The City of Launceston is set to start work on a $1.1 million upgrade of Cimitiere Street, between George and Tamar streets.
These works will be undertaken in conjunction with TasWater and TasNetworks, who both have works planned in that section of Cimitiere Street.
TasWater will be replacing and upgrading one of their two water mains, while TasNetworks will be running new electrical connections across the road to the new St Luke's development.
Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson said that Cimitiere Street is an important east-west road link for the city, but the reality is, the road is reaching its end of life and is now requiring reconstruction to replace the road surface.
"While the road has been resealed and upgraded a number of times to extend its lifespan, reconstruction of sections of the road is inevitable," Mayor Gibson said.
"The section of road between George and Tamar streets will be excavated and reconstructed to contemporary standards, including base level works and the installation of appropriate subsoil drainage, as well as the replacement of 65m of kerb and channelling.
"Given that Cimitiere Street is a highly utilised CBD link road, we are programming the works to have minimal impact on motorists.
"While some on-street parking spaces will be unavailable during construction, it is our intent to keep both lanes of the road open wherever possible during business hours."
When closures are required after hours, detours will be provided along Willis Street and onto Boland Street.
Council worked with local businesses to ensure they could remain accessible throughout the duration of the works, although some may have alternate entry points.
TasWater is expected to begin work on Wednesday (February 15) at the Tamar Street end of the block, with an expected six-week timeline for completion.
Council's contractor Crossroads is expected to start soon after, also with a six-week timeframe for civil works.
"This section of Cimitiere Street borders a fast-growing area of our CBD, and the provision of more contemporary utility infrastructure will enable further growth and expansion in the future," Mayor Gibson said.
