MOTORISTS are starting to get an idea of what the intersection of Mitre, Suttor and Lambert streets will look like when it is finished.
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This week, traffic was diverted onto a newly-laid section of road on Suttor Street directly out the front of the West Bathurst shops where the car park used to be.
In its latest update, Bathurst Regional Council said this significant change was to allow for works to continue on the opposite side of the street.
"The barriers will be relocated along Suttor Street, which will align traffic flow with Lambert Street," the update read.
"This will allow for works to occur near the tennis courts and on the western corner of Lambert and Mitre Streets heading towards Hill Street.
"A total closure of the entrance of Coral Way near Suttor Street will take place. All traffic to and from Coral Way and adjoining streets will need to detour via Mitre and Esrom Streets."
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Although one entry into Coral Way has been closed, the intersection otherwise remains open to traffic.
"The Suttor, Mitre and Lambert Street intersection will remain open under traffic control, however delays are to be expected to the flow of traffic with the speed limit reduced to 40km while the works are underway," council said.
The speed at which the construction work has moved this year has been welcomed by councillor Alex Christian, one of the staunch supports of the upgrade.
"It's great to see that work is progressing and with minimal disruption," he said.
"... It certainly looks to be going faster than we expected and the job wasn't as expensive as council first thought."
Talis Civil was contracted to carry out the works in mid 2019, with the tender valued at $2,209,899.40.
One of the reasons why Talis was chosen for the job was because the company presented a plan that would ensure the intersection could be kept open to traffic for the majority of the works.
The company arrived on site in November, although the community didn't see much in the way of work until early 2020.
Cr Christian is looking forward to the completion of the intersection, which is anticipated to occur in October this year.
"I witnessed on a daily basis the level of confusion at that intersection and I think by placing a roundabout there and aligning it, it will be a breeze to use," he said.
He also hopes that now the front of the shops is no longer obscured by construction fencing, that it will encourage more patronage to the businesses.
The car park near the scout hall has been sealed and will remain open for people wanting to access the shops.