February 19, 2009
Major new works to improve drainage from the east Tamworth hills began on Thursday Feb 19 and will cause disruptions for traffic flows in the Napier street area between Bourke and Darling streets.
The works have closed both top and bottom roadways of the Napier block – used as a main cross-city link to the TAFE and Oxley school area from the CBD – and will have a major effect on bus runs and school traffic near East Tamworth Public School.
The closures came into place from 10am Thursday February 19 and will last for at least a month.
Detours are in place via Bourke, Upper and Darling streets but residents fronting Napier in the block will still have access to their homes.
The road closures are necessary for safety and operational works as TRC staff continue to install stormwater pipes under the roadway.
TRC director of regional services Peter Resch says the pedestrian access through Napier St in that area will still be available.
The works are part of a $620,000 project begun in 2004 to deliver a series of box culverts and pipes linking with the Long Gully open channel line near Endeavour Park in Brisbane St and down to the Peel River. Work has already been completed in the Dowell Ave to Napier link and this latest stage will take it towards Raglan St.
The storm water drainage system is designed to solve problems caused by torrential rain in residential areas along that route.
Mr Resch said the works provide a better escape route by channeling more runoff underground in the new section of drainage lines.