Townsville City Council is continuing its road improvement program with a full upgrade to a section of Fletcher Street in the city centre.
Starting on Tuesday 7 March 2023 and scheduled to take 12 weeks (weather permitting) the improvements focus on gutters, driveways, footpaths, and road treatments in the section of Fletcher Street connecting Sturt and Flinders Streets.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the upgrade will prolong the life of infrastructure and improve road safety in one of the main connections between Sturt and Flinders Streets.
"The existing surface of this section of Fletcher Street requires renewal with a full reconstruction including improvements to the road, gutters, verges and footpaths to prolong the life of the street," Cr Hill said.
Chair of Council's Infrastructure Services Committee Councillor Kurt Rehbein said the upgrade of this section of Fletcher Street aligns with Council's goal of a connected city.
"Fletcher Street carries a lot of traffic due to it being a convenient route between Sturt and Flinders Streets as well as it being the location of businesses and homes, so reconstruction is a priority," Cr Rehbein said.
"Council is mindful of the access requirements for people who need to access properties in Fletcher Street, so pedestrian and vehicle access will be maintained except when minor restrictions can't be avoided during the works."
Temporary closure of 21 car parking spaces on the western side of Fletcher Street will occur from 7 March to 19 April 2023, followed by the closure of car parking on the eastern side from 4 May to 19 June 2023. If access to a home or business is affected, Council will provide 24 hours' notice to the affected properties.
Council will undertake the upgrade works between 6am and 4pm Monday to Friday and from 6am to 2pm on Saturdays.
"All work will be done within those times unless a schedule adjustment is unavoidable," Cr Rehbein said.
"Bin collections will continue as normal, but we ask that bins be put out before 6am."
During the upgrade works, traffic control and temporary road closures will be in place as well as safety fencing to protect pedestrians and vehicles.
"Fletcher Street is part of a network of more than 1,830km of roads maintained by Council, so upgrades like this as well as others scheduled for the city centre are part of a much bigger plan of ongoing maintenance and upgrades." Cr Rehbein said.
