DAY one of work on a new roundabout at one Bathurst’s busiest intersections has left CBD drivers going round in circles.
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Work began on Wednesday on the installation of a new roundabout at the intersection of George and Howick streets, replacing the first roundabout ever installed in Bathurst.
Work began about 9am and it did not take long for the traffic confusion to start.
George Street remained open for Wednesday’s work but traffic along Howick Street on the post office side was prevented from entering the roundabout for much of the morning as workers dug up the footpath outside St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church.
This led to the long line of traffic heading down from William Street being forced into performing a U-turn outside the church to head back where they came from.
The first stage of the project involves water crews relocating the water mains that are underneath the roundabout. This will have some impact on traffic flow for the duration of the work, which will take about five weeks.
It is anticipated that the second phase will start on Tuesday, February 5 where the roundabout will be fully closed to traffic while it is replaced and rebuilt.
There will be U-turn areas on each of the streets near the roundabout, so traffic can access businesses along the blocks adjoining the intersection.
Pedestrian access will remain in place for the duration of the work, which will be about eight weeks.
Access to businesses near the intersection can be gained by using Rankin, William and Russell streets.
Parking will still be available in George and Howick streets.