A contractor has been chosen and work is set to begin on the second phase of the $1.4 million revitalisation of Carterton's main street in the New Year.
Carterton District Council chief executive Colin Wright said the project has been awarded to Masterton contractors Fulton Hogan and two crews are scheduled
to begin work on January 5.
Fulton Hogan are to set up a site office at Jacqui's School of Dancing on High Street operating an "open door" policy to the public, who will be able to view plans, ask questions and follow the project from the construction HQ, Mr Wright said.
The joint contract between the council and the New Zealand Transport Agency takes in the long-mooted Park Road/Belvedere Road roundabout and the upgrading of sewer and water connections, road and footpaths from Pembroke Street to north of Park Road arrangements have also been made for the subterranean power lines at the end of each works area, Mr Wright said.
He said the Park Road roundabout would not be an obstacle to large trucks as the centre island would be only partially raised allowing trucks to drive straight over it if need be.
Mr Wright said although the job is complex it is hoped two-way traffic can be maintained throughout construction, which could result in the loss of some car parks.
Rather than completely replacing them he said sewer laterals would also be checked and fixed if any problems were uncovered.
Mr Wright said it is hoped the works will be finished within four months but that the contract period runs until June.
Meanwhile, the lights are orange, but will soon turn green, for the region's first designated mountain bike track to be built near Carterton. Carterton Mayor Gary McPhee said the project would be "signed off next week pending a few alterations to the memorandum of interest." In late October Wairarapa Multisport Club committee member Brian Faulkner announced the proposal for a 2km learners' track at Kaipaitangata Forest at the end of Dalefield Road awaiting agreement from the club, Carterton District Council and the Department of Conservation. Mr Faulkner said the club had been searching for a suitable site for the past three years and its members were excited.
