17/02/2022
Update
REMOVAL OF DAMAGED WAVE TOWER BEGINS
Thursday, 17 February 2022
A 50 metre exclusion zone has been placed around the damaged wave tower off the Lee Breakwater as work gets under way to remove it.
The wave tower, which sits about 200m north-east of the Lee Breakwater, was hit hard by high seas and strong winds caused by ex-tropical cyclone Dovi at the weekend.
Port Taranaki engineers have assessed the tower as unrepairable and work has started today to remove it.
“A works window has been scheduled from 7am today until 5pm on 27 February, although this will be weather dependent and work may need to go beyond that date,” Port Taranaki chief executive Simon Craddock said.
“Throughout this period, a 50m exclusion zone is in place around the structure so that the demolition and removal work can be carried out safely. We ask that all harbour users please respect the exclusion zone and keep well away while the work is carried out.”
The top of the tower will be cut into sections, lifted onto a support vessel and taken wharfside. The piles that hold the structure to the sea floor will then be cut, and floated wharfside, where they will be lifted onto the wharf.
“The piles will be cut at seabed level so as not to pose a navigational hazard,” Mr Craddock said.
He said other tide, wave and wind monitoring equipment was in place around the port and harbour that would continue to keep customers and harbour users informed.
Meanwhile, Lee Breakwater carpark and boat ramp users are being asked to please take care and be patient following the weekend’s storm.
“The boat ramp is now fully open, however the damaged areas of the carpark remain cordoned off and repair work will begin on Monday. Users will need to carefully navigate their trailers and be mindful of other users when launching and retrieving their boats,” Mr Craddock said.
“This may cause delays, so we ask that people please be patient.”
New Plymouth Sport Fishing and Underwater Club
New Plymouth Yacht Club
Coastguard Taranaki
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Taranaki Regional Council
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