Reconstruction work continues

WELLINGTON business owner Kathryn Kennedy is pleased to see the Swift St reconstruction going ahead and believes it will improve the local streetscape.

“I can’t wait for it to be finished,” she said.

“It’s going to be beautiful.” Dubbo Regional Council commenced the $1.9M project in March last year as part of the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program. It includes replacement stormwater drainage, road pavement reconstruction, kerb and guttering and footpaths.

Council’s Director of Infrastructure Julian Geddes said the aged underground infrastructure had caused complexities for the project.

“A reconstruction of this size requires a lot of planning and design work before it can start,” he confirmed.

To date, the stormwater network and water main reticulation have been upgraded, with new underground electrical infrastructure allowing for installation of LED street lighting and servicing of nearby commercial and residential premises.

“This project has roughly the same amount of work, if not more, under the surface as it does on the top,” Mr Geddes said.

“A significant amount of time has been invested by DRC engineering and operations staff to ensure the services underground are safely identified and appropriately upgraded.”

New kerb and guttering and an accessible footpath will follow, including paved areas on the western side of Arthur St. A retaining wall will also be constructed on the northern corner of Swift and Arthur streets. Reconstruction of the Swift St road pavement on the eastern side of Arthur St will be undertaken simultaneously with the kerb and guttering and footpath work. Tree pits will also be constructed in the centre of the road. The final stage of the project will be asphalting the road surface and construction of concrete medians along with a wombat crossing between the Swift Street Medical Centre and the Soldiers’ Memorial Club car park.

Ms Kennedy is looking forward to seeing the finished product mid-year and says the project has not negatively impacted the Wellington Hotel ‘The Wello’ at the corner of Swift and Arthur streets.

“We are getting used to the workmen being there,” she said. “It isn’t impeding my business. It’s not hurting me at all. It’s a heritage street and my hotel is Edwardian, it’s such a grand building.

“It will really do justice to our premises.”

Dubbo Regional Council is currently overhauling Wellington’s Swift St, installing new stormwater and electrical infrastructure and footpaths in the area. PHOTO: SUPPLIED