The project is well ahead of its initial Nov-ember completion date due to the dry weather.

Albury Council’s engineering services group leader Andrew Lawson said while the road would open to traffic this weekend, some minor work was still being carried out such as paving, line-marking and landscaping.

“The traffic lights will be working and the northern section will be entirely open,” he said.

“Some parking bays on the southern section will be closed off to allow workers to carry out paving, line-marking and landscaping.”

Mr Lawson said the project was fast-tracked due to the lack of rain.

“We have had good weather and utilised some weekend work where we could,” he said.

The $1.8 million upgrade started in June.

The street has been upgraded to include angled parking and only one lane for traffic.

There is also seating and landscaped gardens.

A traffic light pedestrian crossing has also been installed, which will make pedestrian access safer for pedestrians.

Workers were yesterday paving out the front of Target as part of the last section of landscaping.

Mr Lawson said the remaining landscaping work was expected to be complete in the next two to three weeks.

“It will be all finished by the end of October at the latest,” he said.

“The whole process of beautifying the area and making it safer for pedestrians has run smoothly.

“The shop owners and retailers have all been great, there have been no real hassles.

“Everyone is going to notice a huge improvement to the area.”

Shoppers said they were looking forward to parking again in the street.