Wauchope is finally getting a facelift.
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The Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey MP, has announced that pedestrian safety and amenity will be improved by upgrades to Wauchope’s central business district - which are set to start later this year.
Mrs Pavey said the $2.686 million upgrade is being jointly funded by the NSW Government and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2019, weather permitting.
“The work will involve an upgrade to the main street between Cameron and Hastings streets,” she said.
“Wauchope is a thriving town and the revitalisation of its main street will ensure locals and visitors are able to safely and easily move around.”
Pedestrian safety will be improved by relocating High Street crossings and improving intersection layouts. The crossings at Hastings Street and Bransdon Street will be moved away from those intersections.
The project will also reverse the direction of one way traffic on Oxley Lane to improve intersection safety and encourage the use of additional parking off High Street with the provision of 15 minute parking as well as improvements to accessible (disabled) parking.
Work will also increase footpath widths, add street seating, provide space for outdoor dining and install additional street planting with trees providing shade during summer and allowing sunshine in winter.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor, Peta Pinson, said the High Street area is one of the region’s most important gateways and maintaining the street’s character while improving safety is of the highest priority for Council.
“It is great that we can now move forward with these improvements, and a big thanks must go to the local community who have been instrumental in working with us to provide a safer, more people focused main street,” Ms Pinson said.
Chamber of Commerce president, Gary Rainbow, said it was wonderful news for the town.
“We are getting so many people moving here from Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast. We want to make it a real hub of activity, and to have lovely trees, gardens and areas for al fresco dining to draw even more people to our CBD,” he said.
Lane closures, traffic control and a reduced speed limit will be in place during the work for the safety of workers and motorists.
Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control. Roads and Maritime Services thanks motorists for their patience during this time.