Tree clearing works on Waitui Road will start next Wednesday, September 29 with the road closed from some long periods to ensure the safety and protection of wildlife as the trees are removed.
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The work, covering a 2.5 kilometre stretch of road between the Hannam Vale and Waitui villages, includes road widening and reconstructing the existing surface, finishing with a two coat bitumen seal, MidCoast Council said.
The closures will take place for up to 45 minute intervals between 9am and 3pm on weekdays.
A further week of closures up to four hours at a time between 9am and 3pm will be required to complete the tree clearing operation.
"To ensure safety and the protection of fauna as we remove trees, the road will need to be closed at various times for around three weeks, weather permitting," said MidCoast Council's manager of projects and engineering, Rhett Pattison.
"The longer closures are required to allow a crane to set up on the road to remove the large trees safely."
Other works through October include fencing adjustments, Telstra relocations and drainage works.
"We know the Hannam Vale and Waitui communities have been eagerly awaiting this important work and we're really pleased it will be underway in the next month," Mr Pattison said.
"We anticipate the project to be finished mid-next year, weather permitting, and we'll have message boards in place to update road users as we progress."
Council will work with property owners on the stretch of road to ensure access is maintained, he said.
"Motorists are asked to stay alert to changed traffic conditions and signage, observe reduced speed limits and directions from road crews, and to travel with caution through the area."
Funding for the project was first announced two years ago by member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, and work scheduled for the current financial year, Rhett Pattison said.
Stay updated on the progress of this project once it starts by visiting the Live Traffic website www.livetraffic.com.
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