Work on the reconstruction of Federal Drive is progressing with the focus of activities still on stabilising the area to allow for the new road to be built.
Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said the reconstruction project is on track to be finished in the first quarter of 2024.
"This project has a budget of $23 million which is an indication of its complexity," Mr Holloway said.
"While progress continues to be steady, we are disappointed that we will not be able to partially open the road to traffic before Christmas," he said.
Recognising that this section of road is a key thoroughfare for the community Council was hoping that the work would be progressed to the point where one lane could be open to traffic in December 2023.
"Unfortunately, the piling process and securing material in a tight market, have taken more time than we initially anticipated and for these reasons we will not be able open Federal Drive in time for the holidays," Mr Holloway said.
"We are extremely grateful to the community for its understanding, mindful that detours have been in place for 20 months and this is adding extra time to the daily commute for residents.
"Contractors are working as fast as they can on this project and people can be assured that the road will be open as soon as it is safe to do so," he said.
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