Monday marks the start of the final stage of city heart roadworks with the reconstruction of High St, from Banovic Lane to Lawrence St.
The road will be closed to vehicular traffic from Monday with a turnaround installed at the Elgin Boulevard end on day one, allowing parking from Elgin Boulevard to Banovic Lane from Tuesday, January 15.
The community is encouraged to continue to support local traders with more than 400 car spaces within a short walking distance behind both sides of the High St works zone including all day, two-hour and disabled parking spaces.
Ahead of the works, the council has arranged the removal of the Reflections on High sculpture on the Coles wall.
The new owners of the site have requested the removal of the work and to ensure continued pedestrian access in the area during roadworks, the council has arranged for the piece to be removed on Friday, January 11.
Commissioned in 2008, the piece has surpassed its intended lifespan and rising maintenance and restoration costs, as well as the difficulty in finding a suitable location, means it will be decommissioned.
It is expected the new owners of the former Coles building will activate the retail frontage of the building.
This final stage of works on High St from Lawrence St to Banovic Lane includes the levelling out of the road, improved drainage and new street lights and landscaping similar to the northern end of High St.
There are three pedestrian crossings at Sesame Lane, the post office and Woodland Grove.
The project will improve traffic and pedestrian linkages, ensure Wodonga’s central business area becomes a destination and supports local business.
The council received National Stronger Regions Funding from the Federal Government for the four-year works in the CBA.
Works already completed include Havelock St, The Promenade, High St north and South St as well as the recently completed Richardson Park.
Public transport
From January 14, the High St bus bay and taxi rank will be temporarily relocated while reconstruction works take place.
Buses will run from Hovell St. A temporary bus bay for southbound routes has been installed outside Wodonga Library.
Taxis will be available at the taxi rank in High St north outside Mann Central.
Business and community initiatives
The council has had regular contact with businesses to support them and keep them updated leading into the works.
Some of the ways the council will be supporting businesses and the community during roadworks include:
- Advertising;
- Signage;
- Email updates;
- Ongoing promotion through the council’s various communication channels both print and online; and,
- Activities in Stanley and High streets to bring people to the area.
Other opportunities available to businesses for promotion including the WotsOn Wodonga app and City Heart website as well as the Shopfront Improvement Fund.
People can stay updated on the works via the council’s communication channels or the City Heart website or Wodonga Major Projects website or by downloading the WotsOn Wodonga app.