2023-01-12 - Construction update: Disruption on McCracken and McLean Roads
Construction update: Disruption on McCracken and McLean Roads
Bay of Plenty Regional Council will begin construction for the final stage of the Rangitāiki Floodway in March 2023.
The Rangitāiki Floodway is a key piece of flood defence infrastructure to help protect the lives and livelihoods of the community.
In a flood event, the Rangitāiki Floodway is designed to take pressure off the Rangitāiki River by diverting some of its flow (via a Spillway) into near-by farmland between stopbanks and out the Rangitāiki River mouth at Thornton.
What’s happening?
The construction process involves installing swing gates (heavy duty steel flood barriers) at two sites along the Rangitāiki Floodway:
- Site one: Two sets on McCracken Road (located between Hydro Road and Western Drain Road, Edgecumbe)

- Site two: Two sets on McLean Road (located between East Bank Road and Western Drain Road, Edgecumbe)

When the Floodway is activated, these swing gates will have two functions: They will act as a barrier on the road, keeping the community from entering a flood zone, and maintain the stopbank height of the Floodway, creating a channel that helps send water out to the Rangitāiki River mouth.
When not in use, the gates are locked open, allowing uninterrupted traffic flow.
How might this impact you?
Construction is due to begin in March 2023 and each site is expected to take approximately seven weeks.
During construction, road closures will be in place around the swing gate site and there will be no through traffic. Residents will be able to access their homes, however detours will be in place to travel to and from McLean and McCracken Roads.
We will keep you updated on construction and road closures via this project page.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Project Lead Niroy Sumeran on engineering@boprc.govt.nz or 0800 884 880.
Thank you for your patience during this time.