Centre street to reopen next week after delay

The project is two months behind schedule, but Grey Street East in the Albany town centre should open to two-way traffic on July 1.

The council’s decision in February to modify the 130m road for two-way traffic caused a stir, and it has been a construction site since early March.

It was expected to be open by early May, but City of Albany acting executive director of infrastructure and environment Mike Richardson said construction delays at the under-renovation Premier Hotel and wet weather had pushed back the finish date.

“Private demolition works to an adjacent property taking longer than expected and some lost days due to unfavourable weather has delayed the completion of the Grey Street East works,” he said.

“We’ve been focused on progressing the project as quickly as we can and are planning to open the road to two-way traffic from July 1.”

Previous suggestions the change would create a “rat run” through Grey Street were rejected by the council, as were claims the change would cut overall parking.

Parking within walking distance will increase by 26 bays.