Sewage relining works in Rouse Street caused some upheaval for local businesses early this week, and are set to continue into Wednesday.
Business operators had been advised that the works would happen on May 1 and 2, but a delay in the availability of the contractor saw the traffic interruptions unfold this week instead.
While they had been advised that traffic would be restricted to one lane to accommodate the works, the lack of any parking in the CBD in the sections underway came as a surprise to some who felt the effect on their turnover.
Tenterfield Shire Council’s chief operation officer Andre Kompler said the pipe relining contractor was booked for a fortnight ago but had scheduling issues and could not commence until they did on Monday morning.
“Whilst the work was meant to go over two days only, it will stretch into Wednesday.”
Mr Kompler said it was necessary for the work to be done during business hours and not at night as the pipe relining process requires the use of bonding agents which are temperature-dependant.
“No doubt this work has regrettably inconvenienced some shop owners and shoppers in the main street, but the work had to be done.
“Council has tried to keep its community up to-date via the Water Services Manager walking the main street, hand delivering notices explaining the works coupled with other media.
“What council has delivered is the least inconveniencing method for dealing with its aging infrastructure and I am confident the community would not have appreciated the alternative of lengthy delays if the street had been dug up.”
