First step in project nearly finished

ONE of the Toowoomba CBD’s most trafficked streets will soon be partially reopened to the public, as work progresses on a major revitalisation program by the council.

The first stage of the Russell Street Refresh project between Victoria and Ruthven Streets is expected to be completed by the end of the month, after months of heavy construction work that affected businesses, motorists and pedestrians.

The $7.5m scheme will provide upgraded pavement and footpaths, a tree-lined centre median between Victoria and Ruthven Streets, lighting, green space and trees, street furniture and public art.

Infrastructure chair Councillor Carol Taylor said the council appreciated the community’s patience during the busy period.

“The final landscaping and streetscape works and general clean-up of the site will be completed through November,” she said.

“Council appreciates the impacts major upgrade projects can have on businesses and the wider community and would especially like to thank Russell Street businesses and residents and motorists for their co-operation and patience.

“The exciting project is transforming one of Toowoomba’s oldest and most iconic streets into a vibrant and people-friendly destination.

“It provides new pavement and footpaths, a tree-lined centre median, new lighting, green space and trees, street furniture and public art, bringing life back to one of the region’s most historic areas.”

Stage two of the project, upgrading Russell Street from Ruthven to Neil Street, is expected to be undertaken from February to late 2022, weather permitting.

Ms Taylor said the project was a key outcome of the council’s Toowoomba City Centre master plan.

For more information about upcoming works, call the council on 131 872.