Final stage of Council’s Russell Street Refresh under way

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) this week (from July 4, 2022) has started construction on the final phase of the Russell Street Refresh Project.

TRC Infrastructure Services Committee chair Cr Carol Taylor said major works on the northern side of Russell Street between Ruthven and Neil streets had been completed.

“Construction is now under way on the southern side of Russell Street between Ruthven and Neil streets,” Cr Taylor said.

“This is the final stage of a major project to revitalise one of Toowoomba’s oldest and most iconic streets.

“Council will upgrade road pavement, footpaths and lighting, create green spaces and install new street furniture and public art.

“In addition to streetscape works, the project is upgrading essential stormwater, water main and communications infrastructure. A major component of the project involves moving powerlines underground to improve safety and create a more appealing streetscape.

“Council invites our community to come down and check out the completed works and support local businesses in Russell Street.”

TRC Planning and Development Committee portfolio leader Cr Bill Cahill said delivery of the project was a key outcome of the Toowoomba City Centre Master Plan.

“This project will help transform Russell Street into a vibrant people-friendly destination,” Cr Cahill said.

“The upgrade will also help boost future economic development in our CBD and provide a key connection to the emerging Railway Parklands precinct and Queens Park”.

Cr Taylor said Russell Street businesses will remain open during construction and access to shops will be maintained during business hours.

“Single lane closures, detours, traffic controllers and signage will be in place for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and construction workers,” Cr Taylor said.

“Free, time-limited parking continues to be in place in Russell Street during construction. Free parking for the first 30 minutes will be extended to the whole CBD as part of Council’s New Smart Parking strategy being introduced from late July 2022.”

Road users may experience minor delays during these works and are encouraged to plan ahead, drive to the changed traffic conditions and follow all signage.

Council will make every effort to minimise construction impacts and once again we thank the community for their patience and co-operation during these works.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program in association with Toowoomba Regional Council.

For more information on the Russell Street Refresh Project, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/russellstreetrefresh , call Council on 131 872 or email [email protected]