Section of North Road closed as roundabout construction work restarts after ‘unforeseen challenges’

Work has restarted at the North Road and Sanford Road intersection after “unforeseen challenges” brought the City of Albany project to a halt last month shortly after it started.

City infrastructure, development and environment executive director Paul Camins said the challenges on the roundabout “required attention before the project could continue”.

Initial plans involved closing part of North Road during the day and reopening it at night, but a hard closure is now in place during all hours and weekends so construction can be done uninterrupted.

“The city recognises the impact that road closures, roadworks and infrastructure upgrades can have on the community’s daily routines and travel plans,” Mr Camins said.

Mr Camins confirmed roadworks on Lockyer Avenue between York Street and Alexander Street were on track to finish early next month “weather depending”.

The works have angered some business owners on the central Albany street who believe their turnovers had been impacted by the poor condition of the road during the day.

Mr Camins said businesses surrounding the roadworks were “open as usual” and the city “has pushed this message on social media where possible”.

Both roadworks were scheduled to start within days of each other at the end of January.

Mr Camins said scheduling road projects in the city was a “challenge” because Albany’s weather, combined with the characteristics of the materials, limited the window of opportunity to complete work.

“There is often a need to undertake multiple projects simultaneously to meet our ambitious construction program before the onset of wet weather,” he said.

“We strategically manage project timing to optimise whole-life costs while considering that deferring projects may lead to increased future work requirements.”