Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) continues work on the Swift Street reconstruction project which, when completed, will improve the aesthetics, functionality and safety of the busy intersection of Swift Street and Arthur Streets in Wellington.
DRC's Director of Infrastructure Julian Geddes said the aged underground infrastructure has caused complexities for the project. "A reconstruction of this size requires a lot of planning and design work before it can start," said Mr Geddes. "This project has roughly the same amount of work, if not more, under the surface as it does on the top. A significant amount of time has been invested by DRC engineering and operations staff to ensure the services underground are safely identified and appropriately upgraded."
To date, the stormwater network and water main reticulation have been upgraded. The trench excavation and installation of conduits for the underground electricity cables will resume following recent wet weather delays. This new and improved underground electricity infrastructure will service the new LED street lights along with surrounding commercial and residential premises. Following this stage of the project the existing electrical services will be decommissioned and the new utilities put into service. The underground works are expected to be completed by 23 April 2021.
Following the completion of electrical work, a new kerb and gutter, and accessible footpath will be constructed - including paved areas on the western side of Arthur Street. A retaining wall will also be constructed on the northern corner of Swift and Arthur Streets. The reconstruction of the Swift Street road pavement, on the eastern side of Arthur Street, will be undertaken simultaneously with the kerb and gutter, and footpath work. At the same time, tree pits will be constructed in preparation for the planting of trees in the centre of the road which will soften the hard landscape and assist with cooling that area of the central business district.
The final stage of the project will be the physical asphalting of the road surface and construction of concrete medians. A wombat crossing will then be installed on Arthur Street, between the Swift Street Medical Centre and the RSL Club to improve pedestrian safety.
