as of 28 March 2024

Kia ora everyone, a nice short week with more good progress onsite. If you haven’t recently, pop downtown to see the Main St taking shape!

What’s happened this week:

Main St

• Paving on the street side of the temporary fence has kicked off and already looks good. The first band of paving includes some geometric design that although complex, is progressing at pace.

• A short closure of the Marlborough St end of the footpath was required to complete the new kerb and channel. Again, we’ve very thankful for the ongoing help and understanding of local shop owners that helps us keep moving.

• The Main St planters had their old surrounds removed and are wrapped in hessian cloth until their new surrounds are installed.

 Roundabout

• Asbestos pipe was uncovered underground last week and needed removal. This was contained and binned on Monday before being collected Tuesday morning. Underground can be a bit of a minefield when it hasn’t been opened for so long.

• Our arborist gave the large tree adjacent to the roundabout site a decent trim. (very grateful to the residents who happily helped us with access)

• We continued drainage and stormwater preparatory work.

What’s happening over the next week or 2:

Main St

• Our block laying team will continue laying paving all week and we expect more decent progress.

• We’ll lay concrete to upgrade the tired footpath on Marlborough St (adjacent to the shops). This will eventually butt seamlessly into the paved Main St.

• All stormwater lines will be inspected to ensure they are sealed and connected to manholes as designed. A crucial step before we cover this ground back up.

• Traffic light ducting should get its final touches this week.

Roundabout

• Drainage work will be our top priority for some time at the roundabout site.

All shops in downtown Pōkeno are looking forward to a bumper Easter weekend so while you’re down there supporting them, check out the Main St progress.

Enjoy your long weekend (if you get one) and please contact me directly with any questions or concerns. If I don’t have the answer I can find it for you!