Valued at $800,000, the works are the last component of the Kempsey Corridor Master Plan Project and have been jointly funded by Kempsey Shire Council and the State Government as part of the handover of the old Pacific Highway.

The program of work involves upgrading and replacing the road pavement, the existing stormwater system, kerb and guttering and footpaths between Middleton and Bloomfield Streets as well as installing a roundabout at Middleton Street to improve traffic flow.

Initial work will commence on the western side of Lachlan Street between Carri Street and Yarravel Street.

Council’s Manager of Engineering Works, Tony Green, said the completion of the Pacific Highway Bypass in 2013, gave council an opportunity to improve the amenity of streets within the former highway corridor after receiving funding from the State Government to supplement funds allocated by Council.

“The Lachlan St upgrade follows on from completed upgrades to Lord Street in East Kempsey, Smith Street in Kempsey and Macleay Street in Frederickton,” Mr Green said.

“The intention of these works is to change Lachlan St from its former use as a highly trafficked highway with a large proportion of heavy vehicles 24-hours per day to a quieter collector road.

“These works will enhance the approach into Kempsey while providing more attractive street frontages to businesses and residential properties.

“The installation of a roundabout at Middleton Street is also intended to improve the traffic flow, minimise delays during peak periods and provide safer conditions for turning movements.”

The initial works are expected to take six weeks to complete.

No work will be undertaken over the Christmas period, with work to resume on 29 January.