While most works on Kilmore’s Sydney Street Rejuvenation Project will be completed by mid February 2023, the replacement of light poles and installation of three pedestrian refuges have been further delayed.
However Mitchell Shire Council say the delay in works will not result in a cost over-run.
“There have been some changes to the light pole footings and the timeline of the project, but at this point in time nothing is indicating additional funds will be required to complete the project,” Mayor Fiona Stevens said.
Contractors have identified underground service infrastructure, which is not mapped, and in some cases is interwoven, requiring larger footings to be built.
Mitchell Shire Council says the larger footings will impact on services in the location of the four new light poles, and will delay the installation of the four light poles until the end of March, 2023.
The concrete pouring of three pedestrian refugees has also been further delayed to avoid conflict with large overnight truck movement along Sydney Street.
The initial plan was to have them installed in February 2023, but that is date is no longer achievable due to changes to the schedule of the large trucks.
Council is working with stakeholders to identify a window to install the pedestrian refuges and will have an update early next year.
The Review questioned council about the need to intall the pedestrian refuges, given community sentiment and concern about them reducing the width of the street.
“While we’re disappointed to have delays with installation of the pedestrian refuges, they are an important part of the project,” Cr Stevens said.
“Their specific design and placement will intentionally help slow vehicles down, and in doing so, will assist in making the street more pedestrian friendly.”
Wet weather and issues with contractor availability resulted in initial delays to works, which were originally scheduled to be complete by this month.
Contractors will finish onsite works on December 22 for the Christmas break and recommence on January 9.
Cr Stevens said works set to be completed before December 22 include road surfacing, asphalt filled in and the kerb reinstated, which would allow the re-opening of all parking bays.
Traffic will not be interrupted until works recommence.
Footpaths that have been under construction will also be completed before the Christmas break.
The remaining works, to be completed by mid-February, include:
- Footpath replacement on eastern side from 38 to 46 Sydney Street
- Footpath replacement on western side from the Red Lion Hotel to Union Street
- Five tree outstands on the eastern side south of Union Street
- Planting of street trees
- A crossover at 87 Sydney Street
- Water fountain installation and connection by Goulburn Valley Water as well as outstand plantings at the North Central Review
- Concreting in front of the Fox On The Run Motel
- Landscaping in front of Coles
- Installation of street furniture
- Line marking.
Cr Stevens said the council was ‘really disappointed’ the project had been delayed, but it was due to circumstances beyond its control.
“We understand this delay will be of concern also to Sydney Street traders and the broader Kilmore community,” she said.
“Council is very thankful for the patience and understanding shown by the Kilmore community as we complete this significant project.
“Contractors will be working as quickly as possible in the new year to complete this project and remove all work disruptions from Sydney Street.
“The progress already made with the rejuvenation of the street is coming together nicely and I’m sure we are all looking forward to it being completed early next year.”
People who have further questions or would like to arrange a time to discuss the works can contact the project team on 5734 6200 or email sydneyst@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au.
The project team will also be available for drop-in discussion at Kilmore Library every Tuesday 9am to 5pm and Thursday noon to 5pm until December 22.
The project team will return for drop-in discussions from January 10.
