2LT Local News

BATHURST, Central West, NSW, Australia – A full reconstruction of a roundabout in the centre of Bathurst will commence next week, disrupting traffic in the area for up to three months.

Stormwater drainage works will be tackled initially at the intersection of George and Howick Streets and these will start on Wednesday 2 January 2019.

“This is a large and complex project in one of busiest intersections in the city centre,” Mayor Graeme Hanger said Friday.

“I know this will have an impact on many residents who use the intersection and the surrounding businesses, so I am asking for the community’s support and patience while this crucial project is underway.”

The first stage of the project involves water crews relocating water mains that are underneath the roundabout. This will have some impact on traffic flow for the duration of the first stage, which will take approximately 5 weeks.

It is expected the second phase will commence on Tuesday 5 February 2019 at which time the roundabout will be fully closed to traffic while it is replaced and rebuilt.

There will be U-Turn areas on each of the streets near the roundabout, so traffic can access businesses along the blocks adjoining the intersection. Pedestrian access will remain in place for the duration of the second stage, which will be approximately 8 weeks.

Access to businesses near the intersection will be possible by using Rankin, William and Russell Streets. Parking will still be available in George and Howick Streets.

The existing roundabout at George and Howick Streets was the first one installed in Bathurst.

Traffic issues including congestion in parts of George Street, have been a source of frustration for drivers.

After several investigations by Council and the RMS, the last in November 2016, the studies concluded that the reconstruction of the roundabout and removing marked pedestrian crossing to replace them with pedestrian refuges would ease congestion.