Heavy machinery was trucked into Ōpōtiki township this week to carry out strengthening work on the edge of the Otara River.

Ōpōtiki township sits between the banks of the Otara and Waioweka rivers where they converge before flowing out to sea.

A Bay of Plenty Regional Council spokesperson said the work was part of planned maintenance. It followed investigative work the regional council carried out last year, testing the existing river’s edge material.

Rock was being trucked to the site from a stockpile the regional council keeps in Ōpōtiki for such work, to replenish the rock lining of the river for about two to three hundred lineal meters downstream from Richard Street.

The rock replenishment work is to ensure the rock along the river continues to help protect the town from flooding and is expected to continue through until the end of March, weather permitting.

Access to the cycling and walking path along the Otara River will be restricted and the regional council has said it would appreciate residents avoiding the area between King and Richard streets while the work is being carried out.

ROCKING ON: One of two diggers working either side of the Otara River at the King Street access point on Monday. Photo Diane McCarthy E5248-01