Parts of Invercargill’s Don St are set to close to traffic this month as works on the City Streets Upgrade Stage One move towards completion.

Invercargill City Council started work on the inner city streets upgrade in July 2021 to create attractive streetscape connections on Don and Esk streets between the Invercargill Central development, HWR Tower and Langlands Hotel developments. 

While Esk St has been closed for the duration of the project, Don St has had varying levels of access and was now to close to traffic from Monday 8 August at 8am until approximately February when the project is set for completion.

Invercargill City Council Group Manager Finance and Assurance Michael Day said parts of Don St, between Dee and Kelvin streets, would be closed to traffic in order to progress the City Streets Upgrade work in the safest way for workers and the public.

“Our contractors have advised that the closure of Don St is the best way to safely have this part of the work completed,” Day said.

Works include remedial work below street level, continuation of work on rain gardens and footpath paving and carriageway construction.

Don St will be divided into three sections. The first section, from Dee Street to the 19 Don Street car park, is already complete and will be available for authorised access only. The second section from the Langlands Hotel to 45 Don St will be closed from August to December. The third section from 45 Don St to Kelvin St will be closed from December 2022 to February 2023.

Pedestrian access along the street will continue to be available throughout the works and pedestrian access to all buildings will be maintained.

“Staff have been working closely with affected businesses to ensure we can best help with the disruption and we really appreciate the understanding and patience of the businesses in Don St, as well as the public, while we race towards the finish line.

“Work in both Don and Esk streets is shaping up and we know excitement is building in the community for the reopening of our new city centre.”

Car parking in 19 Don Street, beside the Langlands, will become a controlled area and will not be used for public parking during this time.

For more information about the City Streets Upgrade visit www.citystreetsupgrade.co.nz.

 

Don St map (click to enlarge)