Work on the Bexley Town Centre upgrade has been accelerated thanks to workers being able to take advantage of the recent stay-at-home health orders.
"The contractors and their staff all live locally and were able to take full advantage of the reduced pedestrian traffic due to the lockdown" Bayside Council mayor Joe Awada said.
The Transport for NSW relaxation on the allowable hours to undertake construction works in Forest Road has also helped get the job done faster.
"Local shopkeepers have been consulted and are all on board. They are happy the work will be done sooner with less disruption to their businesses. It is a win, win" Councillor Awada said.
The upgrade includes high quality pavements, some new kerb ramps, new street furniture, landscaping with kerbside planting and street trees, pedestrian barrier fencing, flagpoles and updated directional signage.
The improvement program takes in Forest Road at Bexley between Albyn Street and Bayview Street, with small returns into the side streets. It also includes the small commercial area located between Broadford and Westminster Streets, and the Albyn Street carpark.
The upgrade to the Coolibah Reserve Water Quality improvement works at Bardwell Valley is unaffected and planting will be finished ahead of schedule, weather permitting.
"This project has allowed the company to keep staff employed as well as increase the number of workers with the aim of completing the work in the next two to three weeks," Cr Awada said.
Some projects, like the Brighton Baths Terrace Paving and L'Estrange Park Sports Amenities at Mascot, have slowed because workers have not been allowed to travel outside their local LGA borders.
"I am pleased we are complying with the health regulations. A slight delay in completing some projects is a small price to pay for keeping our community safe," Cr Awada said.
