The contract to repair the many kilometres of Wanaka’s walking and biking trails damaged by last summer’s floods is almost complete.

The contract was let to earthmoving, roading, drainage and infrastructure specialists Wilson Contractors in January this year after heavy rain in December 2019 raised the lake level and flooded Wanaka’s foreshore.

Many of Wanaka’s established foreshore trails were undermined and damaged by the floods and Wilsons has been tasked with the reinstatement of trails, including the Millennium Trail, Glendhu Bay, Eely Point and the Outlet Track.

Wilson Contractors equipment is temporarily stored near Stoney Creek, above the Wanaka Watersports Facility.

The work includes widening trails, reinstating naturalised retaining walls, drainage improvements, addressing large scale scouring and surfacing upgrades, council spokesperson Jack Barlow said.

Wilson Contractors Cromwell-based manager Tony Jones said the company was very experienced at trail construction and restoration.

Drainage work and trail restoration is ongoing on the track between Stoney Creek and Edgewater Resort.

“We’ve done many kilometres of tracks throughout Central Otago, working a lot with trails trusts,” he said.

A budget of approximately $400,000 has been allocated for the repair work.

The December 2019 floods closed Ardmore Street beside Pembroke Park and damaged many of Wanaka’s foreshore trails.

“We are aiming for completion by the end of October,” Jack said.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App