ALBURY mayor Kevin Mack is confident the $1.8 million Kiewa Street upgrade will be completed before the end of November.
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Work crews will move onto the site on Tuesday to start the project between Dean and Smollett streets beginning with the installation of traffic lights at the Kiewa Street crossing between Centro Albury shopping centre and Volt Lane.
The crossing is a joint venture between council and NSW Roads and Maritime Services and limited access to Kiewa Street will still be available.
But Kiewa Street will be shut between Dean and Smollett streets when second stage works begin including the installation of angle parking, landscaping, kerb and channel and drainage.
It is estimated to be closed for up to 20 weeks.
Cr Mack said the works were planned to be completed by November.
“It will mean the busy Christmas shopping period won’t be affected,” he said.
“All the shops will be open and operating as usual throughout the works.
“We’re encouraging people to park underground at Centro or in the Volt Lane car park, which has plenty of capacity.
“We’ve been working closely with the traders in the area to make sure they’re fully informed of the works and minimise the disruption to their businesses as much as possible.
“Pedestrian access to shops and restaurants will be maintained throughout the project.
“There will be some disruption to traffic flow along Kiewa Street but I think residents will understand that we’re trying to achieve an important and much-needed upgrade.”
Centro’s external affairs general manager Brandon Phillips said there were plenty or parking options for customers.
“The end objective is to create a better access to the centre and improve traffic flow,” he said.
“In the interim underground parking and pedestrian access will be disrupted.
“But we encourage people can still use the centre as usual.”
Cr Mack said council staff had consulted with businesses since May 7 and the chamber of commerce was presented with an outline of works on May 20.
“The council will also keep interested businesses and residents informed of the works as they progress,” he said.
“The Kiewa Street upgrade is a necessary investment in the future of the city and will be a vital economic stimulus for years to come.”
