Palmer Street road closure to accelerate upgrade

Palmer Street will be closed to traffic during daylight hours until the end of November to speed up the refurbishment of footpaths, street facades and gardens.

Chair of the Townsville City Council’s infrastructure committee Cr Mark Molachino said the temporary traffic restrictions will apply from Monday 6 November.

“We are keen to have the works completed as quickly as possible, however we are aware there’s a number of end of school graduations and debutante balls and other functions which require car access in the evenings,” Cr Molachino.

“The compromise we’ve reached after consulting with Palmer Street businesses is to close the road to all traffic between Dibbs and Plume Street from 6.30am until 5.00pm.

“On weekends the road closure will be limited to Saturday between 6.30am and 2pm.

“Outside these hours, Palmer Street will be opened to traffic as normal.

“This arrangement will provide contractors the space and time they need to complete the upgrade works faster, while still providing access to people attending functions in the evenings.”

The refresh of the Palmer Street streetscape is a Works for Queensland (W4Q) partnership between the Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government.

“We’re installing new footpaths installed on both sides of Palmer Street from Dean Street to Plume Street and making them wider to create more outdoor dining spaces, as well as improved wheelchair access and garden spaces,” Cr Molachino said.

“The project is a further example of the effort and investment being committed to revitalise the CBD and surrounding hospitality precincts.

“Once complete, Palmer Street will have a fresh new look to welcome to guests coming to the city ahead of the Commonwealth Games events.”

Council has awarded the project contract to BMD Urban.