Otago Regional Council (ORC) is responsible for looking after Otago’s flood protection and drainage schemes, this means the hard infrastructure protecting our communities. At Silver Stream we have engaged contractor Fulton Hogan to remove accumulated sediment between the floodbanks to improve capacity and flow.
You can read more about ORC’s flood protection schemes and how they are managed here www.orc.govt.nz/floodschemes
The Silver Stream Capacity Improvements project restores and improves the stream’s ability to manage floodwaters along the section between Wingatui Road, Mosgiel, and where Silver Stream joins Taieri River. Sediment movement and erosion have changed the stream’s shape and reduced its capacity, limiting the effectiveness of the Gordon Road spillway.
Fulton Hogan are removing sediment and shaping the channel within the floodbanks as part of this project. This will involve excavating and carting material from the Silver Stream channel, followed by reinstatement works, which include the application of a grass mix by Hydroseeding.
For the bulk of the works, excavators will remove the material and load it into several off-road dump trucks, which will cart it to local tip sites.
Once the excavation is complete, a Hydroseed vehicle will spray the exposed cut face with a grass seed and stabiliser mix that will allow for good grass growth.
This project involves carefully removing sediment and restoring the channel to improve water flow, while maintaining the ecological values of the stream. The work is designed to improve the Gordon Road spillway’s operating threshold, reducing flood risk to properties downstream.
Any questions about the work please contact Fulton Hogan’s project manager Jack Fraser on 03 478 8200.
Questions about flood schemes in general can be directed to ORC: email customerservices@orc.govt.nz or phone 0800 474 082.
Work will start on the Mosgiel side, which will close from the stream up to the property boundary, including the walkway. Signs will be posted at the Gordon Rd, Carlyle Rd and Riccarton Rd entrances, advising that the area is temporarily closed.
Once work has been completed on the Mosgiel side, crews will shift to the Dukes Road side.
Large machinery with limited visibility will be operating in the area. The excavator will need to swing around and move unexpectedly, while the dump trucks need to reverse and perform various manoeuvres. Both these operations present a danger to the public and to any uncontrolled dogs.
The grass seed can also take a few weeks to sprout, so we need the public and livestock to remain off these areas.
Fulton Hogan are planning to establish the site mid-November.
Mosgiel side closed from mid-November to mid-December 2026.
Dukes Road side closed from mid-December 2026 to mid-February 2027.
Please note: these dates are subject to change due to the work being weather dependent.
Both sides will be open over the Christmas period (22 December to 11 January).
Respect the closures and signage. Please keep dogs on a lead. Stay away from any working machinery.
If you do find yourself nearing any machinery, please make eye contact with the operator and wait for them to stop before passing.
Thank you for your patience while we carry out this important flood protection work for Mosgiel.
