Starting Tuesday, 4 August Council will undertake road upgrade works on Reef Street between Young Street and the River Road roundabout to improve safety, traffic flow and accessibility within the CBD.
Upgrade works include:
- Full resurfacing of the Reef Street between Young Street and the River Road roundabout.
- Reconfiguration of on-street parking to reverse the current parking direction, improving traffic flow and ease of entry and exit for motorists.
- Installation of a new wombat (raised) pedestrian crossing to strengthen the connection between Memorial Lane and Memorial Park, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility.
- Relocation of existing disability parking spaces to align with the new wombat crossing, enhancing accessibility and proximity to key pedestrian movement routes.
- Provision of new disability parking spaces near the RSL pillars to improve equitable access to Memorial Park.
- Installation of a new removable split island at the Young Street intersection, designed to support day-to-day traffic management while allowing for easy removal during CBD activations.
- Drainage upgrades and improvements to driveway access points.
Timing:
- Works are scheduled to commence: 4 August 2026
- Expected completion: December 2026 (weather permitting)
Parking & Business Disruptions
Council will deliver the works in stages, progressing along one side of the road at a time. During the first stage, parking on the right side of the street will be unavailable while works are undertaken. Alternative parking is available on River Road, opposite Memorial Park, and along Young Street.
During this time, Hatch Coffee Shop will temporarily relocate to the River Road Marketplace, on the corner of River Road and Jaycee Way.
Traffic Management
To minimise disruption to businesses and the community, Council will deliver the works in a staged approach, progressing along one side of the road at a time. This staging will maintain access along the road and avoid the need for full closures.
Bus stop relocation
During the works, the reef street bus top will be temporarily relocated to River Road adjacent to the River Road Marketplace.