Community
23 August, 2024
Footpath works at night
COUNCIL contractors carried out night works in Warrnambool last weekend, laying a section of asphalt as part of the CBD footpath renewal project.
The works took place overnight on Sunday and Monday in order to reduce the impact on local businesses on the south side of Lava Street, between Fairy and Kepler streets.
Warrnambool mayor Cr Ben Blain said council staff worked with businesses and contractors to minimise disruptions as much as possible.
“I think everyone agreed that the work needed to be done, and to be able to do the most disruptive part outside of hours in this section, I think that was a really big win,” he said.
“Our staff were in contact with businesses regarding these works a few times over the past few months, and this was 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 the previous 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 decided that night works were 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.”
Lava Street was closed to westbound traffic between Kepler and Fairy streets to allow for the safe movement of construction workers and vehicles.
Businesses can contact council’s Economic Development team on ecodev@warrnambool.vic.gov.au or 5559 4800 if they would like to discuss the footpath renewal project.
