules and associated structures at three beach access points on Pohutukawa Avenue.

Each of the beach accessways involved – at 123/125, 133/135 and 143/145 Pohutukawa Avenue – will be progressively closed for up to three weeks and, weather conditions permitting, the project is expected to be completed before the end of October.

Major facets of the upgrade include the installation of new catchpits and inlet chambers at 123/25 and 133/35 Pohutukawa Avenue and improvements to the existing catchpit system at 143/45 Pohutukawa Avenue. The collected stormwater will be piped to soakage modules in the beachside dunes at each point, and a range of erosion prevention measures will also be put in place to protect the fore-dune at the existing beach outfall at 143/45 Pohutukawa Avenue.

The project is one of a series of initiatives designed to address beach erosion issues resulting from stormwater discharges. Work will be undertaken during daylight hours on weekdays, from 7 am, and parking and pedestrian access in the work areas will be restricted while the project progresses.