Work to protect Spring Creek township near Blenheim from flooding 'on track', mayor says

Work to fix compromised stopbanks protecting a township near Blenheim is on track, the mayor of Marlborough says.

Spring Creek residents have been told to be prepared to evacuate during heavy rain since the council found the banks were at catastrophic risk of failure in 2024.

Work on the 1.2 kilometre stretch of the Peninsula Rd stopbank behind Spring Creek started in November last year.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said the repair and upgrade of the Peninsula Rd stopbank was critical to strengthen flood protection and improve the community's resilience.

"It is particularly important for the residents and businesses of Spring Creek but also for surrounding national infrastructure including State Highway 1 and the Main North Line rail corridor," she said.

"Replacement of the stop bank itself has commenced at the end of Peninsula Road and this is being undertaken in sections to maintain the existing level of protection from weather events.

"That approach will continue until the whole stop bank has been re-constructed and will give the residents of Spring Creek a level of comfort."

The finished stop bank will stand up to 1.7 metres higher than the original.

The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake left deep-seated cracking in the stopbank and there has been scouring from the river during storms since.

The upgrade is due to be finished by June next year.

The project was funded by the local council and the government's regional infrastructure fund.

Spring Creek residents have been invited to a public meeting next month to discuss the progress made.