In late October, asphalting machinery and work crews were active in the Maclean CBD to carry out essential road upgrades on the main street.
The work, conducted over two nights from 6pm to 6am, replaced a 100-metre section of road between Argyle Street and Centenary Drive, marking the first of three planned roadway improvements in Maclean.
Beyond the main street, additional traffic-calming measures have been introduced further down River Street, heading out of town.
These enhancements include wombat crossings, new pavement, and a high-friction skid-resistant seal for improved road user safety and durability.
Clarence Valley Council's General Manager Laura Black said these measures were essential in making the main street of Maclean safer for all users.
"The introduction of a raised wombat crossing northeast of Dwartes Lane, and broken lines to improve driver awareness for right turns in and out of the BP petrol station will be a huge improvement in road user safety between Union Street and the 100km zone.
"The project seeks to enhance traffic calming measures to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, while also addressing the high percentage of vehicles exceeding the speed limit along this stretch of road.
"To increase driver awareness, gateway entry treatments are being implemented. These include garden beds, signage and line marking at the transition from the 100 km/h zone to 50 km/h zone, encouraging a reduction in speed."
Moving on from River Street, the notorious intersection of McLachlan and Argyle Streets will be next on the program where the road will be completely reconstructed.
Beneath its surface lies a century-old stormwater drain which despite repeated repairs over the years continues to leak allowing water to seep into the soil. This seepage gradually undermines the ground stability beneath the pavement, posing ongoing challenges for road integrity.
"Council's Civil Services team will soon commence a $1.16 million project to replace the section of drain and reconstruct the damaged road," Laura Black said.
"The project focuses on resolving pavement issues at the intersection and connecting the existing shared path from the McLachlan Street tennis courts to Rotary Park, including a crossing point at the Maclean Centenary Pool."
More information on these projects can be found on the Clarence Conversations website: www.clarenceconversations.com.au
