Smith Street footpath upgrade to boost safety and accessibility
Published on 17 October 2024
Kempsey is about to get a safer and more accessible town centre, with a major footpath upgrade on the Eastern side of Smith Street kicking off this weekend. The project aims to create a safer, smoother footpath for everyone.
The works, carried out by Kempsey Shire Council, will be completed in sections over the next 11 weekends, starting at the Belgrave Street end. Each section will be tackled in two stages to ensure minimal disruption for local businesses and pedestrians.
On Saturdays, the existing pavers will be removed, and temporary ramps will be installed to maintain access to shops. By Sunday, new concrete will be poured, ready for pedestrian use by Monday morning.
Two weeks after the concrete is laid, each section will be honed to provide a finished, smooth surface that improves both safety and aesthetics. This careful planning ensures that the community continues to have easy access to the vibrant shops and services on Smith Street, while reaping the long-term benefits of a safer footpath.
Please be advised that southbound traffic from Frederickton will be temporarily closed during the footpath upgrade. Diversions will be in place to guide motorists around the work zone, ensuring the safety of both road users and workers. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to follow the posted signage to avoid any inconvenience.
This fully grant-funded project represents a significant investment in Kempsey’s public infrastructure, with the overall goal of enhancing safety and walkability.
Kempsey Shire Council thanks the community for their patience during the upgrade and is confident the improvements will benefit everyone, from shoppers and local business owners to those just enjoying a stroll.
There will be additional noise, and some inconvenience experienced by nearby residents and businesses during this time due to construction, truck movements and traffic redirection.
Once completed, Smith Street will offer a safer, more enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike, making our town centre more accessible for all.