In order to reduce the impact on businesses, Council contractors will carry out night works to lay a section of asphalt as part of the CBD footpath renewal project.
The works will take place over two nights: Sunday August 18 and Monday August 19, on the south side of Lava Street between Fairy and Kepler streets.
Warrnambool Mayor Ben Blain said that Council staff were working with businesses and contractors to minimise disruptions as much as possible.
“I think everyone agrees that the work needs to be done, and to be able to do the most disruptive part outside of hours in this section, I think that’s a really big win,” he said.
“Our staff have been in contact with businesses regarding these works a few times over the past few months, and this is the outcome of those conversations, so thank you to the local businesses for working with us.
“The entire footpath renewal process in this section of the CBD started last week and is expected to be finished in September, and what’s really important is that while work is under way, access to buildings has been maintained for the vast majority of the time.
“There comes a time when the asphalt needs to be poured and allowed to dry, and obviously you can’t have people walking through wet asphalt, so it means for a few hours access needs to be restricted.
“Looking at the mix of businesses on the south side of Lava Street between Kepler and Fairy, their opening days and hours, and whether they have rear access or not, we have decided that night works are a viable alternative to day works in this instance.
“We’ve already completed sections of Gilles Street, Banyan Street, Raglan Parade and Fairy Street as part of this project, and we will be rebuilding all of the asphalt footpaths in the CBD over the coming years.”
The night works will operate from approximately 6pm until 5am on both nights.
Lava Street will be closed to westbound traffic between Kepler and Fairy streets from 5.30pm on both nights to allow for the safe movement of construction workers and vehicles. Fencing will begin to be erected from 5pm, with businesses to remain accessible until at least 5.30pm.
This schedule is weather dependant, as asphalt can’t be laid in rain or if the temperature is too cold.
Businesses can contact Council’s Economic Development team on ecodev@warrnambool.vic.gov.au or 5559 4800 if they would like to speak about the project.
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