FAVOURABLE weather conditions have allowed construction crews to make significant progress on two important infrastructure projects in Macksville, with a new footpath and kerb nearing completion in Boundary Street and major retaining wall works set to commence in River Street.
Nambucca Valley Acting General Manager David Moloney said the projects reflect Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving public infrastructure throughout the valley.
“Every year out of Council’s capital works budget, Council allocates funding to maintain and improve our valley’s infrastructure,” he said.
“Keeping footpaths functional is particularly important as it improves accessibility and connectivity for pedestrians and people using mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and prams.
“It’s great we’ve had this window of fine weather to get onto these two great projects for Macksville and I thank the community for their patience while contractors have carried out the works.”
Work on the Boundary Street upgrade has been undertaken by Eungai-based contractor Apex Concreting Solutions.
Director Jackson Adams said the project moved quickly once conditions allowed construction to begin.
“This has been a great local job for Apex, on what is a very busy street during school drop-off and pick-up times,” he said.
Mr Adams said the old footpath and kerb were removed on Monday, with formwork commencing the following day in preparation for the concrete pour.
“I expect high school students and community members will be walking on the new footpath from Tuesday 9 June, if the weather stays fine like it is forecasted to.”
Attention will now turn to River Street, where replacement of the deteriorating retaining wall beside the Macksville Wharf, also known as the old Government Wharf, is scheduled to begin on 9 June, weather permitting.
The project will involve replacing up to 80 metres of retaining wall adjacent to the riverside footpath. Construction is expected to continue for approximately two weeks, with completion targeted for around 23 June, subject to weather conditions.
The works will require temporary traffic and pedestrian changes in the area. During weekday construction hours between 7am and 4pm, southbound vehicles travelling on Giinagay Way into Macksville will be unable to turn left into River Street from the intersection immediately south of the old Macksville Bridge.
A detour will be in place for motorists wishing to access businesses located between 13 and 18 River Street or continue through to Gumma.
Drivers will be directed via Partridge Street and other local roads.
Parking along River Street opposite the Star Hotel will also be unavailable during business hours while construction is under way, with motorists encouraged to use alternative parking locations.
Pedestrian access will also be affected, with the riverside footpath adjacent to the retaining wall closed throughout the project.
The pedestrian underpass beneath the old Macksville Bridge will also be inaccessible during the construction period.
Council is advising pedestrians to cross Cooper Street at the Wallace Street traffic signals and use alternative footpath connections to access River Street while the works are being completed.
The infrastructure upgrades are expected to improve safety, accessibility and the long-term condition of key public assets in Macksville once construction is complete.
By Mick BIRTLES
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