THE significant upgrade of Queanbeyan’s Crawford Street into a “lifestyle precinct” has begun.

The lifestyle precinct, situated at the intersection of Crawford Street between Monaro and Morisset Streets, will be converted into a pedestrian-friendly area with alfresco dining and encouraging a new mix of retail.

Traffic flow will be reduced to a single lane and the footpaths will be widened. Existing parking spaces will remain after construction.

“The Crawford Street lifestyle precinct is the most significant work to be undertaken on the Queanbeyan CBD in history,” Queanbeyan mayor Tim Overall said.

“The community has told Council through surveys and community consultation that they want to see the CBD upgraded and this project is the first step to revitalising our CBD.

“When complete, Queanbeyan residents will be able to have a coffee and a bite to eat in a pedestrian-friendly area without having to travel across the border.”

The construction is expected to take 43 weeks and will be completed in two stages.

Stage one starts on Monday and includes the removal of the mid-street planter and demolition and reconstruction of centre of the road.

For regular updates visit, www.qcc.nsw.gov.au

[box]Stage 1 traffic changes
Traffic flow in Crawford St will be reduced to one lane in a northbound direction along western side of Crawford St (Sam’s Warehouse side).
Motorists will still be able to turn left from Monaro St into Crawford St and continue along Crawford St in a northerly direction.
Traffic will not be able to turn right or left from Morisset St into Crawford St or go straight from the Crawford St/Morisset St lights in a south-bound direction.
There will be no parking available on the eastern side (Continental Cakes) during State 1.
There will still be pedestrian access. [/box]