Tamaki Drive to be raised to stop flooding during king tides and adverse weather

Tamaki Drive regularly floods during heavy rain. Photo / Chris Loufte

Auckland's Tamaki Drive, a city "jewel" which regularly floods during heavy rains, will be raised in places by half a metre.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff delivered the news last night at a meeting of the St Heliers-Glendowie Residents Association.

Flooding on Tamaki Drive typically occurs during king tides and major weather events. The measures will primarily help with the tidal floods but will also reduce the effects of large storms. The measures include:

•Raising parts of Tamaki Drive by up to half a metre where the flooding is most prevalent (between Parnell Baths and Ngapipi Rd)

•adding a curve to the seawall to assist in deflecting waves from breaking on to footpath and Tamaki Drive

•installation of stormwater valves, to reduce the inflow of sea water through the culvert pipes on to the road

The work, to be undertaken by Auckland Transport, followed pressure from residents in the eastern suburbs who packed a public meeting on the issue on June 8.

It also follows a Government report into the effects of climate change from the Ministry of the Environment and released by the Green Party that shows 2000km of roads will be affected by climate change.

The report estimates $19 billion of property is at risk from increased flooding and coastal erosion.

Orakei councillor Desley Simpson is pleased the issue is finally being addressed.

"Tamaki Drive is more than a vital arterial route for the people of Orakei and the eastern bays; it is a scenic jewel in Auckland's crown that is used by people from all over Auckland.

"Having it flood so cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles are hindered to move freely in and out of the city and to the many eastern beaches, boating and recreational facilities is simply not acceptable."