A project to improve flood protection in Roxburgh has been completed ahead of schedule.

The new culvert, one of three in the area that have been upgraded in recent years, is designed to improve flooding resilience in Roxburgh.

Measuring five metres by three metres, it was installed at Black Jack’s Creek on State Highway 8 earlier this month.

Black Jack’s Creek/culvert is about 2.2km south of Golf Course Creek.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency initially believed the work would require a full highway closure for eight days from October 1 until October 9, but work was completed a couple of days ahead of schedule.

There has been two other culvert replacements as part of the upgrade - Golf Course Creek’s culvert, which was upgraded with increased capacity in October 2022 and Pumphouse Creek culvert, which was replaced in 2021.

The programme was developed after several flooding incidents in recent years.

The overarching goal for the projects is to improve the resilience along the affected section of SH8 and maintain and protect the infrastructure of the township of Roxburgh.

The works were completed on behalf of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency by roading contractor Aspiring Highways. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has been working with the Otago Regional Council, which completed a catchment study of the area, leading into the expanded culvert programme. 

Waka Kotahi in Otago and Southland network and structures manager Michael Tannock said all three creeks had an ongoing risk of flooding.

"The larger culverts will help channel flood waters and gravels under the road down to the Clutha River/Matau-Au."