Flood protection work for state highway eight (SH8) is underway with the replacement of the Golf Course Creek culvert in Roxburgh starting soon.

The culvert will be eight times bigger to cope with more water according to Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency).

In a statement, Waka Kotahi senior network manager Robert Choveaux said the creek had an ongoing risk of flooding.

“Gravel has been accumulating which resulted in blockages following heavy rain in the hills, which has occurred more frequently in recent years. The larger culvert will help channel flood waters and gravels under the road down to the Clutha river.”

Golf Course Creek is the second of three culverts identified for renewal in the area, with Pumphouse Creek culvert already replaced in 2021 and Black Jacks up for renewal next year.

A full road closure and detour will occur when the new culvert is installed (November 6 14).

During preparations (late October - early November) and finishing work (mid November - December) there will be short delays and slower speeds required. 

“We understand these works will have a real impact on road users, particularly locals who may have to use the detour regularly,” Robert said.

“However, initial feedback from the community has been mainly positive with local residents and businesses understanding its importance. We will continue to work with them to limit disruption as much as possible.”

Cost to complete the work is around $680,000 and follows a series of floods in recent years. 

The detour on the eastern side of the Mata-Au (Clutha) will take northbound traffic on SH8 onto Millers Flat Bridge Rd across the Clutha River, onto Teviot Road for 17km, onto Jedburgh St and back onto SH8. 

The detour route in blue. 

As the Millers Flat Bridge is a single lane structure, there will be lights operating to manage traffic.

Residents close to the worksite may need an extra 25 – 30 minutes to factor in the detour when travelling around their community, however vehicles travelling through Roxburgh via SH8 will have around five minutes added to their journey.

There will be no pedestrian or cyclists crossing points through the worksite during the eight-day road closure. 

Locals need to keep pets and children away from the site over the construction period, given the heavy machinery being used.

“Special thanks also for drivers slowing around crews in the lead-in to Christmas,” Robert siad.

Watch Robert and Central Otago District mayor Tim Cadogan explain the culvert replacement here. 

PHOTOS: Supplied