CBD upgrade to enter final phase next week

The reconstruction of Narrabri’s main street will enter its final phase next week.

The contractors are expected to move into the CBD block between Bowen and Dewhurst streets, starting on the eastern side.

The upgrade project, on which work started in October last year, is the biggest ever makeover of Maitland Street.

Businesses and shoppers have weathered the inconvenience of the necessary street blockages as construction proceeded, but there is general high praise for the project.

“Long overdue,” is the most common comment.

The contractors are currently putting the asphalt on the western side of the central business and northern blocks.

It is anticipated that work will start on Monday next week in the final section and businesses have been advised of the likely start.

The CBD upgrade has been a major project, with the contractors dealing with some historical issues as they found the deep remnants of old infrastructure.

Several falls of rain temporarily held up work which was also halted over the Christmas period to allow shoppers full access to CBD stores.

Recent rain – with falls of two inches, then 30 mm and latterly 15mm – have meant some work had to be re-done.

However, the end is in sight and in a matter of weeks Narrabri will have a completely re-made CBD.