The Kite Street dip is finally set to be chopped out as council crews extend roadworks and footpath replacements around Orange.
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Traffic has been disrupted in several areas around the city for roadworks projects.
One of the big problems for footpaths has been the impact of tree roots.
- Cr Sam Romano
Work started this week to improve Kite Street between Hill and Sampson streets.
A council spokesman said the next stage, to remove the hump on the corner of Kite and Clinton streets, was set to start on Monday.
A large pipe would be installed and the dip removed by building a flat road over the pipe.
He said pedestrian platforms would be built at the intersection before a final hot mix seal was added in the next few weeks.
Meanwhile William Maker Drive is closed for a month from the northern bypass to Stevenson Way as the road receives a major upgrade.
Detours are in place diverting traffic via Romano Drive, Diamond Drive, Telopea Way and Clergate Road.
And work is continuing on Burrendong Way and in Hill Street to upgrade the roads.
Meanwhile council crews are also upgrading footpaths as part of a $1.4 million, four-year project.
Mayor Cr Reg Kidd said work in five locations had been completed – with damaged ashphalt paths being replaced with concrete.
“The concrete footpaths are more expensive than hot mix asphalt but they have a much longer lifespan, and are more easily maintained,” he said.
“They will handle the pressure from tree roots better.
“We’re halfway through the list of footpath projects planned for this year.”
Council’s infrastructure chair Cr Sam Romano said new technology was being used to fight tree roots.
“One of the big problems for footpaths has been the impact of tree roots,” he said.
“We’re using technology, which allows each slab of concrete path to move with the growing tree roots over time.
“A hinge is placed between the slabs which allows each to move, reducing the chance of cracks and trip edges forming.”
Work started this week on a 140 metre stretch of William Street between Byng and March streets and is about to start on Sampson Street between Moulder Street and National Avenue.
Cr Romano said new paths had already been constructed on two sections of Sampson Street, in Lords Place, Moulder Street and on Anson Street.