Workers have begun felling trees on the bank of the Water of Leith between Cumberland and Dundas Sts, on a stretch of the river in the Dunedin Botanic Garden, in preparation for widening the true left bank.
The last work done as part of the scheme was the about $380,000 re-grading and widening of the Water of Leith and underpinning existing concrete walls and bridge abutments in Rockside Rd, which was completed in early 2007.
The full scheme has faced setbacks because of appeals to the Environment Court, delays from contractors, the need to review the cost of the scheme, costed in 2004 at $21.4 million, and more recently the implications of the University of Otago's master plan.
To push the scheme forward, the council decided to undertake the section of work between Brook St and Gore Pl as a stand-alone project, which is budgeted at about $450,000.
Last month, council chief executive Graeme Martin said staff were "endeavouring" to get a full report on the funding and timing of the scheme to the January meeting of council.
Otago Regional Council environmental engineering and natural hazards director Gavin Palmer said the aim was for the work to be carried out during the summer to minimise disruption to the public.
The tree felling was to be completed by Christmas and the excavation of 7000cu m over a 300m section of river on the true left bank of the Leith channel was due to start in January and be completed in late February, he said.
A new footpath would be constructed and landscaping done to provide new amenities for the public.
