Queens Drive project reaches milestone

The upgrade of Queens Drive from Newcastle Street to Herbert Street will reach a milestone tomorrow (Saturday, March 17) with the chip sealing of the newly built east side of the road, Engineering Services Manager Russell Pearson has announced.

Mr Pearson said the east side had been chip sealed and cars would be diverted onto the newly built road while the west side was also rebuilt.  Once the west side was rebuilt, a smooth asphalt layer would then be placed over both sides to complete the new surface, he said.

“Motorists will also notice a pedestrian crossing, with traffic signals, is being installed at George Street to ensure cyclists and pedestrians can cross the busy four lanes once the work is complete.

“The new pedestrian-cycle crossing point is a much safer crossing location and also links directly into the footpaths through Queens Park.”

Mr Pearson said the upgrade of this part of Queens Drive was due for completion in late April, and involved a significant upgrade of the infrastructure, with complete reconstruction of the road and footpaths.  It also included replacement of foul sewer and stormwater pipes, major electricity cables and the installation of fibre ducts as part of the fibre-to-the-door network.

“I’d like to thank members of the public for their patience as the work is carried out, and reminded motorists to drive carefully at the temporary speed of 30 kilometres per hour through the construction site and to look for pedestrian and cyclists at the new crossing point near George Street.”

“During the project, access to the Windsor Street shops and restaurants is still easily available via Herbert Street, Sydney Street or King Streets,” Mr Pearson said.