Works are ramping up in Andergrove as Mackay Regional Council pushes ahead with a major revitalisation of Oak Street.
Contractor Downer began stage two of the Oak Street upgrade project last Thursday, the 7th of August. The project first got under way in 2023 with stormwater pipe relining, marking the start of a multi-stage plan to improve this vital roadway.
Stage two will focus on underground drainage works and is expected to wrap up by late November 2025.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the works were an important step towards boosting local infrastructure and reducing long-term maintenance needs.
“Oak Street is an important link for residents,” Mayor Williamson said.
“We know commuters who use this road have been asking for an upgrade and we are confident that motorists will notice a marked improvement once stage four is completed,” he said.
“This upgrade is about providing safer, smarter and more durable infrastructure that supports our community's growth.
“We know there will be some inconvenience, but the long-term gains will make it worth it.”
Council’s Infrastructure and Operations Director Simon Taylor said the Oak Street works were complex but well planned.
He explained that council’s Project Management team and contractor Downer had developed “innovative solutions” to ensure a high-quality outcome while also saving ratepayers money.
“Anyone who drives Oak Street knows that it has some noticeable areas where the surface is quite poor and heavily patched,” Mr Taylor said.
“This is caused by the stormwater culvert joints failing below the road and allowing materials to wash away beneath the surface.
“There’s no immediate safety risk, but the subsoil movement means the road is much more susceptible to damage.
“Current works will involve rehabilitating these concrete box culverts and motorists will mostly notice excavations at various locations beside Oak Street and the temporary use of some steel road plates to cover access points.
“These can create some road noise and will also mean reduced speed limits will be in place.
“Once the underground works are complete, we will move into stage three of the project early next year which will include new kerbing (on shopping centre side), new subsoil drainage under the kerb, a new footpath and the restoration of the road surface above the culverts.”
Stage three is set to start in early 2026, while the third and final stage is expected from July 2026. This will see a new full-width asphalt pavement laid on Oak Street from Maple Drive to Keeleys Road.
“Obviously this is a large, multistage project and we are at the mercy of the weather, but we are confident of an excellent final result that will deliver a durable, smooth road for motorists,” Mr Taylor said.
Stage two works will run from 6.30am to 6pm on weekdays, with occasional weekend shifts. Two lanes of traffic will remain open for most of the works, though short periods of single-lane operation may be needed.
Council has asked motorists to follow all signage and reduced speed limits to keep workers safe. Some on-street parking will be unavailable during the project, and property access may be temporarily impacted for certain residents, who will be notified 48 hours in advance.
Noise and dust will accompany the works, but council thanked the community for its patience during the upgrade.
For updates on the project, visit connectingmackay.com.au/oak-st-upgrade.
Work is starting to improve the standard and safety of a vital road in Andergrove (Photo Supplied)