Council's focus on improving infrastructure across Townsville is continuing with a project to reconstruct two streets in Currajong beginning next week.
Illuka and Palara streets are in a mostly residential area and provide access to the popular Warrina Precinct – home to Otto's Markets, ice-skating rink, cinema and other shops.
The road upgrade has received $348,000 in funding under the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.
Council Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson Kurt Rehbein said the improvements to Illuka and Palara streets would be welcomed by local residents and businesses.
"This part of Currajong is a residential area but has higher than usual traffic volumes because of the retail precinct and I'm sure many of the nearby residents and those visiting those shops will agree the road is in need of repairs," Cr Rehbein said.
"Council crews are expected to be on-site until mid-June and will be replacing some of the kerbs and gutters, renewing the existing drainage and reconstructing and resurfacing the road.
"These are pretty significant works that will benefit the residents and business owners in the area and improve traffic flow and access to Otto's and the other shops located in the Warrina Precinct.
"While we work hard to mitigate negative impacts, projects like this can cause some temporary inconvenience, but there are definitely long term benefits for the businesses and the wider community. Council thanks the community for their patience while we undertake the work."
Federal Member for Herbert Philip Thompson said he was pleased to see the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure funding supporting infrastructure upgrades across the city.
"The LRCI funding was announced in May last year to support local governments and their communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Thompson said.
"It's great to see that money getting to work in Townsville, allowing for priority infrastructure projects to get underway and supporting local jobs and community resilience."
Otto's Markets Chief Operations Officer Rob Aumend said that Otto's Markets welcomes the upgrade of the street.
"Although we know that these works are going to be a slight inconvenience to our customers, tenants, and neighbours for a few weeks, we welcome the much needed upgrade of the street.
"It will be business as usual for us as fortunately you can access Otto's from a number of entryways. During these works the best parking will be in the car park off Palara Street at the back of Otto's, which can be accessed via the Dalrymple Service Road and Cambridge Street.
"We'd like to thank our customers for your continued support and the Townsville City Council for attending to our street."
