Since early April, Pulteney Street has been the focus of one of this year’s biggest main street makeovers.

Its 16 week schedule of works included a complete reconstruction of the road and involved closure of the street in two sections.

Setbacks during stage one (Victoria Street to Albert Lane) added weeks to the anticipated completion date, but the swift completion of stage two saw contractors Dick’s Civil Works reopen the street just four days outside the original works schedule, according to council.

“This has been a significant project in a key CBD location, where disruption to businesses located along Pulteney Street was a key consideration in the project’s design”, said Phil Miles, senior leader asset planning (Taree office).

“Closing the street was unavoidable to reach the outcome we needed, but splitting the project into two parts, maintaining pedestrian access at all times, and by communicating regularly with local shop-owners, we aimed to minimise the impact on their businesses”.

Along with wet weather delays, complications were experienced early in the works schedule, when excavation of stage one revealed sub-standard conditions under the road.

Taking these issues into account, the design for stage two of the works was revised and as a result, Dick’s made up the lost time and completed the project within days of the original timing.

As well as being fully reconstructed, Pulteney Street received new kerb and guttering, two additional car-parking spaces near Albert Lane, and two additional designated disability parking spaces. 

“The extent of the work means Pulteney Street is now set to cater for high volumes of CBD traffic over many decades to come”, said Phil.

This project is part of MidCoast Council’s commitment to delivering safer roads for our community.