Road works to straighten Fitzgerald Street will give businesses more opportunities for alfresco dining and visitor engagement, according to the Shire of Northam.
The works, scheduled from Monday, February 18 for three weeks will see Northam’s CBD transformed, removing the curve in the main road.
Shire of Northam executive manager of engineering services Clinton Kleynhans said the aim of the works is to to create an interface friendly environment for pedestrians and vehicles.
“We have the objective of giving businesses the choice to extend alfresco dining onto the street,” he said.
Mr Kleynhans said the Shire is aware of community discussions suggesting making Fitzgerald Street one-way, but there is currently no set plan for this to take place.
“A trial will be in place during the works,” he said.
“The road will be under traffic management reducing vehicle access to one-way.”
He thanked the community for their patience, which he said will result in the betterment of the community.
CBD place manager Michelle Blackhurst said alongside the Chamber of Commerce, she is speaking to businesses about the opportunities that will be created by the new road layout.
“The roadworks will result in business expansion and beautification,” she said.
“We want to see business engagement, extended visitor stay and create experiences in our CBD precinct.”
Ms Blackhurst said the collaboration between businesses and the Shire is designed to meet locals at their point of need.
“We are asking them what we can do for them and how we can address their concerns,” she said.
“We want to work from the businesses up, instead of working from the Shire down.”
A map detailing the road closures can be found on the Shire of Northam website.
