Issues regarding securing the supply of underground services to the University of Otago have meant the Otago Regional Council has yet to let a contract for flood protection works on the Water of Leith.
Many services such as gas, water, sewerage, electricity and fibreoptic cables were located underground near the St David St footbridge, in Dunedin.
The council's planned works to increase the flood-carrying capacity of the Leith from St David St to Union St meant these services had to be shifted or secured so they were not disrupted during the work.
The Otago Regional Council had budgeted $5.4 million for the project, scheduled to proceed in front of the university's registry building over the summer.
Council engineering and natural hazards director Gavin Palmer said the council was liaising with the university about the underground service issue to make certain plans were in place to ensure the security of those services and the mechanics of relocation.
Work had already begun to shift some of the underground services.
Once the that issue was resolved, a contract for the main civil works would be let and work would begin.
The aim was to begin that work at the end of university exams next month.
''While the Leith is a major piece of work, it is not complicated.''
However, there were the constraints to do with timing and the need complete the project quickly to avoid problems should there be any flooding.
''There will always be risk. The key is to get in quickly and out quickly.''
