High Street overbridge preparation works begin

Work for setting in place foundations on Commerce Street, and across the road in the Forlongs Car Park entrance, for the new High Street pedestrian overbridge begins today.

The contractor, Spartan Engineering, expects to start marking up and initial road cutting around 3pm today (Thursday), and is expected to take approximately two hours. This initial work is starting early to avoid the forecasted bad weather. Traffic management measures will be in place. Commerce Street, between Kent and High streets will be closed to through traffic only – i.e., not completely closed. A turning bay will be established in place of an existing parking bay. The road should be reopened to through traffic after Wednesday night (25 February). The Commerce Street closure to through traffic will remain in place throughout the duration of the work.

Following the Frankton Saturday market (approximately 4pm) the contractor will start the major works. It is anticipated all work will be completed by Wednesday 25 February.

Weekend work is scheduled to assist with minimising disruption to businesses and residents. The completion date of Wednesday 25 will be somewhat dependant on weather and under surface structures – the road has a significant concrete component and was originally built in 1929, hence the substructure has the potential to provide an unknown element.

Hamilton 400 Event Director Stephen Vuleta says the overbridge over High Street will have two significant benefits to the Frankton precinct.

“Firstly it will alleviate congestion on the Massey Street overbridge from the flow of pedestrians who are ticketed on the grandstands in High Street.”

“More importantly it will now bring 8000 to 10,000 spectators each day through Frankton directly over the pedestrian overbridge and also give those people direct access to the Frankton retail district throughout each day.”