Queanbeyan City Council and contractor Hansen-Yuncken have commenced construction on the most significant upgrade to the CBD in Queanbeyan’s history – the Crawford St Lifestyle Precinct.
The Lifestyle Precinct will see the section of Crawford St between Monaro and Morisset Sts turned into a pedestrian-friendly area where alfresco dining and a new mix of retail will be encouraged. When complete, traffic flow will be reduced to a single lane in both directions. The footpaths will be significantly widened and levelled to create a much more pleasant place to enjoy a meal or entertainment or just shop. Existing parking spaces will be retained when construction is complete.
“The Crawford St Lifestyle Precinct is the most significant work to be undertaken on the Queanbeyan CBD in history,” Queanbeyan Mayor, Cr Tim Overall said. “The community has told Council through surveys and community consultation that they want to see the CBD upgraded and this project is the first step to revitalising our CBD.
“When complete Queanbeyan residents will be able to have a coffee and a bite to eat in a pedestrian-friendly area without having to travel across the border.”
The project, which also includes the replacement of new water mains along Crawford St, is expected to take 43 weeks to complete and will be split into two stages. Preliminary works commenced earlier this week and Stage 1 is expected to commence on Monday 1 August. Stage 1 is expected to take 18 weeks and will involve the removal of the mid-street planter and demolition and reconstruction of centre of the road. Stage two will continue for the rest of construction and will see the western side of the road demolished and reconstructed, footpaths leveled and widened with new lighting and plantings.
Stage 1 traffic changes
Traffic flow in Crawford St will be reduced to one lane in a northbound direction along western side of Crawford St (Sam’s Warehouse side). Motorists will still be able to turn left from Monaro St into Crawford St and continue along Crawford St in a northerly direction. Traffic will not be able to turn right or left from Morisset St into Crawford St or go straight from the Crawford St/Morisset St lights in a south-bound direction. There will be no parking available on the eastern side (Continental Cakes) during State 1. There will still be pedestrian access.
Stage 2 traffic changes
Stage 2 will see traffic moved to the centre of the street and will be two-way, single lane with access with Crawford St open at both ends. Parking will be returned to the eastern side of the street and removed from the western side. There will still be pedestrian access.
“Obviously with such a large project there will be some significant changes to traffic flow along Crawford St,” Cr Overall said.
“The most significant change will occur during Stage 1 when just one lane of Crawford St will be open to traffic in the north-bound direction. During the first stage I would encourage motorists to avoid Crawford St if possible and to take care if they do need to travel along it.
“Residents should be aware that during construction a temporary carpark will be available on the site of the former Queanbeyan Age building at 204-214 Crawford St. access to this carpark will be via Fallick Lane.
“While a temporary carpark is available I would encourage residents to use alternate carparks around the CBD including those located behind Sam’s Warehouse, Riverside Plaza and City Link Plaza and in Collett St.”
Throughout the construction period the bus interchange will be relocated to the corner of Lowe and Morisset Sts.
Queanbeyan City Council will be providing regular updates through the following avenues:
- Council’s website – www.qcc.nsw.gov.au click on the link on the front page for information
- Crawford St Lifestyle Precinct update – a newsletter will be developed and sent to businesses in the CBD each fortnight. Businesses and residents can subscribe to this by emailing ricky.tozer@qcc.nsw.gov.au
- Facebook – regular updates will be posted on www.facebook.com/qbncity
- Twitter – regular updates will be posted on Council’s Twitter stream – @Queanbeyancity
- City Life – Council’s official newsletter is published every two months and will carry updates. The newsletter is mailed or delivered to ratepayers and is also available on the website.
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