Laneways close as part of Palmerston St upgrade

Road closures will be in place this week as works progress on the $1.3 million facelift of Palmerston St, Warragul.

Palmerston St is scheduled to be closed tonight and tomorrow night between 6pm and 6am for water main replacement works.

The streetscape works, which began last month, aim to create a community square type atmosphere.

A major feature of the works has been the conversion of Palmerston St to one-way traffic flow, in an east direction between the Victoria and Smith St roundabouts.

Road closures will continue this weekend from 1pm on Saturday until 6pm on Sunday when contractors excavate the existing road pavement and lay the first layer of asphalt.

Works are progressing steadily with a number of preparation works completed or almost completed including underground services, installation of underground stormwater pipes and construction of stormwater pits.

Installation of kerb and channel also has begun.

As the project progresses, works will become more obvious with some significant activities to be undertaken.

Although every effort will be taken to minimise the impact on road users, pedestrians and retailers, there will be inconveniences for short periods during this time.

The major works scheduled to be completed by the end of March include:

Replacement of Gippsland Water water main that runs along the north side of the road;

Excavate the entire road pavement between Victoria St and Smith St; Placement of the first base layer of asphalt; Completion of all kerb and channel; and, Installation of the second intermediate layer of asphalt.

The two laneways off Palmerston St will have new crossovers constructed as a part of the kerb and channel works. A period of curing will then follow to allow the concrete to harden. During this time both laneways will be closed to traffic.

Council appreciate that closing the laneways for any period of time is an inconvenience to businesses and road users.

Council will provide further updates to businesses who are directly affected.

The final design, developed with extensive consultation with the project reference group and community, aims to create improved safety and accessibility for property owners.

The works have been designed to reinvigorate the retail heart of Warragul with a focus on pedestrian friendly designs and traffic movements.

The works are part of a $4.5 million package of works to improve Warragul’s central business district and have already included streetscape works in Smith St and two new roundabouts in Mason St.

Features include:

Wider footpath with combination of asphalt, exposed aggregate paving and brick bands.

Feature pavement at mid-block section and at both ends of the road.

Additional seating - concrete wall with fixed benches and feature lighting with LED strips.

New street lights and underground conduits for provision for future undergrounding of overhead power.

Interpretive signs showing Warragul’s historical photos. Planter beds at various locations. New flag poles. Removable bollards to allow for road closure in case of major events. of the Palmerston St works