Dannevirke High St Refurbishment ‘Pain For Gain’

As the refurbishment of the Dannevirke CBD continues residents are being reminded of the old adage, there is ‘no gain without pain’.


But the eagerly awaited makeover which involves the replacement of stormwater pipes, new paving and street landscaping is affecting shop access for both retailers and the public.


The economic impact on businesses is not helped by the drought conditions currently prevailing in the Tararua district.


Engineering assistant Julian McKean says Council and contractor Infracon are doing everything possible to minimise disruption while still progressing their programme of work in a safe and efficient manner.


In the busiest parts of Dannevirke’s CBD Infracon plan to work on short sections of less than 100 meters on one side of High St only, maintaining public access at all times unless prevented by safety issues.


Works staff have been instructed to be vigilant and to help members of the public when access negotiation is difficult.


Mr McKean said most people were “wonderfully supportive” and excited about the modernisation of their central business district.


“Such community support and tolerance is essential to assist the project to a successful conclusion.”


He hopes this tolerance will also allow some flexibility in the work schedule which, despite everyone’s best efforts and careful project planning, will inevitably meet the unexpected.


An example of this has been the recent discovery of an old and fragile water main, running the whole length of the project, which must now be replaced to prevent problems in years to come.


Shops and businesses can prepare for the upgrade work by planning alternative access if possible, considering promotional initiatives to attract their customers and maintaining contact with council liaison staff about the project’s advancement, Mr McKean suggested.


Both the Council and Infracon are doing their utmost to have the High St work completed by December 8 this year, as originally intended. This will leave some work still to complete in the sides streets during early 2009.


Meanwhile expect some visual impact from the imminent installation of the street furniture.