Further wharf deterioration discovered

As crews worked to repair severely deteriorated wooden piles under Holmes Wharf, in Oamaru, in...
As crews worked to repair severely deteriorated wooden piles under Holmes Wharf, in Oamaru, in September, further necessary remedial work on parts of the wharf, including the cross braces (pictured), was identified, extending the already $387,000 project. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Underwater construction crews working to stabilise Oamaru's 1907 Holmes Wharf have discovered further deterioration below the deck, the Waitaki District Council has confirmed.

Bay Underwater Services NZ Ltd had returned to complete the work crews began in September, to stabilise 80 severely deteriorated wooden piles, but the Oamaru Harbour landmark's structural integrity required further significant work, council property manager Renee Julius said.

A $900,000 re-decking project last year was stalled when council officers investigated the wharf's structural integrity and found the suspect piles to be more than 75% deteriorated.

Now, cross-bracing elements, as well as new 30mm pile-to-bearer bolt connections, applicable to the entire wharf, would add to the already $387,000 cost of remediation.

Costs were still to be determined but an estimate at this week's assets committee meeting of $50,000 could prove to be low, Mrs Julius said.

The work was being covered by the budget for the original re-decking project.

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